Charlyn Milkowski

Artist Statement

When you come across that thing you don’t need, might be broken or otherwise seems useless… yet, for some reason isn't in the garbage; that’s my space, that's where I thrive. I work with every type of medium, as long as it isn’t new. Nearly 90% percent of my pieces and the parts within are created by using someone else’s stuff and I actively work to collect from others, not just what I find and not just repurposing thrift shop/garage sale items. Some of my favorite and the more common elements in my work would be: bones, bugs, and lightbulbs; in addition to vintage anything, fabric, paper, baubles and shiny things and anything from the outside (not necessarily natural). Various mediums manipulated in a variety of ways; paint, epoxy, sewing, or total annihilation all come together, often creating a cute/creepy juxtaposition to my work. With all of my pieces, I want you to look closer: 'That looks like a lightbulb, but what in the world is inside it..'