2D mixed media work engaging with the concept of reduce, reuse, recycle and ‘making something out of nothing’. Through research, exploration and process, Ann Kopka seeks to transform disposable everyday ephemera and humble discarded objects of little or no intrinsic value into objects of value and beauty. Fragments of wood, scraps of metal or tiny metal objects, plastic, ceramic beads from old necklaces, minute sparkly gemstones from broken jewelry, buttons salvaged from old clothes, teabags, embroidery threads, sequins, safety pins, lace motifs, delicate decorative strips of fabric that edged old worn-out clothes, found papers, and other items, are painstakingly glued to the surfaces of recycled canvases, to be transformed into new artworks with new layers of meaning. Artworks made using fragrant herbal teas have been made for the purpose of experiencing art through touch and smell as well as visually. Reusing and recycling is inevitably loaded with memories but ultimately by making something from nothing, Ann seeks to draw attention to the throwaway nature of consumer society and sustainability.
