Tuesday, March 17, 2009

March in Northern Nevada

East of Reno along Interstate 80.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

More Rs and something to show for it

Reduce, reuse, recycle has rightfully become a common mantra. Although I am still striving to achieve the reduce bit, I do believe in it and I do my bit as I can. But these three words are not enough. I would like to add four more: repurpose, renovate, restore, and my favorite: reimagine. My latest artsy effort is mostly reimagined.

This little step stool dates back, probably, to the 1950s, and has had a long life helping folks reach the top shelf. When I adopted it, it was a scuffed and worn looking, but still very sturdy, brown wooden step stool. Ordinary, yet very serviceable. I did not change its use, or recycle it in any way. I did reimagine it by giving it a new look.

Just like a number of previous projects, I burned the pattern on with a burning tool, then painted it using artists' acrylics mixed with matte media. The wood-burning creates a relief texture that you won't get just by painting. You can't tell from the pictures, but the stars are iridescent gold paint (leftover from Sharon and Ian's farm sign). I put a pattern on the bottom, too. Having hidden patterns is like opening a drawer and finding an unexpected little present.

Next project: Reimagine a worn wooden cabinet into an interesting nightstand.