an imageteller captures image celebrations.
sharing image tales broadens an artistic expression.
doing so, brings this particular creative indescribable joy.
what is your image story? perhaps I can help you tell it!
Vintage Collages Join RARE Exhibit
Rare is the Recycled Art and Resource Expo hosted by Allied Arts Gallery
It runs for the entire month of April
Open T-SA from 11-4
This is a beloved annual event and my first time participating.
RARE provides a platform for eco-friendly artists to showcase their art created from recycle materials. RARE also promotes art organizations and facilities that incorporate sustainability in their facilities and programs. One of our main objectives for this event is to educate the community on the role that the arts can play in the sustainability movement.
This year’s RARE event will provide an entertaining, socially distanced, environment that showcases pieces from numerous, diverse artists using a variety of recycled materials for a month long exhibit at the Allied Arts Gallery. We invite Exhibiting artists with a passion for art created from recycled materials to become a part of RARE. Attendees are inspired to take home innovative ideas that recognize the value of using resources creatively.
RARE is made possible by many generous business partners.
Below are the three 8x8 stitched collages that I selected to be a part of this group event.
The back story is that I was gifted this wonderful stack of reference books. Not all of them were a fit for me, and quite a few of them I found new homes for.
I have really enjoyed tearing apart what was left.
The book on travel in Japan is from 1960 ( the year I was born )
1" strips from a seed catalog matched the retro color pallet perfectly
These are bound with a paper frame or binding much like a quilt.
outside of the thread and glue, the materials are recycled
here are the 8 that I made in June of 2021
Vintage Valentines
To my delight, I was gifted this bundle of vintage valentines.
I had such a wonderful time creating with them!
I love how individual and unique each 8x8 stitched collage is!
For a few of them I embroidered on the back
These two vintage ladies I think would pair well framed.
The Birds At Smith And Vallee Gallery
MANY of the resources that I collage with are gifted to me. This is true of the birds I made this past fall in preparation for this years invitational at Smith And Vallee Gallery in Edison.
My daughter sent me some vintage National Geographic Magazines and one of them published in 1977 had this article about James Audubon. I bet you can imagine my gasp when I turned the page to this tremendous Great Cinereous Owl!! Or to the other remarkable examples of his paintings. These fantastic image references made for a fun and deep dive into this years collection of stitched bird collages.
I had also altered some pages ...another National Geographic project. Combining that chemically altered paper into my strip pallet, I found that the owl and others came together just beautifully.
This other Audubon print was also a gift. I had so much fun making it into 12x12 stitched collage. I love the vintage feel of it.
In the end I could not decide which to submit to the invitational so I put it to a vote. The owl won! Closely followed by the doves.
I love driving the mini road trek to Edison. Each time I try and revisit some of my favorite spots, and as art was making its way into the gallery on drop off day, I took a few photos of some favorites.
100 artists participate in this annual bird themed invitational. Participating always has me feel like I belong or that I am part of something.
If curious....here is a link to last years BIRDS
Portfolio 2022
Photography
Collage From Journals or Workshops
Stitched Collage
Solo Touring Installations - Inspirit Form, Singularity, Project Catwalk
Stitched Birds 2020, 2021
Currently Developing: The People Project: 18 x 24, 9x12, 8x8 (stitched)
Step By Step Creative Subconscious Collage Process
I photographed a step by step narrative of the creative subconscious collage process during my 01/02/2022 new moon session.
1. you need a magazine, scissors and glue stick
2. a journal helps, if needed cut a backing for your collage so that it can fit into your journal - this was a 6x6 square.
3. set the timer for 5 minutes and flip through your magazine. remember to allow images to choose you.
4. set aside the pages you've torn out. these and only these are what you will create your collage with. I had 7 pages here. I used all of the pages but one.
5. set the timer for 20-30 minutes. cut or tear as you see fit. pairings and the way things fit together seem to find their own way. for example that eye needed to be inside that piece of arched pink. consider a background to help pull the variety of pieces together.
6. finish the piece by glueing any loose edges down and trimming sides if needed.
7. Take a picture of your collage. While it's in front of you, decide what you think you see within your collage. Bring words to it by writing in your journal.
8. I wrote in my journal. "I am centered. I love where my creative winds will take me. I look forward to teaching and the long term projects I have plans for in 2022" Part of my "prompt" was reading about the opposing forces that might be ahead. my desire for order and my desire for quiet. I was inspired by the writings of friend who said that we all have light within us. I want to share my knowledge with others
9. What do you see within my collage?
* It is not necessary to do more. I personally am compelled to stitch my work because as an artist that's my creative aesthetic. I also added a washi tape border. I am experimenting with photo corners to hold my collage in place in my journal. what do you think?
For those new to my world, this is my studio space and my cat amber
Photography = a never ending opportunity to capture visual celebrations.
