ADAM JACKSON/Ponoka News
When Curtis Jacobson sees what others call garbage, the gears begin to turn in his head.
Jacobson is a self-proclaimed artist. But instead of making art with paints or new materials, he makes art entirely out of what can be found on front lawns during garbage days or in garbage bins.
“I just like to make stuff,” said Jacobson. “That’s the easiest way to explain it.”
A small garage woodshop is where the magic happens, but his entire house is also furnished with pieces created by Jacobson.
Jacobson is constantly creating a variety of pieces, from frames to converted stereo boxes, and he takes great pride in what he does.
“I make real stuff,” said Jacobson. “It’s made out of real wood, it’s not that MPC stuff that you see everywhere.”
Much of Jacobson’s woodshop, shed and basement is stockpiled with wood scavenged from one particular dumpster in Edmonton outside of a cabinetmaking shop.
His fascination with making reclaimed artwork started while he was in art school and told a teacher that he wanted to carve marble like Michelangelo. The teacher replied that he carved marble because it was everywhere. He then asked Jacobson what we have here that is everywhere.
The first thought that entered Jacobson’s mind was garbage.
Since then, he’s been hooked on making something out of nothing.
“It’s about the sustainability aspect, too. What I do creates no waste. In fact, it keeps waste out of the landfill.”
The native Albertan attended Langara College and the University of Victoria for art-related programs.
His first step after college was as a film set designer working on the sets of major films.
During his time as a set designer, he found it difficult to raise two young boys by himself and returned to his Alberta roots, working as a finishing carpenter in Edmonton.
He then worked as a commercial printer, then finally moved to Ponoka, where a large part of his family resides.
The major reason Jacobson relies on his artwork to support himself and his family is so that he can be at home with his kids.
“Daycare is expensive and I don’t like the idea of it, so I’d much rather be at home and be with them,” said Jacobson.