Upcycling as a superpower
Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve been drawn to the idea of taking something old, broken or with no more use and giving it a new happy life.
From everyday packaging to my mother’s fabric off cuts, I’d make art, props for pretend play, dresses for my barbies, the possibilities felt endless.
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Transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, creating my own objects, thanks to rubbish, some imagination and my hands was like a superpower.
My purpose
As years passed and waste has become considerably more problematic, this passion of mine has grown bigger and I hope can be a way to inspire others, reminding them that even in a world of challenges, there’s always room for renewal and imagination.
But instead of focusing on the gloom of the problem, with dark and guilt-inducing messages around climate change and over-consumption, I see it as a chance to raise awareness about these issues without adding to the anxiety.
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Therefore while my actions of upcycling objects are an obvious statement against waste, I chose my main purpose as an artist and the stories around my creations to be uplifting.
This is why a big part of my art process is the choice of bright childhood associated colours, from rainbows to pastels.
Although happiness is not contagious, a smile, a laugh, a positive attitude can be infectious and I truly believe that if you stare long enough at a colourful piece of art, “smiling at you’, reminding you of happy times, your mood will lift a little.
This is why I call it Happy Art.
Influence
My work today combines this love for upcycling with the idea of holding on to precious memories, preserving them in a way that sparks joy.
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The idea of my “Childhood memories unboxed” collection started when I found myself emotionally unable to part with my son’s outgrown clothes, toys and drawings, but instead, found joy in repurposing them into colourful works of art, celebrating and somehow eternalising his childhood while revisiting mine.
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My creations are a blend of Pop Art inspired by the 80’s, a period I grew up in and Street Art, inspired by London where I have lived most of my adult life.