Studio
The wonderful windows in my studio are not as conducive to photography as they are to the creative spirit, but you can hopefully get the idea of where the "Nodes" collage is going as the layers and elements accumulate!
So, here are some photos taken a few days ago of progress on the "biggie" collage (three by four feet). Working title is "Nodes." Sometimes I'm considering it vertically, sometimes horizontally, sometimes working flat, sometimes on the easel. I think the horizontal orientation will ultimately win out. So far this collage is composed of mostly cardboard, kraft papers, shopping bags, envelopes... with only a small portion of magazine papers. More photos to come.
As promised, here are images of the early stages of my work on a new and larger-than-typical collage. Pages from an old book were adhered to the wood support to create the background layer. I like the casual grid of the type from these pages as a place to begin. Because I wanted to dim down the readability of the type a bit, I tinted the pages with acrylic (top photo). Then it's back to the easel as the first pieces are applied.
The pages come from a 1961 edition of Who's Who in the Theatre, a thick tome that the public library was discarding. It was fun to skim the text as I glued... each entry has a space for "Recreation." My favorite answer was from a British actor, born in the early 1900s, who answered, "sauntering." Phone numbers had formats like: "Ambassador 5438." The volume also lists every part and play/film the actors were in... a time capsule of sorts from another era.
I'm working on several collages at once these days, but will continue to post photos of this one as it progresses. I have an idea of where the composition is going... but it's always an adventure to see where it goes. Serendipity* is a factor!
*Love the sound of this word (so appropriate to my work), and its derivation: coined by Horace Walpole, suggested by The Three Princes of Serendip, the title of a fairy tale in which the heroes “were always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things they were not in quest of.” (origin 1754)
I've made a commitment to spend more time on creative pursuits in 2011. Here's what I'm thinking about as the new year begins...
Art/Collage:
A few days ago I began gluing paper onto the largest collage support I've ever worked on — four feet by three feet! The photo shows the beginning of the first layer. Because of other commitments, I know it is a project that I'll be working on over an extended period of time! Still, nice to get it started.
Gessoing the edges of supports for a triptych of collages, each 18 x 18 x 2", for a residential commission.
Mulling over ideas for a exhibit in intimate space where I'd like to show more casual collage studies.
Collecting materials to revisit the "Jottings" series.
Art/Business:
Thinking creatively about how best to get the work "out there" this year. Considering submitting work for publication online. Researching online venues. Exploring and enjoying social media.
Art/Studio:
Considering how best to share space between my design practice and my artistic explorations as both evolve. Experimenting with how to "file" raw materials for use in specific series. Purging. Simplifying.
Art/Life:
Going to see more art this year and meet more artists. (Excited about upcoming quick trip to San Francisco where I will get to see the Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne and Beyond: Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay exhibit at the de Young Museum.) Establishing local collage group, a front range group that would be affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Collage Society. (Get in touch if local and interested.)
Oh, and I also have a graphic design practice to maintain... :)
You'll be hearing more about all these plans/concerns/delights as the year unfolds -- here's to a creative 2011!