JOANNE GUTHRIE
Forging New Life From Forgotten Materials
Through reclaimed materials and diverse processes, I invite viewers to reconsider the beauty, value, and stories hidden within the overlooked.
My StoryI create contemporary sculptures and mixed media works that explore the connection between people and the natural world.
Drawing on more than twenty years as a Journeyman, B-pressure welder, I combine reclaimed metal with handmade paper, natural pigments, charcoal, and other found materials to transform overlooked objects into works that invite reflection.
Every material carries a history. By giving discarded and natural materials new purpose, I hope to encourage a slower way of seeing and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and value that already exists around us.
Why I Create
I have always been fascinated by the stories materials hold.
A piece of weathered steel, an invasive plant, a handful of wild berries, or discarded plastic packaging all carry traces of where they have been and how they have shaped the world around us. Rather than hiding those histories, I allow them to remain visible, becoming an essential part of each work.
My practice is rooted in curiosity, craftsmanship, and respect for the materials themselves. I create to explore the relationship between industry and nature, permanence and change, and to invite others to look more closely at what is often overlooked.
The Collections
My work is organized into distinct collections, each exploring a unique theme through sculpture, mixed media, drawing, and handmade processes.
Though the materials and subjects vary, they are connected by a shared interest in transformation, environmental stewardship, and the stories embedded within overlooked materials.
Click on a collection below to learn more.
Custom Sculpture & Commissioned Artwork
Every commission begins with a conversation.
Whether you're looking for a sculptural artwork, a site-specific installation, or a custom metal commission, I enjoy collaborating to create meaningful pieces that reflect both place and purpose.
In the Studio
The studio is where ideas are tested, materials are gathered, and new collections slowly take shape.
Current projects include Occupying Space, a body of work created from single-use plastics that examines our relationship with consumption and waste, and Reclaimed Threads, an exploration of invasive plants transformed into handmade paper and sculpture.
These works continue my ongoing interest in discovering new possibilities within overlooked materials and sharing the stories they carry.
