My Philosophy
See the beauty in what you have around you. Whether I am teaching people to find the details, to express themselves, to find freedom in expression or creating something myself, the key is being aware of the possibilities that surround us.
My work relies heavily on seeing the potential in the materials at hand, some of which would find themselves in the trash if I had not rescued them. Whenever possible I like to turn unwanted things into treasures. Finding new life for these objects is a kind of magic.
While I have an Etsy shop to sell my creations, I also welcome the opportunity to create pieces that have special meaning to the patron. Whether it be incorporating sentimental items, creating a custom book or working together to create a special piece, the joy of breathing new life into objects is what drives me.
Biography
Lynda Shoup is a mixed media fiber artist who makes art journals, collage, handmade books, hand spun yarn, needlework and printing. Her work often uses recycled materials and focuses on how disparate materials and ideas can be combined to create harmony.
Lynda studied art at the Munson Williams Proctor School of Fine and Performing Arts and Utica College for a year before transferring to Western Connecticut State University. After earning her B.A. in Communications she lived in Tokyo, Japan where she taught English Language and worked as a copy editor for Japan Publications Trading Company in the Japanese traditional crafts division. She translated three books The Joy of Flower Arranging, Rice Bowl Recipes and The Joy of Antique Beading. Her free time was spent learning the traditional arts of Japanese dance, flower arranging, kimono, and cooking. She later earned her Master of Library Science from Southern Connecticut State University and worked as an elementary school librarian for more than ten years.