Ethiopian Opal Beads Red and Pink Tear Drop by Sharon Gilham SCS308E

Sharon Gilham

I create mixed media work using vintage paper, found objects, and discarded materials. My process is rooted in reclaiming what’s been forgotten and giving it new life. Through collage, assemblage, and handmade journals, I explore themes of memory, time, and resilience. I’m interested in how worn materials can still carry meaning, and how imperfection can be a form of beauty. Each piece reflects a balance between careful construction and intuitive decision-making. A lifelong collector of overlooked things, Sharon taught herself to make art the same way she lives: by feeling her way through it. As an emerging artist, she’s drawn to themes of transformation, memory, and the quiet chaos of becoming. Her work is shaped by personal history, Midwestern garage sale Saturdays, and a deep appreciation for things that still carry weight, even after they’ve been cast aside.