I remember first meeting Marta at one of our Woody Point markets. She shyly came up to me with her business card, I asked her what she made and she pulled out a small, daintily painted tile. Marta said she liked to find old things and paint on them, "transforming rescued objects into hand painted wearable art and home decor".
Her passion, her talent and the beauty of her work I saw in that short moment. Marta has that special something I look for in my makers. Marta has been a part of our family ever since. Recently I spotted some of her work in a store at Samford and felt very proud of her that she is branching out and achieving broader success.
If you haven't met the sweet work of Marta Walenda become acquainted at the next Handmade Redcliffe {Repurpose} this Saturday, 7 June 2014 1-6pm Humpybong State School Hall, Margate or follow her work here ~ her page is always full of inspiration as she invites you to watch along as she lives a life of meaning and purpose & encourages her fans to fully engage in life too.
I asked Marta recently a few questions about her work, what inspires her, specifically, to repurpose objects and it went a little like this...
Her passion, her talent and the beauty of her work I saw in that short moment. Marta has that special something I look for in my makers. Marta has been a part of our family ever since. Recently I spotted some of her work in a store at Samford and felt very proud of her that she is branching out and achieving broader success.
If you haven't met the sweet work of Marta Walenda become acquainted at the next Handmade Redcliffe {Repurpose} this Saturday, 7 June 2014 1-6pm Humpybong State School Hall, Margate or follow her work here ~ her page is always full of inspiration as she invites you to watch along as she lives a life of meaning and purpose & encourages her fans to fully engage in life too.
I asked Marta recently a few questions about her work, what inspires her, specifically, to repurpose objects and it went a little like this...
Q. How do you incorporate the old and make it new in your business?
"The first sparks of ideas of what to create often come straight away when I see the object, then they evolve with time. Often it is a random choice when I pick up a particular item but I would say the main criterion is how can I incorporate painting into the work.
I aim to use as much of reclaimed material as possible in my works. For my paintings I use reclaimed timber blocks. In my wearable art pieces you will find reclaimed tiles, timber or leather combined with bits of second hand jewellery. For the hygiene reasons I use new ear hooks in my earrings yet these are still made of recycled silver and come from Australian supplier who uses scrap metals from jewellers and hobbyists.
My ultimate goal is to use solely reclaimed material in my products and I am constantly looking for new ideas and solutions. Recently I have come up with new exciting ideas that I am hoping to show to public soon."
Q. Why do you choose to use discarded objects?
"There are many reasons: creativity boost, discovery, doing something good for the Earth and getting people to look at things differently. It is an amazing feeling when you see an ordinary object, not wanted and not desired anymore, considered a waste and have the idea how to bring it back to life or use in a way it was not originally designed for. Giving new existence to discarded objects fills my heart with joy and the fact that I can share my creations with others is the best feeling of all. Through my works I want to reclaim the beauty in the ordinary and give others the opportunity to notice what they would not have noticed otherwise.
Using discarded materials and objects in my works is also one of the ways I can show respect and gratitude to mother Earth and other human beings for what they created. Each day I aim to live a more conscious life and make sustainable choices – and I want my works to be reflection of this."
Q. What particularly draws you to the items you upcycle/transform i.e. records, vintage fabrics, reclaimed wood?
"Back when it was still just a hobby, I started painting on preloved glass bottles and jars of unusual shapes. The shapes and transparency of the material as well as the drive to try something new were the main reason for choosing those materials. They promised an interesting and challenging process and intriguing effect. Plus they were easily accessible from family and friends.
Later on I moved onto ceramic tiles and recently to timber and leather. On one hand it is a result of my exploration for new materials and learning which resonates with me most. On the other hand it is a case of surprise and discovery. I use whatever is available for me to paint on, so often the choice is a matter of what universe has to offer. At the moment I find timber to be my favourite material. I like its temperature and energy, which connects me to nature."
"The first sparks of ideas of what to create often come straight away when I see the object, then they evolve with time. Often it is a random choice when I pick up a particular item but I would say the main criterion is how can I incorporate painting into the work.
I aim to use as much of reclaimed material as possible in my works. For my paintings I use reclaimed timber blocks. In my wearable art pieces you will find reclaimed tiles, timber or leather combined with bits of second hand jewellery. For the hygiene reasons I use new ear hooks in my earrings yet these are still made of recycled silver and come from Australian supplier who uses scrap metals from jewellers and hobbyists.
My ultimate goal is to use solely reclaimed material in my products and I am constantly looking for new ideas and solutions. Recently I have come up with new exciting ideas that I am hoping to show to public soon."
Q. Why do you choose to use discarded objects?
"There are many reasons: creativity boost, discovery, doing something good for the Earth and getting people to look at things differently. It is an amazing feeling when you see an ordinary object, not wanted and not desired anymore, considered a waste and have the idea how to bring it back to life or use in a way it was not originally designed for. Giving new existence to discarded objects fills my heart with joy and the fact that I can share my creations with others is the best feeling of all. Through my works I want to reclaim the beauty in the ordinary and give others the opportunity to notice what they would not have noticed otherwise.
Using discarded materials and objects in my works is also one of the ways I can show respect and gratitude to mother Earth and other human beings for what they created. Each day I aim to live a more conscious life and make sustainable choices – and I want my works to be reflection of this."
Q. What particularly draws you to the items you upcycle/transform i.e. records, vintage fabrics, reclaimed wood?
"Back when it was still just a hobby, I started painting on preloved glass bottles and jars of unusual shapes. The shapes and transparency of the material as well as the drive to try something new were the main reason for choosing those materials. They promised an interesting and challenging process and intriguing effect. Plus they were easily accessible from family and friends.
Later on I moved onto ceramic tiles and recently to timber and leather. On one hand it is a result of my exploration for new materials and learning which resonates with me most. On the other hand it is a case of surprise and discovery. I use whatever is available for me to paint on, so often the choice is a matter of what universe has to offer. At the moment I find timber to be my favourite material. I like its temperature and energy, which connects me to nature."
We thank the lovely Marta for taking the time to speak to us about her art and inspiration. We adore her work ~ it's contemporary, functional, thoughtful, clever & eco chic.
xx
Janmaree
xx
Janmaree
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