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WorkArt & Culture

Jordan Kim's wholesome paper collages made out of junk mail and discarded packaging

With her art described as "painting with paper", Jordan Kim makes cute and wholesome mixed media collages using junk mail, old magazines and discarded packaging.

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An adult and child crouch together at a raised garden bed, harvesting fresh vegetables including cucumbers and peppers into a wicker basket

Her favourite subjects are simple moments and observations that inspire him – children, family, community, scenes from motherhood, gardening, and the natural world.

"I absolutely love the way collage lends itself to playing with layers of meaning and symbolism," Jordan tells Creative Boom. "I also like to tuck hidden messages into my work with the paper I use, the words on it, or even little found objects that I find and incorporate. These little 'love notes' are a way I try to encourage slowing down, looking deeper and seeing beyond first impressions."

Based in Parkdale, Oregon, Jordan grew up in St. Louis, Missouri in a family of artists. She, too, has been an artist her whole life. But when it came to choosing a career path in college, she went for a "responsible choice" and ended up getting degrees in biology, chemistry, and a masters in Environmental Management.

"I worked in the sciences for over 15 years, climbing the ladder until I was managing an organisation. All the while, I was continuing to make and sell art on the side working at night after my son was sleeping," Jordan adds.

Six months ago, she decided to leave her "responsible" science career behind and pursue art full-time. "I see now that all my time studying the natural world was really about my fascination with our connection to it," she continues. "My mission is to create work and experiences that inspire us to honour our connection to each other and the natural world."

Discover more of Jordan Kim's work at www.foundandrewound.com.

A stylised owl face made from collaged paper fragments in white, cream and rust tones, with a rural landscape featuring a red barn behind it
Colourful paper collage of a rooster with text reading "thank you for being unapologetically, authentically you" and labels identifying mind, body and spirit on the bird's head
Mixed media collage of an elephant filled with layered paper containing words and text, with inspirational phrases about listening, bravery and changing the world alongside it
Colourful mixed media collage of a giraffe's head made from layered paper scraps in yellows, oranges, greens and blues, with a Rumi quote about wonder overlaid on the right side
Figure with purple curly hair surrounded by flowers, wearing a blue and purple outfit with a circular orange centre containing words like "love", "growing" and "changes
Collaged sailboat with red, purple and golden yellow sails on weathered background with rain cloud illustration and inspirational text about trust and the seaside.
Winding river depicted with layered paper strips in shades of teal, navy and white, surrounded by scattered colourful paper circles suggesting stones or pebbles
Illustration of a hummingbird with a red breast perched on a branch surrounded by tall grass, with a Rumi quote reading "Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion
Child wearing red eye mask and cape stands on mossy ground beside swirling water, surrounded by falling pink petals, in a mixed media collage by Jordan Kim
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