Abstracts are rather new to me, and I enjoy the freedom of concentrating simply on textures, shapes and color to create an image open to interpretation. All of my other collages are created with unexpected shapes or images to convey an overall familiar, identifiable visual. The collage (left) is called Shadows, a subject matter that has always interested me on multiple levels. Shadows often have their own depth and definition that connect other forms or define spaces in a new way. I hope to experiment more with abstracts as I explore new textures and expand my understanding of collages and the many interactive relationships.
Animals work particularly well in collages because of the infinite possibilities of unexpected colors and textures I see. Various textures and colors add depth and substance, but they also create accents to draw one's attention and interest without compromising the subject matter. Animals may be my favorite subject for collages.
Architectural subjects lend themselves particularly well to collages. Cities and buildings are especially fun to create with unexpected forms to develop an overall, identifiable image. For example, if you look closely, you will find chair backs, jewelry, ties, rugs, car grills, bicycles, fences and all kinds of other items to convey a familiar, final image.
I began experimenting with collages as an exercise to loosen up my paintings; however, I find myself working tighter and tighter in these landscapes. They are fun to create, but I tend to prefer the simpler landscapes.
Some of my first collages were still-lifes as I experimented with different materials, art boards, adhesives and finishes to determine what worked best for the end result I hoped to achieve. I used familiar, predictable images to create an easily identifiable scene, concentrating more on the logistics than creativity. This was great learning experience for me, but I tend to enjoy the process more when I am creating other types of images.
I recently completed a series of horse race collages, which are colorful and bold. So far, I have created only one other sports collage (Hockey), but I would like to create more. I think sports will provide various, new and interesting ways to explore shapes and forms.
Figures offer me a different challenge. I experimented more with fabrics, wall papers and other textures mixed with different paints and other media. Although this experience would not be unique to collages with figures, I found myself minimizing details of the figures and focusing more on the clothes and background textures. I learned how different papers and fabrics react as they absorb the resin I use to finish my collages. Some work far better than others. Good lessons learned.
The Pursuit of Happiness is an entirely different type of collage from the others. This concentrates on using multiple images to define my concept of what the Statue of Liberty has come to represent in a modern America. I really enjoyed the "hunt" for appropriate and easily recognizable "Americana" items and corporate logos. People often comment on how they see something different every time they look at it. By the way, those are not real dollar bills. Just fun.
