We are all now small cogs in the great machine beast of capitalism and its obedient hounds – consumerism, materialism and democratic populist politics. Programmed and brainwashed by all-pervasive, mass media advertising to define ourselves by what we purchase and whether we match up to the projected ideal stereotypes of the 21st century, we are trashing the planet that gives us our lives. SELL, SELL, SELL, SPEND, SPEND, SPEND, EAT, EAT, EAT self-gratification with deliberately inbuilt disillusionment and dissatisfaction. Short term gain, long term pain, but ensuring continual profit.

We are bringing on a perfect storm of environmental, political and social catastrophe by losing sight of the ties that bind us to the ever-shrinking natural world that ultimately sustains all life – including us. Control of essential resources – water, fuel, food, land, materials, human beings (!) – will determine the winners and losers.

In tiny ways, such as my work with found shopping lists, I try to comment on these huge issues. My pencil and pen drawings of such lists attempt to elevate these highly personal yet quickly discarded “messages to self” from eventual trash to memories/souvenirs of pleasurable sustenance. Most of my work draws on my collections of very modest, overlooked street rubbish such as plastic adjustable ties, wire pieces, gloves and shopping lists. These somehow symbolise connections to the wider natural world that we are fast forgetting about.

@verrillrobert