A purpose to repurpose

Barbies, paint, beads, tiny shoes, jewels and buttons; all are repurposed into artwork in a collection on exhibit at the Creston Arts Depot.

Creston Arts and Creston local Elaina Frederickson, under the name Miss Elainious, will present an exhibit featuring collections of repurposed items for the month of February. Pieces all include a three-dimensional element; items like jewels and beads spring from the canvas and frame, shining and sparkling.

The name Miss Elainious has an unusual story. When she was younger, Frederickson had no idea the word miscellaneous was a real word. She claims whenever someone said the word, she “thought they were referring to me.” The name stuck, and years later she presents all of her work under the pseudonym.

“Whether I’m doing my jewelery, my art, my writing, photography, any medium, that can be miscellaneous,” Frederickson said.

Miscellaneous extends to the contents of the artwork, a collage of numerous physical pieces nestled together. The format is three-dimensional mixed media, where physical objects are stuck onto a canvas and painted over. Frederickson liked the process because it provided a level of realism to the artwork.

Each piece often features discarded items which would often be no longer usable. One series of artwork, called “Paintbrushes,” features paintbrushes and paint tubes stuck together. The items are then painted over randomly.

“I’ve never thrown out a paintbrush,” Frederickson said. “I just add it to the collection.”

Random creation isn’t a regular theme for Frederickson’s work. Most of the pieces on display are meticulously created, drawing from Frederickson’s background as a jeweler. Frederickson has participated in several local events under Miss Elainious Hand Made Jewelery, including Merry Marketplace, Market on Maple and the summer farmer’s market.

A noteworthy piece is “Brown Shoes,” a collection of three pairs of small baby shoes, painted over with brown paint. It’s as if these pairs of shoes were thrown into the mud, the scene cut out and placed on the gallery wall.

Frederickson often has ideas for artwork while thrifting, leading to intricacies and developments in her artistic process to give a collage feel to each work.

One piece involves a bird sitting on a nest of miscellaneous objects. Frederickson had seen the centerpiece of the sculpture, a porcelain dove, and had an idea revolving around how birds use whatever bits they find to make their nest. The Miss Elainious nest includes tiny sticks, but also a pair of eyeglasses, a miniature bell, buttons and knick knacks, even a nine of diamonds playing card. All are carefully placed and organized.

The artwork of Miss Elainious will feature throughout February at the Creston Arts Depot. The gallery is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.