About The Artist

Hello! I'm Roxanne Angell, the artist and passionate founder behind Reimagined Creations. For me, art isn't just a hobby; it's a vital part of who I am. It's my therapy, my escape, and the most fulfilling way I've found to navigate the complexities of life. In a world that often feels overwhelming, the act of creating provides a profound sense of calm and purpose. My passion lies in transforming the overlooked and discarded into something entirely new and captivating, blending the old with the new in a way that sparks joy and wonder.

My creative journey truly took root from a deeply personal place. Like many, I've experienced periods of stress and challenge. It was during these times that I discovered the incredible therapeutic power of art. The tactile process of sifting through forgotten treasures, the challenge of envisioning new possibilities for them, and the sheer satisfaction of bringing those visions to life became my sanctuary. It's a space where I can channel my energy, express my emotions, and find a profound sense of peace. This isn't just about making beautiful objects; it's about a holistic process that nourishes my soul and allows me to share a piece of that healing with others through my creations.

The Art of Transformation: From Discarded to Desired

At the heart of Reimagined Creations is the philosophy of transformation. I believe that every object, no matter how humble or forgotten, holds potential. My process begins with an eclectic treasure hunt. You might find me rummaging through dusty junk drawers, exploring the forgotten corners of sewing boxes, or unearthing hidden gems in garages. Thrift stores, yard sales, clearance centers, and even craft stores become my hunting grounds for materials that whisper stories of their past lives. It's in this diverse collection of items—from vintage buttons to industrial gears, forgotten toys to antique lace—that my imagination takes flight.

The magic truly happens when these disparate elements come together. I love the challenge of seeing a discarded item and immediately envisioning its next chapter. For example, I’ve taken ordinary chair webbing and transformed it into stunning, textural wreaths that breathe new life into an often-overlooked material. Old, forgotten toys, once destined for landfills, have found new purpose as whimsical centerpieces or captivating wall art, each piece telling a playful new story. Thrifted picture frames, often damaged or outdated, become the perfect canvases for intricate Steampunk and Goth art, adorned with gears, cogs, and dark, romantic flourishes.

Some of my favorite transformations are those that push the boundaries of what's expected. Imagine a mundane teakettle, reborn as a fantastical cosplay sewing box, brimming with character and ready for a new adventure. Or a child’s simple doll carrying case, reimagined as a dramatic Goth backpack, complete with chains and dark embellishments, perfect for someone who dares to be different. One of my most ambitious projects involved an empty helium tank, old kitchen door handles, excess medical tubing, and a few bubble wands – all seemingly unrelated items – which I meticulously combined to create an elaborate Steampunk Time Machine. These examples truly embody my commitment to giving discarded objects a second, more extraordinary, life.

My creative process is in a constant state of evolution. I'm always seeking new ways to incorporate more discarded objects into my art, striving to minimize my reliance on new materials and consciously move away from mass-produced aesthetics. This blended process, where the history of an object intertwines with its reimagined future, is precisely what makes every single item I create unique. No two pieces are ever identical, ensuring that when you own a Reimagined Creation, you possess something truly one-of-a-kind.

The Meditative Dance of Creation

The act of creation for me is a meditative and deeply personal process. It's a dialogue between my artistic vision and the inherent qualities of the materials themselves. Each piece typically begins with a spark of an idea – a concept, a feeling, or even just a color palette. From there, I embark on a thoughtful pairing process: what do I already have in my vast collection of treasures? What can I discover on my next thrifting adventure? And only then, what might I need to acquire new to complete the vision?

What's truly exciting is that there are no rigid blueprints in my studio. I don't follow strict patterns or predetermined designs. Instead, the materials themselves often dictate the direction of the piece, leading me down unexpected and exciting creative paths. A peculiar shape, a unique texture, or a surprising color combination can completely alter the initial idea, guiding the evolution of the artwork. This organic approach ensures that every creation is genuinely unique, infused with its own distinct character, and holds a piece of the spontaneous joy I experience during its making. It’s a dance between intention and intuition, resulting in a piece that feels alive and authentic.

My Studio: A Sanctuary of Organized Chaos

My studio is far more than just a workspace; it's a vibrant testament to my philosophy of transformation – a living, breathing extension of Reimagined Creations. It’s a treasure trove of new and reclaimed materials, where every corner holds a story waiting to be told. You might describe it as organized chaos, a place where antique buttons mingle harmoniously with industrial gears, and discarded fabrics drape alongside forgotten tools. There's a certain magic in seeing these disparate elements coexisting, each patiently awaiting its turn to be elevated into something beautiful.

Inspiration sparks at every turn within these walls, fueled by the sheer diversity of textures, colors, and histories surrounding me. An old, tarnished locket might whisper tales of a bygone era, while a rusty cog could inspire a bold Steampunk design. This environment is not just a place where I work; it's a sanctuary where imagination runs wild, where the concept of "waste" is utterly transformed into "wonder." It's where I can truly disconnect from the outside world and immerse myself fully in the creative flow, allowing ideas to bloom and materials to find their new purpose.

Sharing the Vision: Classes and Community

Beyond the artistic process itself, I am deeply committed to sharing the beauty and potential of repurposed art with others. This commitment extends to the classes I teach, which are designed to foster artistic freedom and encourage individual expression. While items created in a class may share a common starting point, they are never identical. I believe that by providing a framework but encouraging unique choices, I empower students to tap into their own creative potential.

For example, in my popular boot transformation classes, we start with various boot sizes, heel heights, and materials. From there, students are encouraged to accent their boots in their own distinct style, whether it's through the intricate details of steampunk gears, the dramatic flair of goth embellishments, or the whimsical charm of fairy-inspired elements. The result is that each boot, and indeed each pair, takes on a truly one-of-a-kind look, reflecting the individual artist's vision. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness participants discover their own artistic voice and leave with a piece they’ve truly made their own.

I believe that by giving new life to old objects, we accomplish more than just creating something beautiful. We also inspire a vital conversation about sustainability, creativity, and the hidden stories within everyday things. In a world grappling with overconsumption, repurposing offers a powerful alternative, encouraging us to see value where others might only see trash. It's about conscious creation and mindful consumption. My hope is that through Reimagined Creations, I can encourage others to look at the world with a fresh perspective – to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, to recognize the profound beauty that can emerge when we embrace transformation, not only in the items around us but also within ourselves.

My journey as an artist is continuously evolving, always pushing the boundaries of what can be reimagined and repurposed. I'm incredibly grateful to have you join me on this exciting adventure of turning the discarded into the desired. Thank you for visiting Reimagined Creations and for being a part of this journey of art, sustainability, and endless possibility.