As an artist, I primarily work with what I already have at hand. After this, I may extend a search and recovery operation to recycle bins, thrift stores and garage sales. Neighbors and friends who know of my work have contributed unwanted materials as well.
“What about that old canvas you’re scrapping? Care if I take it for my artwork?” I ask.
“Sure, you can have it!” she’ll respond.
And so it goes.
God uses what He has at hand too when making something new. And that’s the key. The newness. What can be fixed, refinished, repurposed, sanded, painted, cut, stuffed, sewn, wrapped and embroidered into a fresh design or object of art?
I believe there is a redemptive quality in using repurposed mediums.
God Himself knew that He was creating new life in a sinful world, yet He redeemed us and makes us clean for His father’s presence through the blood of Jesus. Sometimes, it takes the ugliest little pieces to fit things together perfectly.
Previously, I pieced together an acrylic painted canvas of a bride, which is a little “steampunk.” Utilizing scraps and pieces of jewelry, primarily the parts no one wants or sees—like an earring clip, I transformed her into a queen.
In my mind, this “queen” is a picture of the bride of Christ, formed of many redeemed pieces, fit together into one body. She is a queen made to rule and reign with the Lord (Revelation 20:4).
This redemptive quality of repurposed materials is similar to how God takes those who would be thrown away by society as useless non-contributors, to be used for His glory. The Scripture states that God chooses the weak and foolish things of this world and uses them to shame the wise and strong things of this world (1Corinthians 1:27).
What type of recycled/repurposed materials do you use for artwork?