Is It Worth it? by Elena Zelenina
Media: Mixed media with reclaimed book pages and natural bark
Size: 20 x 16 inches
Signed by artists
Year: 2026
Country: USA
Framed
Monotype, Print, Color, Ink, Original, Work on Paper
Is It Worth It? is constructed from reclaimed book pages and natural bark, bringing together two forms of storytelling — the written word and the living tree.
Within the bark’s natural grain, faces emerge — not painted, but revealed — one appearing almost in quiet distress, as if witnessing the transformation of its own material. Layers of texture, burn marks, and compressed paper create a surface that feels both ancient and contemporary.
The work reflects on transformation: how materials carry memory, how stories change form, and how nature and knowledge are deeply intertwined. Using repurposed elements, the piece highlights sustainability while inviting viewers to pause and consider what we choose to preserve — and what it costs.
