American artist Barry McGee is renowned for his distinctive style, which combines fine art techniques with street art. One of the main tenets of McGee's philosophy is his conviction that beauty and worth can be found in unexpected places, especially in objects that others might ignore or throw away.
Imagine strolling through a large garden where some flowers are beautifully cared for and admired by all, while others grow wild in the nooks and crannies, perhaps less seen but no less lovely. According to Barry McGee, secondhand stores are these underappreciated facets of society that are teeming with gems just waiting to be found by someone who recognizes their distinct charm.
This idea is reflected in McGee's personal style and fashion sense. In second-hand shops, he frequently discovers objects that have a deep meaning for him—items that have a past and, through their wear and tear, tell stories. When McGee finds something that speaks to him, he incorporates it fully into his life, wearing it every day, working while wearing it, and even sleeping in it if he can.
This notion of embracing something completely once it captures your heart is similar to Barry McGee's method of creating art, which involves giving his all to the process and developing a close bond with the materials he works with. McGee finds inspiration in the little-known details of life, whether it's the clothes he finds at secondhand shops or the street signs and abandoned items that frequently appear in his artwork.
His remarks essentially emphasize a wider understanding of flaws and the beauty found in the unusual routes we decide to follow in life.