Found Objects
A living research archive exploring everyday discarded objects as artistic materials, preserving their histories while transforming them into new narratives through contemporary mixed-media practice.
Some materials are collected intentionally. Others simply find me. A broken toy, an abandoned washer, a bent wire, a forgotten button, a discarded key, a damaged zipper, or an unfamiliar piece of metal can become the beginning of an entirely new artwork. Rather than seeing rubbish, I see unfinished possibilities.
Material Profile
Material
Found Objects
Material Type
Mixed Reclaimed Components
Primary Applications
Assemblage Mixed Media Surface Detail Structural Components
Properties
Unpredictable Unique Expressive One-of-a-Kind
Research Status
Ongoing
First Introduced
2021
Objects With A Previous Life
A found object is any discarded or overlooked item that already possesses its own history before entering the studio. Unlike raw materials purchased from an art store, found objects carry evidence of previous ownership, function, time, and everyday life. Rather than erasing that history, I allow it to become part of the artwork itself.
Every Object Is A Story Waiting To Continue
Found objects introduce surprise into my creative process. Many artworks begin not with an idea, but with an object that sparks imagination. Its unusual shape, worn surface, hidden texture, or unexpected function suggests new possibilities that could never have been planned.
The object becomes a collaborator rather than simply a material.
Where They Are Found
Streets
Recovered during daily walks.
Markets
Discarded hardware, packaging, and objects.
Homes
Broken household items given away.
Workshops
Small industrial offcuts and leftovers.
Preparation Process
Each object is cleaned, documented, sorted, and stored according to its material, scale, and possible creative use. Some remain untouched for years until the right artwork calls for them. Others immediately become focal points within new compositions.
Creative Properties
Designing With The Unexpected
No two found objects behave the same. Every piece requires observation before integration. Instead of forcing objects into predetermined ideas, I allow their shapes and histories to influence the final composition. This conversation between artist and material has become one of the defining characteristics of my practice.
Objects Frequently Collected
Metal Washers
Broken Jewellery
Bottle Components
Plastic Fragments
Wire Pieces
Unknown Mechanical Parts
Projects Featuring Found Objects
Earth Goddess
Locked Rage
Worth Beyond Waste II: A Runway Diva
Future Assemblage Studies
Nothing Arrives Empty
Every found object already possesses a history before it reaches my hands. Scratches, dents, fading, corrosion, and wear become part of the artwork rather than imperfections to hide. I see these marks as evidence of life already lived—and a new story waiting to begin.
Looking Again
Creative sustainability begins with observation. Many objects become waste simply because no one pauses to consider another use. By collecting, studying, and transforming found objects, I hope to encourage a culture that values curiosity as much as consumption.
Questions Guiding My Exploration
- Can found objects guide artistic concepts instead of merely supporting them?
- How does an object’s previous history influence its new meaning?
- Can everyday discarded objects become historical documents through art?
- What overlooked materials deserve closer artistic investigation?
- How can curiosity become a sustainable creative practice?