When I am walking outside and a piece of paper with handwriting catches my eye, I usually pick it up. Handwriting is imbued with personality. Imagining the identity of its author, its original purpose and how it got lost, intrigues and inspires me. If my discovery is interesting and/or aesthetically pleasing, I scan it to use in my work. Gleaning materials from the streets feels like hunting for treasure that is provided by my surroundings. I imagine places as entities and consider the “The Pick Me Up Project” as an expression of gratitude for their generosity. I have created small, fused glass objects, and left them around for others to find, with the aim of spreading the joy of discovery.
Recently this project has taken on new meaning for me, brought on by the re-election of president Trump. His outrageous declarations and actions have renewed my determination to distribute sparks of creativity and hope rather than be paralyzed by despair.
