Everyday objects inspire Cape Cod artist Linda Steele

October 6, 3:17 PMScience & Nature ExaminerKathryn Siranosian

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Science & Nature Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Linda Steele is a mother of three, a part-time college professor, a professional baker, a published author …

and an artist who finds inspiration in everyday found objects.

 “I think it's fun to create something out of the ordinary, to create something new from materials that already exist, instead of generating new materials,” Steele says. “There is so much we can do and create and use from what we already have without using more resources: time energy and money.”

For example, Steele created “Arc of Color” (above) from wood remnants left-over at a construction site.

She assembled another work, called “Winter's Day,” from two sheets of plywood and a variety of natural elements, including twigs and branches.

A third piece, “Gift of a Letter,” consists of a folded stainless steel mesh sheet that’s wrapped with a copper wire bow.

“It's also uniquely beautiful to create something new from something that previously served a different function,” Steele says. “Instead of throwing something away, there is usually a way to use it in another form or function. Like my 'Gift of a Letter' --I think most people would have only seen trash, and I suspected there was something beautiful in the material that was almost discarded. I love letter writing --and not just email or text, but the good old fashioned art of letter writing --so my piece pays tribute to that.”

“Gift of a Letter” will be on exhibit at “ReMade,” an art show celebrating the inventive use of recycled, reclaimed, or renewable materials, sponsored by “g” Green Design Center, in Mashpee, MA, from October 9 through November 30.

You can learn more about Steele and her passion for art, family life, and baking at her blog. Her cookbook, " Meet Me in My Cape Cod Kitchen: Recipes from West Falmouth Baking Company,” is available at the Coonamesett Farm Store and at Paper Tyger (both in Falmouth), and through her blog.

Photo image 1: Arc of Color, painted wood remnants

Photo image 2:  A Winter’s Day, wood and natural elements

For more about artists who work with recycled or reclaimed materials, see:

Artist David Macaluso paints with used motor oil

Artist Skip Treglia is inspired by found objects