The Port Ludlow Art League is showcasing Jefferson County mixed-media artist Erika Wurm as the guest speaker for its October meeting.

Wurm describes herself as “eco-conscious,” which is why she prefers to use repurposed materials. That isn’t just to challenge herself creatively, but also to reduce waste in making art.

Wurm’s fondness for such repurposed materials also stems from her affinity for creating “interesting textures and dimensions.” It’s perhaps not surprising, then, that she was invited to address the Port Ludlow Art League by the group’s president, Pamela Raine. Both are both members of the Peninsula Fiber Artists, given that group’s tactile artistry.

“Pamela reached out to me and wanted me to chat about my process of using unconventional materials with the group,” Wurm said.

The love of nature in Wurm’s artwork ties into her other role, as a professional horticulturist, as she frequently refers to dried flora from her own garden.

“She enjoys researching and highlighting endangered species of flora and fauna in her artwork to raise awareness about them, while adding touches of her whimsical humor,” Raine said.

As a self-described “big environmentalist,” Wurm highlights endangered and “little-known” species that “aren’t doing so well,” such as the “jumping slugs” of the Pacific Northwest.

“As soon as I heard about them, I knew I had to illustrate them,” Wurm said. “I hope I can spark curiosity about parts of the natural world that people don’t always know about.”

Wurm also produced an educational coloring book about endangered species that’s available at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

She said she eschews non-biodegradeable materials, such as plastics, in favor of materials reclaimed from waste disposal, including wires, egg cartons and toilet paper rolls.

“Besides keeping those things out of landfills, it forces me to exercise my imagination,” Wurm said. “When I taught an art class to kids in Port Angeles, they wondered what they could do with that stuff. I told them, the trick is not to look at it as what it is, but in terms of what it can be or do. You can shape or cut curves into those materials. Even if it’s just where you place an item, it can bring perspective and interest to the rest of the piece.”

Wurm asserted “there’s no right or wrong way” to tackle art projects, and she encouraged people to approach the creation of art with a sense of play.

In 2015, the artist created Wurm Wares, a place where she could “let my inner child create,” while celebrating her “perfectly silly” last name.

“I create to spark imagination and inspiration, along with making folks smile,” Wurm said.

Since then, she’s retained this philosophy, but adopted a number of techniques new to her.

“I used to prefer acrylics because of the degree of control they afforded,” Wurm said. “Watercolor paints used to feel too wild and unruly for me, but that’s exactly what eventually made me fall in love with watercolors.”

Wurm recalled the children’s picture books she grew up reading, whose illustrations often featured pencil sketches filled in with watercolor paints, which also scratches her itch for visual “texture.”

Wurm’s presentation to the Port Ludlow Art League will focus on such inspirations, as well as her process, from a sketch to a finished piece, including examples of each stage.

“I want to make art more accessible for everyone,” Wurm said. “Even if you don’t feel like you’re an artist, don’t worry about making mistakes. You should just feel free to create for your own joy.”

What to know:

The program meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 1-3 p.m. at the Port Ludlow Beach Club, at 121 Marina View Drive in Port Ludlow.

The Port Ludlow Art League’s gallery at 9500 Oak Bay Drive is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.