Many damaged vinyl records end up in a landfill, but some will find a new purpose as unique pieces of decorative art, thanks to Sykesville-based artist McKenzie Warfield.
Warfield, 26, spent last Saturday creating personalized art on vinyl records at Baldwin’s Dream, 7550 W. Main St., in Sykesville, for the gift shop’s customers.
As a record collector, Warfield knows vinyl is particularly hard to recycle, which inspired her to paint on her own lightly damaged records. Classic rock records from the 1960s and 1970s are among her favorites, Warfield added.
“I’m trying to do my part as best as possible to find items that need a breath of fresh air to bring them back,” Warfield said. “That way I’m not creating more waste.”
Painted records are purely decorative and can no longer be played without scratching the acrylic paint. Warfield said many of her customers opt to use painted records as wall decorations. The records used for her projects have some damage or warping, but are never chipped or outright broken.
Warfield said personalizing each piece by adding words, phrases and designs with significance to the buyer takes about 10 to 20 minutes per record, depending on the design. She charged $30 for 7-inch records and $40 for 12-inch records.
“Finding ways for people to look past those little scratches and those dents, and see something new that they never would have thought to see before, is really the goal behind what I’ve been doing,” Warfield said.
Baldwin’s Dream owner Gale Baldwin, of Sykesville, said Warfield is a family friend and he was happy to partner with her for the event. A gift shop, Baldwin’s Dream also sells records painted by Warfield without personalization, as well as a number of other handmade products.
“She came up with the idea on her own to do this,” said Baldwin, 74, “and we totally support her.”
Warfield is a longtime painter but did not monetize her work until opening an Etsy shop in 2018 with encouragement from her then-boyfriend.
Warfield married the man who encouraged her to start the shop for her art in October. She lives on Rocky Meadows Farm, where her family has a rich history. Despite her passion for art, Warfield studied science and works as a contractor with the National Institutes of Health.
She said she has painted about 850 records to date, and also specializes in second-hand picture frames and other wall art.
“Clearly people are enjoying the idea behind trying to be more sustainable,” Warfield said.
The record personalization event was held on Saturday in part because the product makes a fine Valentine’s Day gift. Warfield said she hopes this community event will be the first of many.
“Even if one person comes by and I’m able to make their day by getting them an item personalized that means a lot to them, that’s more than enough for me,” Warfield said.
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Unwanted vinyl records get new life with help from Sykesville artist - Baltimore Sun
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