I’m an artist and a growing environmental activist, working to bring recycling into everyday life in a way that’s practical, exciting, and accessible. I don’t just want to talk about sustainability—I want to make it something people can see, touch, and be part of. My work takes what most people throw away and turns it into something meaningful, functional, and beautiful.

At its core, my mission is simple: waste doesn’t have to be wasted. If we shift our perspective, we can integrate it back into our lives in ways that are both creative and useful. I’m starting that movement right here in Port Alberni—and building outward from there.

Why I Do This

I’ve always been a teacher, an artist, and someone who needs to make an impact. For years, I struggled with how to be an environmental activist in a way that felt tangible for me. When I finally figured out how to repurpose non-biodegradable waste into functional art, it clicked.

The Earth is vulnerable, and while she can fight back, she needs help. This work is my way of stepping up. It’s not just about what I create—it’s about showing people that they can do it too.

"But… isn't it just garbage?"

It’s all about perspective. It’s only garbage if it stinks - If you remove the biodegradable elements, what you’re left with is raw material—something that can be mixed, moulded, and reimagined. Take plaster, for example: mix in shredded plastic, and suddenly, the waste disappears into something strong and durable.

Reality is perspective. If we can change how we see waste, we can change what we do with it.

What I Want People to Feel

I want people to look at my work and think, Wait… I could do this too (heck, I could probably do it better than Kalin did!). Because you absolutely can. You don’t need to be an artist, an expert, or an environmentalist. You just have to start.

My pieces are raw, textured, and accessible. They don’t hide the process—they celebrate it. The techniques are simple, the materials are everywhere, and the impact is real. My goal is to make upcycling feel doable so that more people are inspired to try, and make the work feel welcoming - so everyone feels comfortable to give it a shot! A no-judgement, only positive, creation space.

A Little More About Me

I grew up moving constantly—always adapting, always finding new perspectives. That rootlessness has shaped the way I see the world and my art. I build things that feel grounded, even when I don’t.

People often tell me that being around me feels like a no-judgment zone. I love that. I want people to feel at ease, to feel like they can be their full, unfiltered selves. I rarely take things too seriously—I laugh easily, joke often, and find joy in the unexpected. And maybe that’s why I love what I do: turning the overlooked into something worth celebrating.

What else is 'DandelionT' up to??

Instagram @dandelion.te

DandelionT is where all of this started. Learning about dandelion tea—how something dismissed as a weed could actually be valuable—completely changed how I saw art, the world, and my place in it. It was a pivotal moment, and that perspective shift became the foundation of everything I create. Under this umbrella, you’ll find projects like Clovers, Dirty Trees, and more, each exploring transformation in their own way.

Right now, these projects aren’t available for purchase directly through this site— I'm thinking of this as more of a gallery than a storefront. But I’ll be selling at local farmers markets and through the community arts council ASAP. As I find my footing (and possibly overcome my technophobic tendencies), who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll have an online shop too - I do intend to expand 'The Recycling Project' in a LOT of ways so, this will likely be a natural bi-product!

Until then, come find me in the real world! And view the whole collection of each below category through my Linktree.

Click images to expand

Want to collaborate? Got an idea, an opportunity, or a million dollars you just have to give away? 

(Hey, a girl can dream)

Whether you’re an artist, an environmentalist, a business, or just someone who loves turning trash into treasure, I’d love to connect. Feel free to reach out for commissions, partnerships, or exhibition opportunities—or if you’re Oprah and want to chat. 

(Dream REAL big, right!??!)

✉️ Email: kalin@therecyclingproject.ca
🔗 Linktree: www.linktr.ee/kalinmcdowell