Upcycling - Mixed media paintings

   There was a very logical and intuitive progression in my work, up till the point where I started creating these mixed media paintings.

In craft projects I enjoyed working with materials that usually would end up being thrown away. In photography I focused on elements that are being overlooked, interesting design of a simple wash cloth, unique tile arrangement of the floor, the fuzzy skin of a peach or the amazing texture of its seed etc. I used those photographs, arranged by colors and piecing them together to create a big color splash image.

  When it comes to painting, I have tried attaching different elements, but it just did not go well. It was only when I was introduced to a paste called Gesso that I was able to achieve the effect that I wanted. Gesso is used as primary coat on canvases; it can also be used to create interesting textures, and can be painted with when mixed with different pigments.

My main use of it as a binding material for my objects, since it dries to be stone hard and holds them in place extremely well.

  I carefully choose the items I will be using, focusing more on circular or spherical objects. Some are found objects, others I make myself out of plastic or metal.

Creating these paintings is a very fun and playful process. I arrange everything the way it visually appeals to me, then build up more texture around the main composition and choose a color scheme. The rest is up to how the paint will flow around it, being very diluted by water, with gravity being a big factor and me as I choose where and how I add the paint. The last part of the process is identifying the main visuals of the composition, and bringing them forward by adding more contrast and adding a lot of details.

Recently I came across the term upcycling:

Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value. - Wikipedia

It summed up everything that was going through my head and put my motives for using those materials into words. It's a very innovative idea and the possibilities are endless. It also provides an inexpensive outlet of creativity. The term is mostly used in regard for more craft like projects and does not fully apply to my art, but in any case, it is a part of it.

The materials I often use:

   Color - acrylic, oil, watercolor, charcoal, different inks, and original color from
               uncovered objects..

   Metal - wire, net, coins, cut outs from cans, staples and more..

   Plastic - mostly caps and cut outs from different plastic containers..

   Thread - thin thread for color addition, yarn for texture or securing bigger objects..

   Fabric - different types for texture..

   Paper - different types of paper for texture, cardboard..

   Gems - valuable gems that were unused by my mom in her jewelry designs..

   Sand - small or big grain mixed with gesso for texture..

   Egg shells - used to create a cracked looking like texture, pressed onto gesso or
                       modeling paste..

   Wood - wood chips and other organic dry materials..

   Glass - broken glass, marbles..

More images of my work can be found at Mixed Media

                                                Other amazing ideas

These images and more can be found at Random upcycling ideas plus information about how they were made.

  So what are you waiting for? Grab the nearest plastic container and imagine what you can make out of it! Remember, many famous artists are using those simple found objects and making them into high art. While it can still be a fun craft project for the whole family or friends.