Two collages – a study in contrasts

The dictionary defines collage in this way:  A technique of composing a work of art by pasting on a single surface various materials not normally associated with one another, as newspaper clippings, parts of photographs, theatre tickets, fragments of an envelope, etc.

November through May was always my favorite time growing up in Groves, Jefferson County, Texas.  The humidity was lower at this time of year, and the living seemed easy.  This past fall, I spent some time reminiscing on the simpler time of my childhood that seems to have slipped irrevocably into the past.  A a part of this mental exercise, I realized that my feelings were a mixture of emotions.  I had a wonderful childhood that was mostly unfettered and carefree.  Life in that fine old house and hours spent under the pecan trees are sweet memories that I cherish.  I made a list of things I liked – elements that have a significant bearing on who I am today.  To name a few: the egrets fishing in the bayou, a 6-pack of new Crayolas, hummingbird moths, my daddy's four-o'clocks, my blue Schwinn bicycle, and more.

I had begun a 16 X 20 painting on stretched canvas from an old photograph, as part of my Li'l Donna series that I'd never finished.  I saw this as an opportunity to give this work life.  I found photographs and ephemera to depict various elements that I wanted to include, and set out too assemble them in a satisfactory arrangement.  Thus, Jefferson County Girl became a reality...

Jefferson County Girl

There's a strong element of realism in this work that only happens when one uses photographs and objects that have vivid contextual connotations associated with the memories that are the inspiration.  The piece becomes literal – although the interpretation is in the eye of the beholder, it is transformed into something more specific.

In contrast to this, I often work on a smaller scale using color, form and texture in an abstract manner to create an imaginary environment that is spatial and left to the viewer to interpret and / or visually explore.  This spring I was thinking about the cycle of the seasons, and created this piece to celebrate the idea and spirit of solstice.  This collage is 5 X 7, created on an ampersand board using printed papers, handmade papers, and acrylic paint.  Let the image speak to you and let your imagination interpret the depicted space...

Solstice