about

Precious Trash (founded in June 2015) is a transdisciplinary artist collaboration by Franny Mendes Levitin @harriet_fran and Ian MacLachlan @bjsphantasyclub. In addition to performing in public venues, they regularly tinker with old and new technologies to find new utilities when operating collectively.

They transform spaces with audio and visual performances in which they oscillate between choreographing and improvising their system configuration. Regularly used elements include real-time animations, LEDs, projections, cords, A/V hardware, mesh, clips, nets, trash, and 3d prints. Energy waves from the site reconfigure materials, ultimately transforming spaces.

They are both artists who have taught software (Arduino, Fusion360, Adobe Suite, Sketchup) and fabrication techniques in maker spaces and classrooms, and hope to organize public programming in the future. Their mission is to redirect waste from land fills by experimenting and sharing regenerative fabrication methods.

Over the last few years, they have invested in a 3D printer, CNC, laser cutter, LEDs, mico-controllers, other electrical components, and are looking into buying/building a shredder. They are active members of the Precious Plastic community and hope to apply this knowledge by developing circular and creative economies for Detroit. They hope to showcase and inspire the Detroi t community to see the connection between digital fabrication, recycling, and environmental justice.