By Annette Labedzki

Altered art is not a new art form. Artists have been transforming everyday objects into works of art for a long time. Altered art is the result of taking a found object and changing it in some intriguing way. It’s an idea as old as art itself. It has become a very hot trend in the past few years, especially amongst crafters. However artists have been altering things for years.

In the middle ages monks in the monasteries would copy new text over older parchment manuscripts. Parchment was so precious that it was recycled rather than thrown away.

Then as time progressed it was common practice for artists to paint over earlier less important paintings. During the modern art movement, Picasso, Georges Braque, Kurt Schwitters, Marcel Duchamp and Robert Rauschenberg all used found objects in their works. They managed to create breathtaking works of art from ordinary objects such as a bicycle wheel, bottle rack, tires, stuffed animals, and lamps just to name a few.

In the mid 1900’s the artist Joseph Cornell created exquisite box constructions. He used objects such as natural, found, old papers, and photographic reproductions. He was a master at juxtaposition and fine detail.

Creating a piece of altered art isn’t rally all that difficult. Altered art is created using three primary elements; imagery, text and object. Images communicate to the viewer what we are trying to express in the art work. Artists have been adding text to their works since the invention of the written language. Text may be added to identify the chosen image or to convey additional meaning. The objects that can be used are unlimited. It could be a spoon, hairbrush, a box or an old book. Some artists focus primarily on altering books.

William Plomer said “Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.”

Turn old books or vintage containers into delightful and exciting new creations. If you look around your house you will see numerous items that you have kept or collected and these can be the beginning of an altered art project. You can transform them into a wonderful expression of your own artistic vision.

My name is Annette Labedzki. I am a Canadian abstract painter. I have been a full time artist for the last 25 years.

I was born in St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, B.C. A few years later we moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where I spent my childhood and early adulthood.

I remember the first award I received was in Art class in grade 10. The superintendent of the Winnipeg School Board bought one of my paintings! I was so excited!

I received my BFA at Emily Carr College of Art and Design and spent another year studying philosophy at The University of British Columbia. During this time my husband learned English, drove a taxi, received his BMLS degree (Bachelor of Medical Lab. Sciences) and received his DMD degree (dentist).

Another award I received was First Prize at the Pacific Northwest Annual Show at the University of Oregon, U.S.A. It is in their private collection.

I have a web site in which I am able to invite other artists. The address is http://www.labedzki-art.com – This is also a wonderful site for art collectors to buy original work at great prices.

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