Erika Iris Simmons aka irI5 is self-taught artist who specializes in using non traditional media: old books, cassettes, playing cards, magazines, credit cards... whatever she can get her hands on. She enjoys working with unusual, older materials: “things that have a mind of their own”.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri and now residing in Georgia, USA, Simmons is able to breathe new life in materials that have mostly been thrown away or donated at some point in the past. Thought and intention allow items that have passed their prime to live as art. Check out more of our favorite pieces by this scavenger.

‘Ghost in the Machine:’ Dylan out of cassette

‘Ghost in the Machine:’ Jimi Hendrix out of cassette

Muhammad Ali composed out of photographs from his life 

Portrait of President Obama composed of photographs of his rise to the presidency.

Photographs by Pete Souza from his book "The Rise of Barack Obama"

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