Ellie-May • 6 • Cork

Under 7 Category   •  2026
My six-year-old daughter created this artwork as her response to the theme “This Is Nature.” She was inspired by learning about junk art in school and wanted to show how everyday objects can be reused instead of thrown away. She designed her robot carefully before she began, deciding what materials she would need and then collecting recyclable items from around our home. The robot is made entirely from reused and recycled materials. Two shoeboxes form the head and body, while paper cups have been reused to create the legs. The arms are made from the cardboard rolls inside kitchen paper, and the eyes come from an apple tray that would normally be discarded after shopping. Wooden sticks were used to attach the head to the body, and lids from Glenisk yoghurt pouches were repurposed as buttons. By using these materials, she showed how objects that might be considered rubbish can be given a new life through imagination and creativity. She painted the robot black using children’s poster paint and then added splashes of bright colours across the body. She completed every step of the process herself, from the initial idea and design to the construction and painting of the final piece. The connection to the theme “This Is Nature” comes from her understanding that nature needs to be protected. Through this artwork, she wanted to show that caring for nature means making thoughtful choices about how we use materials. By reusing recyclable materials, she highlights the importance of reducing waste and protecting the planet for the future. This piece reflects her belief that nature is not only trees, animals, and landscapes, but also the responsibility we have to look after the world around us. By transforming recycled materials into art, she shows that small actions — even by a child — can help protect nature. Her robot stands as a reminder that creativity, care, and reuse are all part of what nature means to her.