A giant shark made of wood recycled from a dismantled shed is making a splash at a northern Gold Coast market. Source: ABC News
The 8-metre shark is one of three works being constructed from recycled materials at the Carrara Markets.
Danish sculptor and self-proclaimed recycling activist Thomas Dambo said he tried to make art that encouraged others to recycle.
“I try to do art that inspires other people to have the same joy and adventure with using the world’s trash for something positive,” he said.
“[To] help people open their eyes to see that it’s a shame to throw stuff out that still has more value.”
Mr Dambo said he strongly believed the world had to change to embrace recycling.
“Everybody knows that we make too much stuff and we consume so much,” he said. “A lot of that stuff that’s consumed is just used for half a year then it’s discarded.”
The wood from the shed is being used as structure for the art, while some of the thousands of pallets the markets receive are being used to cover it.
“It’s interactive … you can walk into the mouth of the shark, kids can have their mother take a photo,” Mr Dambo said. “It’s a little bit fun.”
Carrara Markets stallholder Kat Queenan jumped at the chance to help build the beasts.
“It really appealed to me straight away when I knew it was all recycled materials,” she said. “I definitely like to use things as much as possible and give things new life.”
Mr Dambo is also building a kangaroo and a snake using the recycled wood.
