Thoughts on Collage Work
I've often said that I don't just randomly glue stuff down solely for the
sake of covering a page. I've been doing this long enough to have
amassed a decent size collection of ephemera and stuff that's relevant
to the way that I work. In other words, I know what colors, images,
symbols, patterns, etc... that I am drawn to.
Usually I tell my students to start by collecting a small pile of
background papers and a few focal images that appeal to them and to place in their pile whatever catches
their eye. From that selection, you can start to create a page.
When I go to create a page, I don't worry that every piece of paper has a meaning. I've already established the importance of the paper (to me) by placing it in my stash and sorting it aside for using NOW. It's something that happens without me even being conscious of it.
As I start to select my papers to use to create a page, I tend not to worry about anything other than choosing what I like to reflect my current mood and what I might want the page to say. In other words, I start by picking what I like from my now stash.
I picked the papers on the page above: the one that says Boston (where I'm from), the astrological chart (my friend, Krista made it for me and it's my birth chart) and the image of the girl who looks upset, wandering and wondering (perfect for my mood the moment I created the page.) The other papers and ephemera I chose because I liked them and they fit the mood of the page. I tend to sort through my stash quickly pulling aside anything that catches my eye, makes me stop and think, "A-ha!" and is relevant to the page that I'm creating. I start by picking what I like. I use certain colors and repeated patterns and symbols because they mean something to me (yes, folks, I use a lot of pink for a reason...) I only know this because I've been repeatedly working and creating in journal form for quite some time now. I can look back on my pages and see these repeated images, symbols, colors, etc... It's like I've developed my own visual vocabulary that's specific to ME.
All that said, don't stress and strain that every thing you do has to have meaning. Start by picking what you like and go from there. You can create your own meaning as you work on your pages. Play. Experiment. Explore. See what evolves and develops on your own pages. You'll soon realize that you have created your own visual vocabulary!
Comments
Havent been creating as was having knee replacement surgery. I thought when I got home I would go to town. But find I am too exhausted and with PT, OT< nurse and aide here most days well you can see what happens. Soon I hope.
Patq
I learned a long time ago that beating myself up over my art doesn't get me anywhere. Yes, I still beat myself up over stupid crap but I won't allow it for my art. ;)
I hope you're feeling better soon. Try not to beat yourself up over art making. Concentrate on getting well and healing. Fill your creative well with books, movies, music, whatever makes you happy and feeling better until you can start creating again.
Big hugs,
Kelly
I also have files of images that I use but I don't have a NOW stash so maybe that's why collaging isn't so effortless for me. Maybe that should be my next step. As always, thanks for sharing your process!!
@Susie, EXACTLY! :)
@Cat, Having a NOW stash vs having to dig through a mound of stuff has helped me immensely. I'm always ready to dive right in. It's not as overwhelming and I LOVE being able to make art in a short period of time!
@Janine, YES! :)
@Deb, Simple is fine. As long as you are happy and content with the pages and they say what you want them to say, that is all that matters. Thank you for the kind words.
@stitch It's funny as I wasn't always drawn to images of folks either. I am more drawn to using feminine imagery in my work. I use what I identify with and that's all that matters. Use what you feel most comfortable and drawn to. :)