Tristan Manco reveals how artists of all kinds are bringing creativity to basic, often unglamorous materials--from broken bottles, old flip-flops, and skateboards to sustainable resources such as wood, straw, and paper. Through hundreds of illustrations, in-depth artist profiles, and detailed discussions of various materials, he showcases the work of more than thirty innovative and inspiring artists from around the world, from the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Chile to the UK, Spain, France, and Italy.

Some of the artists have invented new techniques--American artist Rosemarie...