Tea bags are quite versatile, most obviously providing a warm beverage or quick dose of caffeine. They can also bring down eye swelling, soothe a toothache or even tell fortunes — for those who believe.
But for borough artist Mickey Waring, the little satchels found in most kitchen cupboards are the makings of her works of art.
“I have been attracted to miniature works of art from India and Persia,” said Waring, who is artistic director of the Westerhoff School of Art in Metuchen. “The teabags are the same color tone as the parchment I used to paint on.”
On display at the Rotunda Gallery at Metuchen’s Borough Hall through the end of June is “Bits and Pieces,” an exhibit featuring works of art by Waring.
On exhibit are media such as watercolors, gel prints, gouache and tea bags.
“I’m attracted to everyday objects in which I discover a simple beauty,” Waring said. “I find it exciting that I can take a recognizable object and transform it into a piece of art.”
Metuchen artist Mickey Waring’s works are on display at the Rotunda Gallery at Borough Hall through the end of June. The artwork is a part of a book titled “Infini-tea,” on which Waring is currently working.
The artist also included collages by her late mother, Irene, in the exhibit. The collages were created when her mother was in the Foreign Service, she said.
Each of them portrays an image of a country such as Germany, Morocco, Lebanon and others. From the time when she was young, the senior Waring would pick up scraps of fabric when she could for her creations.
The younger artist said her mother was such a great influence on their family that three of her siblings also became artists.
The Rotunda Gallery is located at Main Street and Middlesex Avenue, Metuchen. For more information, contact Nancy Goldberg of the Metuchen Arts and Recreation Department at 732-632-8502.