Found Object of Desire
How one artist is breathing new life into forgotten materials
Words by Sam Lauron Photos by Eric Morales
Amy Scofield, like many artists, admits that she has a “compulsion to create.” But this desire is often met with the conflicting notion that consumerism is impacting the environment. Driven by sustainability, she’s found a happy medium in transforming found objects into works of art.
Growing up in Colorado, Amy says her “connection to nature started from birth.” While she didn’t intend to become an artist focused on conservation, it was the natural path for a self-proclaimed environmentalist who is aesthetically drawn to “heaps of stuff,” as she puts it.
Amy’s first major experience creating art from an unconventional material was fourteen years ago when she took interest in a chrome bead chain that was being used as decor at a nightclub. “When I see a pile of something and they’re all the same, I really dig it,” she admits.
When the club shut down, she was determined to track down the bead chain and decided that if she was able to get her hands on it, then she would pursue her art seriously. Her efforts paid off as she found herself with a massive amount of chain that she has since used to make numerous sculptures over the years.
From a metal chain to thousands of leftover materials to bike tubes to strips of Mylar to natural items like dead trees and stones, Amy has worked to create large- and small-scale sculptures and installations. Rarely does she procure new materials for her work as she’s drawn to objects around her and finds creative ways to piece it all together using as few materials as possible. Her work often comes with a message that reinforces conservation and highlights humanity’s role in it.
Creating for the community
While her mission to repurpose found objects will always be at the forefront of her work, one of Amy’s recent pieces took on a new meaning. As part of the city’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) program, Amy created an installation for Govalle Neighborhood Park. What initially began as one of her signature recycled objects sculptures took a turn when she spoke with community members to learn what they wanted to see represented at their park.
“They wanted to see the strength and resilience of the African American community,” she says. “They wanted to see the long roots of the Hispanic community in East Austin, and they wanted to be reminded of happy times.”
Upon processing community feedback, Amy took the sentiments to heart and set out to create a sculpture that highlighted the community’s values while remaining true to her nature-driven style. Because it was being placed in a park, she wanted to make the installation “whimsical, childlike, and playful” and based the final sculpture on a child’s drawing of a tree. The tree not only depicts childlike nature, but it also represents the neighborhood’s strength and resilience. “The roots bring these two communities together and create stability,” she explains. “The birds and bees on top are also based on kid’s drawings and represent aspirations and dreams.”
While she continues to experiment with different mediums, whether public installations, a photo series, or small sculptures, the theme of conservation will always be present in Amy’s work. “I’m so compulsive about recycling and repurposing in my personal life,” she states. “I can’t possibly be different as an artist.”
Contact:
amyscofield.com
@amyscofieldartist
