Collage Art
Here are a few photos taken during the First Friday ArtWalk on May 7th. Thanks to all who came by to see the show. Another artist's reception is Friday, May 21st from 6-8pm.
Finishing my Rip/Tear show has been a whirlwind. My studio space is still not recovered and I'm acknowledging that I desperately need to de-clutter in preparation for new work. (Tomorrow!) Collage, by its very nature, requires a certain amount of debris to accumulate as potential materials are stockpiled... then again as pieces are considered, rejected, altered, and perhaps end up in the collage... but quite often return to the pile! Thankfully, I can close the door on the studio when it gets overwhelming and retreat to other parts of our relatively simple abode.
I've read about artists who toss all the materials that were considered, but went unused, for a specific collage piece. Somehow, I can't do that. Whatever originally drew me to the imagery keeps me interested enough to salvage it for the future, unless the scraps are absolutely diminutive! And therein lies part of the problem.This quote speaks to the issue and to the artistic process and makes an appropriate mantra. “Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; from discord find harmony; in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” — Albert EinsteinDid I mention the boxes of graciously donated magazines that are waiting to be sifted on the back porch?!
It's been enlightening to be able to stand back and see the collages from several of my series on the walls at Rip/Tear, on view through May 29th. The work always seems to take on a whole new personality when it is hung beyond the studio. It's good to get some perspective on what I want to continue or revisit, in terms of themes, and inspiration for what I may want to launch into from here. Here are a couple of photos of the exhibition. Hope you can see it in person if you are in the area!Above: Collages from the Color Constructs series, 20 x 10 x 1" each.Below: Collages from the Abstract collection, various sizes. (For scale, vertical at left is 20 x 10 x 1.")
Over 100 artists who work in the collage and/or assemblage mediums have joined a Ning Network website to post and discuss their work. This project was begun by Cecil Touchon in association with the International Museum of Collage, Assemblage and Construction so that members of the museum's email group and community can share their work and ideas in a more multi-media environment. If you are working in these mediums (or simply interested in them), the site is a resource with nearly every kind of work imaginable.
Full disclosure: I have recently started to moderate the site and try to keep it clear of spam. (Where do all these spammers come from?!) The good part is that I'm visiting more often and seeing some really amazing work, a real treat, plus being exposed to the breadth and depth of work these artists are creating.