Once they are used for their primary purpose, teabags usually get thrown out in the trash. And it seems logical since there seems to be no use for them anymore. However, designer and artist Ruby Silvious takes a different approach.
Instead of tossing used teabags, Silvious turns them into impressive works of art and works of art. Using watercolor, she paints miniature paintings on teabags or ties them together into full-size, proper garments.
Silvious first started her unique practice by making teabag paintings but later also included a fashion element to it while looking to create large-scale works. This resulted in an impressive series of fashion items, “Dressed to a Tea.”
According to Silvious, these fashion creations are somewhat of an “antithesis to my miniature paintings” and represent a natural transition for her.
“It’s only natural that my art has always been inspired by fashion,” she explained in a recent chat with Colossal. “My maternal grandmother was a brilliant seamstress. I was only 20 years old when I migrated to the U.S. from the Philippines, and my very first job was at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City.”
Silvious’ works have gained a lot of recognition, and she will present them at a series of exhibitions in the upcoming months. If you miss the opportunity to see them live, check out more on her website or by scrolling below.
