Video studio installation ©Tyler Jayson 2024. Image used to print the textiles for kHyal’s “Toy Ocean” apparel in collaboration with Karl Heine 2022.

Just one word: “Deplastify”

I have been working with reclaimed plastics and found objects since the early 1980s. It has always made sense to me to reuse existing materials in my art. However, we are currently facing a state of emergency due to the harm plastic inflicts on the health of all living things and its increasing impact on climate change.

Today, much of my work focuses on plastic in order to raise awareness and advocate for reduced plastic production and a strong plastics treaty.

Visit kHyaland.com for more info about my plastic-based art.

Plastic Pollution-specific training:

Beyond Plastic Pollution, Center for Advancement of Public Action, Bennington College, 2024
Beyond Plastics, Grassroots Advocacy Training, 2023, 2024
Acrylic Recycling Workshop, Off Cut Studio, MakeHaven/Yale CEID, 2023
Precious Plastic, 2022

View more of my credentials in sustainability.

TOY OCEAN: OUT TO SEE

A collaboration amplifying the need for nature conservation and climate action

VIEW PROJECT

Signs of the Times: Art from Reclaimed Plastic

Launched in 2015, Signs of the Times is a series of works made from ocean plastics, found plastics, and hand-picked plastics purchased from thrift stores, flea markets, tag sales, and second-market material and recycling sources.

This work includes ongoing research and training in waste management, material circularity, nature conservation, and sustainable design practices, leveraging my deep background in art, technology, and design education.

“Wake Up and Smell the Plastic” ©2023 kHyal | Reclaimed plastics on found plywood

“Crimes Against Nature 4 Money” ©2023 kHyal | Reclaimed plastics on found plywood. Chosen for the “Metamorphosis” exhibition and Earth Day Event at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Art Center in Association with the Smithsonian Institution.

“How Do We Fix It” ©2023 kHyal | Reclaimed plastics on found plywood

Plastic Horse Rescue

You read that right!
Welcome to the world’s first and only Plastic Horse Rescue!

Have you herd?

80% of plastic toys end up in a landfill.

It’s time to pony up and reduce plastic pollution. 40 MILLION toys are discarded into landfills each year. 90% of toys are still made from plastic. Plastic is made from fossil fuels. At the Plastic Horse Rescue, we save as many horses and ponies as we can and rehome healthy animals where they will be cherished and loved.

ACTION NEEDED

Savers Thrift Stores: Live up to your promise and stop using single-use plastic bags that suffocate plastic horses.

Think Differently about Plastic Toys:
If you are dumping used toys at thrift stores, they may not find a home. MANY end up in landfills.