Collage: The Sum of the Parts
I was invited by my artist friend Debra Arter to talk about collage as part of a panel discussion to be held at the Maine Art Gallery in Wiscasset. Deb titled the panel “Collage, The Sum of the Parts.” I will be one of four artists invited to talk about collage from 4-6 PM on Thursday June 5th at the gallery. Deb’s title “Collage: The Sum of the Parts” made me think about my collage history. I’m pretty sure my love of collage had it’s roots in early childhood. As a child I loved making imaginary worlds out of chunky wooden unit blocks. Later on, I fell in love with Legos. My Legos were generic bricks, not like today’s fancy kits which are designed with a particular model in mind. Above all, I loved playing with Legos because I could use my imagination. And I continue to stretch my imagination and explore possibilities in my collage work.
The building blocks of collage: papers
Sometimes I paper I hand print paper on a gelatin plate using acrylic paints and various stamps and stencils.
Master collage artist Romare Bearden
I really got jazzed about collage when I was introduced to the art of Romare Bearden. During my studies at Parsons in NYC in the early 1980’s I learned about Bearden in an evening course. My course was taught by Myron Schwartzman. At the time he was finishing up a series of in-depth interviews with the artist for a biography of Bearden.
A brief introduction to Romare Bearden and his art
I was entranced by Romare Bearden’s vibrantly colorful and inventive collages when I first saw them. Interestingly, I learned that he studied mathematics which gives insight into his compositional approach. Like other artists I admire, Bearden continually evolved his style. I am intrigued by how he played with color and composition, taking risks along the way. Additionally, I marvel at how his jazz-inspired syncopations merge color, form, and expression. Notably, Bearden’s collages play with with scale. For example, in Bearden’s collages a human figure may have outsized hands. Furthermore, he uses inventive and vibrant color to create a feeling or emotional tone.
Talking about collage–A bit about my process
I often have an image in mind when I start working on a collage. Initially I look closely at my motif and sometimes do some preliminary sketches in pencil or color. My most recent collage is based on a photo I took last summer in my garden. In the photo, the garden plants are drenched in full sunlight with strong areas of shadow. I chose colored papers to reflect the darks and lights. Interestingly, I drew inspiration for this jazzy garden-inspired collage from my long-time study of Bearden’s collage art. I looked for areas of contrast and harmony just as you might listen for them in a piece of music.
Nature as an inspiration–More about my garden collage
I enjoy finding inspiration in nature. In my garden collage, pictured below, I depict two volunteers, annual plants who continue to re-seed themselves in my sandy garden soil. I love those plants– Hopi red dye amaranth and purple Morning Glories– and how they seem to enjoy being together. I notice the contrasts of color and form between the two plants, one of whom is vining and dependent upon a support and the other with its sturdy stalk. In my composition I direct the movement outward with the leaves and upward with the vines. You many notice the climactic red leaves and cluster of amaranth flowers near the top center of the collage being surrounded by golden light. I want you to feel the energy and exuberance of nature in this colorful collage.
Past and present merge in collage
I look forward to talking about collage on June 5th and being part of the four artist panel discussion at the Maine Art Gallery in Wiscasset. When I construct a collage it’s a bit like building a Lego tower. I proceed piece by piece to assemble a structure and give it meaning. I guess a collage really is the sum of the parts.
Please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for being part of my art community.
Robin