By NICOLE VALICEK
ONE Williamstown artist has brought a whole new meaning to the saying someone’s trash is another’s treasure by wasting nothing and turning it into art.
Barbara McNeill was born in the Baby Boomer generation and at a time when recycling was a necessity.
“To this day, I cannot bear the thought of throwing anything away, just in case,” she said.
Although she had always tinkered in collage art, her creativity “spring-boarded” when she was recovering from cancer in 2011.
“It was very therapeutic when I was recovering from cancer. I lost the use of my fingers this was my way of forcing movement and flexibility back.”
A few years ago she read a book on collage art and using fabric but quickly discovered that it was expensive and time consuming.
She solved these problems by using paper.
“Once you become paper-conscious, you’ll notice it wherever you go, not only its
iniquitousness, but it’s amazing beauty.”
Barbara will hold an exhibition of her works called ’Recycling Good for the Heart’ at The Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, Altona from 9 to 16 August.
“The whole thing is to demonstrate art work form paper that would otherwise be thrown out.”
Each piece is made entirely of recycled paper inspired by everyday life with some whimsical touches.
She said although they look simple one picture can take seven hours to create while others seem to arrange themselves.
“Although they look simple they are very intricate and time consuming.”
Barbara finds joy in discovering material from the inside of envelopes with its rewarding miniature patterns; Christmas paper that can trim gorgeous gowns for high-born Tudor or Victorian ladies or pet food boxes made from a glossy black material used for hair.
“All that I need to be perfectly happy for days on end are paper, scissors and glue … and natural sunlight to work in.”
“Happiness is a prerequisite for health, and working on collages gives me an enormous sense of contentment. Even the resultant mess on the floor gives me joy.”
“The world can never have too much joy, and my pictures reflect the joy and vitality of the ordinary, the common place. Some are imaginary, and some are based on real-life experiences.”
“It is my heartfelt wish that this happiness is imparted to those who see them.”
