What are you at? Bruce Brenton's recycled rug art

Bruce Brenton of St. John's can't stand to throw anything out.

"When it comes to recycling, I am religiously devoted to the idea," said Brenton.

The teacher and actor began creating art out of recycled objects a couple of decades ago, while he was working with sculptor Jim Maunder.

Over the years, Brenton has created sculptures out of materials as diverse as electronic circuit boards and tire irons.

These days, he's channelling his recycling and artistic skills into rug hooking.

Brenton has learned some traditional Newfoundland and Labrador rug hooking techniques from his mother, and members of the Avalon Rug Hookers' guild.  

He has been using those skills to make some non-traditional hooked rugs.

'Don't throw them away'

Brenton's current project is an Andy Warhol inspired portrait of William Shakespeare using old t-shirts, old polar fleece, and old pantyhose.

"If you have a couple of pairs of nylons with runs in them that you aren't going to use anymore, don't throw them away for the love of God. I can use them," said Brenton.

Do you have an interesting weekend project or hobby? Tell us what YOU are at. Email wam@cbc.ca or tweet @CBCWam.  

You can hear What are you at? This is it Saturdays on Weekend AM from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in Labrador) on CBC Radio One.