Let’s meet Margaux Mays!

	By Valeria Garcia, Arts and Culture Editor, The Real Chi

Margaux Mays applies her creativity through digital communication, teaching other artists, and creating decorative art. Mays also holds workshops that foster self-confidence through creativity. The usage of upcycled materials in order to create wearable art and jewelry has been a part of Mays’ artistic approach since her childhood. Her brand, Margaux Bijoux, incorporates upcycled and reclaimed leather to create affordable jewelry. 

What type of art do you do? (Painting, dancing, photography):

I create handmade jewelry, textiles, and collage art.

Which part of Chicago are you from (if you are)?:

I moved to Oak Park in 2007 from St. Louis, Missouri. Since then, I have lived on the west side of Chicago, and now in the near west suburbs.

Why do you make this type of Art?:

I enjoy working with textured materials like leather, fiber, and paper. I find working with these materials to be grounding and meditative.

What inspires you?:

One of my inspirations is nature. I often use natural and organic design elements like leaves and the earthy colors of wood and foliage in my work.

What do you want your art to represent?:

One of my artistic principles is upcycling. I enjoy taking advantage of whatever art supplies I have on hand. I use upcycled materials in my wearable art and jewelry. These materials are not only affordable and accessible but for me, it is more ethical to use the leather remnants discarded from handbags and apparel than allow them to go to a landfill. It’s also a challenge to experiment with upcycled materials and find ways to transform them into beautiful wearable art. In my workshops, I make it a point to discuss the positive impact of upcycling on the environment through waste diversion and reduction. Similarly, with collage, I can incorporate paper scraps from previous projects in new artwork.

What’s the process of your work to finish the product?:

I consider myself a multi-passionate creative, meaning I enjoy working with several mediums. I usually have multiple projects going at once. Sometimes I will start with a sketch, but usually, I start with an idea, take out different materials, and start tinkering. Most of the time what I end up with is not what I envisioned!

How do you interpret the meaning of your work?:

My creative philosophy is based on the belief that self-expression supports and grows self-confidence. I believe that the most valuable benefits that come from creating art are found more in the journey of creation. It’s the time and the effort spent developing the art, rather than the final piece of art itself, that really matters. In other words, the therapeutic benefits and the personal value come from the process of creating the art – not necessarily the completed artwork. When teaching workshops, I strive to make space for self-expression and foster the relationship between creativity and well-being.