Artist Turns Used Tea Bags Into Miniature Canvases for Daily Watercolor Paintings

Tea Bag Paintings by Ruby Silvious

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Since she began her 363 Days of Tea project in 2015—a personal challenge to create art daily by repurposing her used tea bags—visual artist and graphic designer Ruby Silvious has not ceased to record everyday impressions on her miniature recycled canvases. What has resulted in the following years is quite an extensive body of work, including several series documenting her travels, daily life, and even museum visits. She has also published two books compiling much of her work—363 Days of Tea: A Visual Journal on Teabags (released in 2016) and Reclaimed Canvas:  Reimagining  the  Familiar (2019).

Though none of her tea bag paintings are planned out in advance, Silvious’ ritualistic practice brings a very introspective and almost contemplative air to her ordinary subjects. Each finished piece encourages the viewer to reflect on these moments and rethink traditional views as to what may be considered art. What’s more, her work has been widely received, having been exhibited internationally and featured in both public and private collections.

Silvious is currently preparing for upcoming exhibits and events featuring her work in 2021. For more information visit her website, and follow the artist on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with her latest news.

Visual artist and graphic designer Ruby Silvious has created miniature paintings on tea bags daily for over five years.

Tea Bag Paintings by Ruby Silvious

Painting on a Tea Bag by Ruby Silvious

Tea Bag Art by Ruby Silvious

She started this project as a way to expand her artistic practice and challenge traditional views around what is considered art.

Flamingos Painted on Tea Bags by Ruby Silvious

Women at the Beach Tea Bag Painting by Ruby Silvious

Ruby Silvious Landscape Tea Bag Painting

Tea Bag Paintings by Ruby Silvious

Combined Tea Bag Landscape Painting by Ruby Silvious

Daily Art On Tea Bags by Ruby Silvious

Her tea bag paintings usually feature moments or impressions that document her everyday life.

Ruby Silvious Tea Bag Art

Ruby Silvious Watercolor Art on Tea Bags

Christmas Watercolor on Tea Bag by Ruby Silvious

Watch this video to see Silvious at work.

Ruby Silvious: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Tumblr

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Ruby Silvious.

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Arnesia Young

Arnesia Young is a contributing writer for My Modern Met and an aspiring art historian. She holds a BA in Art History and Curatorial Studies with a minor in Design from Brigham Young University. With a love and passion for the arts, culture, and all things creative, she finds herself intrigued by the creative process and is constantly seeking new ways to explore and understand it.
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