Are You Friends on Facebook?
analog collage on matboard
16" x 20"
January 2023
The post discussing the idea behind the piece is right here.
Suffice to say I have some thoughts about social media and the harm
it can cause.
Cisco or Bust
20" x 16"
analog collage on mat board
A piece based on the movie Thelma and Louise. I wondered if a person could ever be past the point of redemption; if there could once again be a clear future. Plus, the girls stuffed into that car reminded me of clowns at a circus. P.S. That cliff scene was filmed in Cisco, Utah, hence the title.
At The Intersection-Collages of Nature, Science and Spirit
Although I use paper in my work, both painted and printed, I am really not a "mixed media" type of person. Lots of different materials and processes don't entice me. But, I did want to try some new things. With the below pieces, I utilized a new-to-me material, transparent deli paper wrap. It can be printed or written on and then glued over other things for a very interesting and subtle effect. I also wanted to combine my own photos with images that are from the public domain. Additionally, I used some of my own writing as well as that of other people (public domain) to support some of the ideas. I wanted nature (people and other creatures) and science inspired images mixed together to produce a kind of nostalgic and numinous quality. A tall order to be sure but a worthy goal. And as usual, I leave it up to the viewer to decide just what is going on. A little mystery never hurt anyone!
A Faith That The Small Will Reveal The Large.
I selected the above title which is a quote from Adam Gopnik's book about Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin, Angels and Ages. I used this quote to guide me in making the collages shown below. For me, the quote encapsulates the artistic process (though Gopnik uses it to describe Lincoln's mindset when entering the Civil War). Any creative person needs time and a body of work to see where they should put their efforts. You have to make a lot of things and sort through that pile to get to some truth. This process of reflection reveals strengths and weaknesses but it also shows you where to go next and why you should go there at all. Create, look, and create some more.
The four pieces shown below are a bit of an experiment in two ways. Firstly, I decided that my collages should contain an image on the reverse side; so, a front and a back for a total of two collages on one board. It allows me to practice more and it also helps to stabilize the matboard (the substrate which the collage is built upon) so that it doesn't warp. Secondly, I used a computer program to digitally enhance the collage (see the 2nd set, bottom row). The images are reversed in color by the computer program. I would have never thought to select these colors or make images that appeared as an (gasp!) old fashioned film negative. People manipulate images and make artwork that only exists on their phone or computer every single day of the week, 365! I had a few qualms at first but think that being upfront helps. It certainly gives me some ideas for future pieces.
The four pieces shown below are a bit of an experiment in two ways. Firstly, I decided that my collages should contain an image on the reverse side; so, a front and a back for a total of two collages on one board. It allows me to practice more and it also helps to stabilize the matboard (the substrate which the collage is built upon) so that it doesn't warp. Secondly, I used a computer program to digitally enhance the collage (see the 2nd set, bottom row). The images are reversed in color by the computer program. I would have never thought to select these colors or make images that appeared as an (gasp!) old fashioned film negative. People manipulate images and make artwork that only exists on their phone or computer every single day of the week, 365! I had a few qualms at first but think that being upfront helps. It certainly gives me some ideas for future pieces.
