Art Disposal Ideas from a Professional Working Artist
Are you an artist who feels overwhelmed by piles of old work? Are you a parent holding on to your artistic child’s long history of creations? You’re not alone. Professional artist Candace Jensen shares her thoughts on how to let go of artwork in a healthy and creative way—without guilt or overwhelm.
Illuminated Book Jacket (Animism by Graham Harvey), paper with gold leaf, graphite, ink and watercolor 9” x 19.5”, 2021
Candace is Cofounder and Programming Director of In Situ Polyculture Commons in Westminster, VT. She is an interdisciplinary visual artist, writer, letterpress printmaker, calligrapher, community organizer, and more. Her work has been exhibited in Vermont, Philadelphia, San Francisco, New York, and Antwerp, Belgium. She’s deeply committed to fostering creative community and regenerative culture. Learn more about Candace here.
Why Dispose of Old Art?
It’s healthy and refreshing. Letting go of old work makes space—physically and emotionally—for new creations.
It’s easy to feel attached. But a lot of art is just the byproduct of the creative process. Not everything is a masterpiece (and that’s okay!).
Clutter can hold you back. It can stifle creativity and make it harder to focus on what matters most. One of the best ways Candace has found to feel motivated creatively, is by tidying up her studio, making space for the creative process to happen.
How Candace Approaches Art Disposal
Sorting by Tiers:
First tier: The absolute best—frame-worthy, portfolio pieces. These works shine and are the “obvious” favorites.
Second tier: Work that marks an important moment but isn’t a favorite.
Third tier: The leftovers—anything that ISN’T 1st and 2nd tier. The sketches, practice pieces, stuff that just takes up space.
Creative Reuse: Third-tier pieces can become:
Collage material
Underlayers for new drawings
Wrapping paper for thoughtful birthday, anniversary & holiday gifts
Bonfire fuel - celebrate as your artistic energy returns to the earth
Art Bonfire Ritual: She’s hosted three art bonfires in the last ten years—each time clearing out unremarkable work from different stages of her journey.
This is best for works on paper, canvas or wood. It is not recommended to burn plastics or fabrics, unless it is 100% cotton or linen.
If something really calls out to be saved at the last minute from the fire, that’s ok! Explore the emotion and use that energy to create more works in the future.
Tips for Letting Go
Make categories, not just “keep” or “toss.” Breaking things into tiers helps you make clear decisions.
Release with gratitude. An art bonfire can be a final, mindful opportunity to reflect on the journey, express gratitude for the lessons, and let go.
Document if needed. Take a photo of any piece before letting it go, if you think you’ll miss it.
Trust your instincts. Artists usually know which pieces truly matter. Parents - involve your artists in these decisions so your child learns how to curate their own works.
The remaining artwork after a culling will be a stronger, better representation of your best work from that time, with none of the distractions of your less beautiful creations.
A Word on Attachment
Candace reminds us that even well-meaning family or friends might feel attached to every piece you’ve ever made—like when she and her partner’s parents were mortified seeing their child’s art go up in flames. But remember: it’s your art, your journey, and your space.
She also points out that if artwork is sitting in boxes in a basement or garage, it’s not serving its highest purpose. Letting go of that art—through an intentional release ritual—can become a way to celebrate your growth as an artist and inspire you to make new work. It’s a way to honor the past and make space for the creative future you’re building.
Final Thought
Not every artwork is a masterpiece, and that’s okay. Letting go can make room for more creativity, more inspiration, and more joy.
About Candace Jensen
Candace is a professional interdisciplinary visual artist and Cofounder and Programming Director of In Situ Polyculture Commons in Westminster, VT. She also serves as the Letterpress and Book Arts Director at the Ruth Stone House and is the Art Editor for Iterant Mag. Read more about Candace here.
