Collages with Family Photographs

Today is my Grandmothers’ birthday. These collages are of her and my Grandpa. I love how sweet the photo of the two of them is.

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Student’s Paste Paper AKA Being (age) 5 again

Beginning from the top: Ellen Springwater, David Spain, Susan McClure and Geraldine Rose. Aren’t these YUMMY?!?!

So, I only have a few large pieces of other’s papers in my personal collection, but I witness the amazing creation of these Rorschach-like paintings from friends and students quite often. I would show more, but alas I need to scan pieces bigger than the swatches I have begged for. My begging continues….!

One of the most interesting things about working on these with my crazy free-for-all anti-perfection process is that everyone’s personality shines through the work. If you’re feeling freaky or blue or fabulous or funky, it is bound to reveal itself. Folks often find that they think that their particular paste paper “looks the same” (yeah, right!). It’s just that each person does tend to have a style or repetitive almost meditative-ness to his or her stroke. (Thus, in my opinion the entire process becomes a therapeutic way of letting go.) And if you don’t “like it”, just…paint over it! Add another coat! How liberating!!

Collages with found stuff

OK, so I have an obsession with leaves. I love them, delicious and colorful and surrounding me everyday. I especially love the sound of the wind as it shakes through our great eucalyptus, it gives me chills. (The good kind.) I also love books, and besides collecting and making them, I have been known to alter them or repurpose what I call “dying” old books. I find the quality of the paper delicate and beautiful. I am always finding things on my walks- bits of paper, rusty things, leaves, petals, rocks, anything that strikes my fancy. I love creating something new with found treasures.

Mini inspiration cards

I painted and collaged these little cards on repurposed/recycled paper. (Most of my work now-a-days is made with things I find or scrounge.) Each card has an image on one side and a word on the other. Sometimes I deal myself a card or hand to put something new in my noggin. It helps get my brain off in a new direction!

Paste Paper Collages on Wood

In these pieces I was experimenting with using the paste and paint directly on wood, and working on a larger scale. Hence, I needed larger pieces of paste paper to add on top. Ay-yi-yi! I also finally got to use some of my old rusty shmushed bottle caps.

 

My collage Tarot deck

I am fascinated with playing cards, Tarot, and what I call “divination” or”inspiration” decks. I have been making and assigning card deck projects for years. Working with an original old deck of cards, I glued and scratched and painted & rubbed myself the Two, Three and Four of Wands. There are more to come…

Wheat paste with paint and ink

I have been experimenting with wheat paste mixed with paint as a painting medium rather than just for paste paper. With a little ink on top, it’s addictive….

Paste paper accordion books

Let’s not forget the close-ups…