Retired Civil Servant Turns Waste Paper into Art Pieces
Ayfer Paleciç Okan, a 63-year-old retired civil servant living in Eskişehir, central Türkiye, has found a unique way to express her creativity by transforming waste papers such as tram tickets, posters, and brochures into stunning art pieces like jewelry, vases, and amphorae.
From Civil Service to Crafting
After retiring in 2008 from the Kırklareli Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship, Ayfer Paleciç Okan relocated to Eskişehir in 2014 to support her daughter's university education.
Discovering a New Passion
Seeking social interaction, Okan enrolled in a sewing course offered by the Odunpazarı District Municipality in Eskişehir, where she discovered her passion for crafting.
Meeting a Mentor
During her workshop activities, Okan crossed paths with Ali Rıza Kart, who inspired her with his creations made from waste paper. Intrigued by his work, she decided to delve into this art form herself.
Turning Waste into Treasures
Okan dedicated a room in her home to serve as a workshop where she meticulously transforms collected waste papers into intricate jewelry, amphorae, and vases.
A Sustainable Artistic Process
Gathering tram tickets, posters, and brochures from various sources, Okan meticulously cuts and shapes the paper pieces by hand, giving them a new lease on life.
Sharing Her Creations
Coating her creations with varnish for durability, Okan generously gifts her artwork to public institutions and private companies, spreading joy through her sustainable art form.
Art as Therapy
For Okan, creating art from waste paper is not just a hobby but a therapeutic practice that brings her immense joy. She believes in the power of art to connect people and hopes to promote this unique form of expression in Eskişehir.
Embracing Challenges
Despite facing initial hurdles like cuts and allergies, Okan persevered in her craft, fine-tuning her techniques to create intricate designs resembling marble patterns, birds, and other motifs.
Art for All Ages
Okan encourages people of all ages to explore their creativity through art, emphasizing that it is a rewarding and accessible activity that can bring communities together.
Leaving a Creative Legacy
Through her dedication to turning waste paper into works of art, Ayfer Paleciç Okan aims to put Eskişehir on the map as a hub of creativity and foster a deeper appreciation for sustainable art practices.
