Today, on my way to an appointment, I was reminded why I love to create my pieces on recycled/ upcycled wood. Traffic jams made the ride five times longer than it should have been, and that allowed me more than enough time to see both sides of the road we traveled on. I usually look at buildings or landscapes, but today was "trash day", so I looked at the trash on the side of the road. Old wood doors, kitchen cabinets, old wood furniture, windows and window frames were neatly stacked next to every other garbage can. I cringed at the idea that all of it will end up in some landfill. I understand that it takes a little bit of effort to take those things to a donation center, but there are free ways to give them away. Craigslist has a section for "free stuff", or they can be put out by the side of the road with a FREE sign on them a few days before "trash day". I used a lot of discarded furniture pieces in my house, and I sold reclaimed and upcycled pieces in my shop.
When it comes to art, I learned a lot through trial and error. One thing I learned the hard way was that wood (not canvas or paper ) is the best foundation for a large multilayer-ed mixed media piece. Going out and buying a large piece of wood is not at all cost effective, so I used an old door that the previous owners of the house had left behind. That particular door payed our mortgage for two months!
The pictures bellow are examples of what I did with furniture that was discarded by others.
When it comes to art, I learned a lot through trial and error. One thing I learned the hard way was that wood (not canvas or paper ) is the best foundation for a large multilayer-ed mixed media piece. Going out and buying a large piece of wood is not at all cost effective, so I used an old door that the previous owners of the house had left behind. That particular door payed our mortgage for two months!
The pictures bellow are examples of what I did with furniture that was discarded by others.
sold