LITERARY FIGURES

Lisa Occhipinti’s love affair with books began as a child, but it became a lifelong passion when she was a student at the School of Fine Arts, Boston as the tomes took on new shapes and identities in her hands. The creative process resulted in one- of- a- kind collection called The Repurposed Library with everything from i- Pad covers, shelves, lights and vases made from hardback books collected by the designer at yard sales, libraries and thrift stores. When asked about her technique, Occhipinti says, “Very basic tools and supplies are all you need to create majority of the projects. Just glue, scissors, craft knife and clamps. The gist being that unique art does not have to be expensive.” She retails the objects through e- commerce website Etsy and has patrons around the world including an installation made out of mobile covers which was on display in South Africa. “All of my work is one- off creations. I do not wish to mass produce as that would undermine its entire premise: that of thoughtfulness and craftsmanship,” says Occhipinti.