Transforming Misprints into Masterpieces with Gemma Traynor

We’re thrilled to showcase the incredibly talented artist and photographer, Gemma Traynor. An artist thriving on turning ideas into wearable art and discovering new ways to upcycle and repurpose textile materials. We met Gemma through an inspiring initiative called Space Junk, spearheaded by Outer Space, a local organization from Meanjin/Brisbane dedicated to highlighting artists and reimagining waste through creative innovation.

What Is Space Junk?
Space Junk is an initiative by Outer Space (@outerspace.brisbane) that invites local artists to transform commercial waste into new, sustainably-minded creative outcomes. For this project, The Print Bar provided misprinted t-shirts and materials that might have otherwise been discarded. With sustainability, collaboration and innovation at its core, this specific Space Junk project aims to rethink waste, transforming it into artworks, wearable items, and unique designs that inspire and endure.

Meet the Artist: Gemma Traynor
Gemma Traynor (@gemmatraynor_) is a Meanjin/Brisbane-based artist and photographer with a remarkable ability to turn the everyday into the extraordinary. Over the past eight years in the creative industry, Gemma has honed her skills as a professional photographer, while simultaneously nurturing an arts practice that seamlessly blends photography and craft. Her work delves into the realms of memory and human experience, often using experimental techniques to explore the fleeting, ephemeral nature of photography.
Gemma’s creative process is nothing short of transformative. Her ability to fuse introspection with innovation has led to a body of work that resonates deeply, offering new perspectives on how we view art, sustainability, and the role of craft in contemporary culture.

The Process Behind the Collection
This collaboration is particularly exciting because it aligns perfectly with The Print Bar’s ongoing actions towards sustainability. By repurposing misprinted materials, we’re not only reducing waste but also fostering a new form of artistic expression.

The first collection from Space Junk, designed by Gemma, features wearable items that elevate everyday fashion into a celebration of creativity and sustainability. Each piece is a testament to the power of rethinking waste—a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.

Using experimental crafting techniques, Gemma transformed our misprinted fabrics into one-of-a-kind t-shirts, accessories and handbags that challenge conventional notions of fashion and art. We also coordinated some new prints (the floral prints arranged on both the t-shirts and bags) that Gemma could stitch into the garments. Whether it’s a t-shirt with intricate, hand-sewn details or a bag that pushes the boundaries of material use, each item tells a story of transformation and renewal.

This collaboration isn’t just about creating beautiful items—it’s about sparking a conversation. By partnering with Outer Space and Gemma Traynor, we hope to inspire others in the community to think differently about waste, art, and the intersection of the two. We believe that sustainability and creativity go hand in hand, and this project is a shining example of what’s possible when they’re combined.

What’s Next?
The first and second Space Junk collection is now available, and we couldn’t be prouder of the result. We’ve also worked with Meanjin creative You Took Your Time (@you_took_your_time) to create some hand printed garments. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be an ongoing journey of artistic collaboration and sustainable innovation. We’re excited to continue exploring new ways to turn challenges into opportunities and waste into wonder. Got a project idea? Let’s bring your creative vision to life!

We invite you to experience the magic of this collaboration for yourself. Follow us (@theprintbar) and Gemma (@gemmatraynor_) on Instagram to see the collection. Learn more about the incredible work being done by Gemma Traynor and follow Outer Space (@outerspace.brisbane). Together, we’re proving that even the most unlikely materials can become masterpieces.