# Salvaged Book Paintings Artist Mike Stilkey Creates New Collection of Unorthodox Paintings By Meghan Young | Published 2014-07-11 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mike-stilkey References: [thisiscolossal](http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2014/07/new-paintings-on-salvaged-books-by-mike-stilkey/) & [mikestilkey](http://www.mikestilkey.com/) The work of Mike Stilkey took people by storm back in 2009 and he continues to astound with his latest crop of painted creations. Swapping the traditional canvas for piles of salvaged books instead, he creates artworks that challenge people's perception of the norm in ways that are still familiar and easy to digest. In fact, just like his [original series](http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reminiscent-by-mike-stilkey), Mike Stilkey's most recent work is made with pop culture hungry people in mind. From vintage-like portraits to dapperly dressed animals and tumultuous sea scenes, Mike Stilkey indulges the imagination in relatively contemporary ways. Working with a mix of ink, colored pencil, paint and lacquer, the Los Angeles-based artist is currently showing his painted portraits through the BDX-LAX Faraway So Close exhibit. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Book Art:** Salvaged book paintings challenge the traditional art canvas and offer opportunity for artists to innovate with new materials. - **Upcycling Creativity:** Using salvaged materials for artwork creates a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their creativity by repurposing discarded items. - **Pop Culture Inspiration:** Mike Stilkey's paintings demonstrate the potential for artists to showcase their work through popular culture themes. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** Artists can innovate in the art and design industry by exploring and utilizing unconventional materials for their creations. - **Sustainable Living:** Upcycling and using salvaged materials for artwork contributes to the sustainable living movement by reducing waste and repurposing resources. - **Entertainment and Media:** Using pop culture themes in artwork presents an opportunity for artists to showcase their work through media and entertainment outlets. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Leftover Househouse Paint Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paint-drop.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Vibrantly Colorful Dynamic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayla-rumpp.md) - [Oil Painting-Inspired Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antonio-santn.md) - [Playful Modern Art Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brent-estabrook-debuts-storytime.md) - [Glass Beaded Intricate Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition.md) - [Destructive Nature Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keita-miyazaki.md) - [Church-Housed Art Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greg-mike1.md) - [Customizable Book Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lagom-collection1.md)