Artist's Statement

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I come from a long line of scrap paper savers, bag re-users, frugal non-wasters. My family has always respected the hand made, heirloom holiday ornament and greeting card. In a culture that begs us to buy cheap manufactured goods over and over we prefer the work of local artisans, a thrift store find or what might be sitting on the side of the road.

Always cognizant of waste growing up, I came to start saving my trash in 2002 while working at a camp that relied heavily on disposable products. It was there that I had the space to collect, create and display my work. At about the same time I began showing in galleries and at a traveling art carnival known as the Big Art Show. Sharing my work I found to be a great source of pleasure for me.

The items I collect come to me from various sources, family, friends and people who know what I do and themselves hate to see waste. Some have a specific item they don’t want to throw away, others their collected corks and beer bottle caps among other plastics and broken items. After sorting and organizing the collections I pack them away and think of potential projects that they will work as building blocks for. Inspiration comes at strange times, walking, driving, in conversation and at the supermarket especially.

It is limiting trying to express a greater ideal or ethical message with my current style but sometimes I come close to speaking a truth. In general I want what I make to be a decent representation, somewhat interesting or funny and communicate to people that we are all capable of being creative if you put the time in.

Art should be accessible and part of everyone’s world, rich or poor, young and old. Creativity should not stop once you reach adulthood and the idea of making a holiday card or birthday gift might be seen as being cheap. Working with our hands is what brought our ancestors into and out of the stone ages and is one of the greatest pleasures in life.

-Lisa Bagwell (from www.lisabagwell.com)