Turning Trash into Art

"Untitled", Handmade Paper Mounted on Cradled Board, 8"x10" in

Sometimes the most meaningful discoveries come from life’s little annoyances—like the flood of junk mail that shows up in my mailbox almost daily. Does that happen to you too? For a while, I found it frustrating—a needless waste. But one day, I began to wonder: What if this could be transformed?

That question led me down a new creative path. I’ve started upcycling my junk mail into handmade paper, experimenting with color, texture, and combining materials in new ways. It’s been both surprising and satisfying to take what was once discarded and give it new life. The piece shown above marks the first step in this ongoing process. As I pulp, press, and shape the paper, I’m discovering hidden stories in the remnants—torn edges, bits of faded text, even small pieces of plastic—that add layers of meaning and mystery to my work.

In June, I’ll be attending my first-ever artist residency—a milestone I’m incredibly excited about. My focus will be on creating handmade paper and exploring how to weave it into my mixed-media practice. I have so many ideas swirling around, and I’m looking forward to having the time and space to fully dive in and see where the process leads.

The work I create during the residency will be exhibited in a two-month art residency at the Central Library in Atlanta later this year. I can’t wait to share the finished pieces with you and see how they evolve through this new chapter in my practice. I’ll share more details as the exhibition approaches.

If you’ve ever tried papermaking—or have creative ways of repurposing the everyday “junk” in your life—I’d love to hear about it. And if you’re in Atlanta toward the end of the year, I hope you’ll stop by the show. It would mean so much to share this journey with you.

With love,

Shay

P.S. Ready to bring more beauty, emotion, and inspiration into your space?

Explore available original artwork here.