Embracing the Imperfect: A Journey of Artistic Discovery
As I stand in my studio, surrounded by a myriad of discarded objects and forgotten fragments, I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and anticipation. These weathered and worn materials, once deemed expendable, now hold the promise of transformation – a chance to breathe new life into the forgotten, to uncover the unexpected beauty that lies beneath the surface.
My journey as an artist has been one of evolution, a constant exploration of color, texture, and the boundless potential of the materials I encounter. It all began 16 years ago, when I discovered the power of art to heal and transform. After entering recovery from addiction, I stumbled upon a 12-week course on creative recovery, and it was there that I first picked up a paint brush and collaged on a bowling pin. A whole new world opened up before me, and I knew in that moment that I had found my calling.
As I delved deeper into my artistic practice, I became enamored with the idea of repurposing and reinventing the discarded. Whether it’s a beat-up vintage tin, a rusted piece of metal, or a stack of battered old books, I find myself drawn to these weathered wonders, my heart skipping a beat at the possibility of giving them new life. In my mixed media pieces, I strive to celebrate the fragile decay of these cast-off objects, transforming them into something unexpected and beautiful.
The Allure of Patina: Finding Beauty in the Aged
The concept of patina, a surface appearance that grows more beautiful with age or use, has become a guiding principle in my work. As Molly Supplee, an artist whose work I deeply admire, eloquently states, “Weathered and worn objects may be easily overlooked. I wanted to create symbolic & visual reminders that beauty may be right in front of your eyes. You just need to slow down, quiet your mind, and find beauty in the unexpected.”
This idea of slowing down, of truly seeing the beauty in the aged and imperfect, has become a central theme in my artistic practice. I work in layers, starting with a thick coating of plaster to create an initial layer of texture. From there, I apply bold, vibrant swaths of oil paint mixed with cold wax, scraping, adding more layers, making marks, and scratching into the surface until a composition emerges.
Collaging the Forgotten: Giving Life to Discarded Fragments
In addition to my textured paintings, I also find great joy in the art of collage. As I mentioned earlier, when I come across a stack of battered old books, my heart skips a beat. I know that once I’ve ripped them apart, I’ll have a treasure trove of faded fragments to incorporate into my Salvage Collages. These pieces, like my paintings, reflect the passage of time, and I take great pride in repurposing the scraps that are worn and weathered, transforming the aged and tattered into something unexpected and beautiful.
In a world that often values the pristine and the perfect, I find solace in the imperfect, the weathered, and the worn. These materials, once cast aside, now serve as the foundation for my artistic expression, a testament to the resilience and beauty that can be found in the most unlikely of places.
Embracing the Unexpected: Rediscovering the Joy in the Imperfect
As I continue on my artistic journey, I am constantly in awe of the transformative power of these weathered and worn materials. Whether I’m layering paint and wax, collaging discarded fragments, or assembling found objects into unexpected assemblages, the process is always one of discovery and delight.
At ABC Home, our mission is to inspire our clients to see the beauty in the unexpected. We believe that the aged and the imperfect can bring a depth and richness to any space, and we’re committed to helping our clients embrace the beauty that lies in the weathered and worn.
So, the next time you come across an old, battered object, don’t dismiss it. Take a moment to slow down, quiet your mind, and see the potential for transformation. Who knows – you might just uncover the unexpected beauty that lies within.
