Where do elements "end up"?

In a way, this is a bit of a follow-up to the last post in terms of how interesting I think it is to see from where elements come and into what compositions they eventually become incorporated. Here are a couple more examples. The first is an older piece (almost 5 years now) that included a beautiful transfer of a detailed angel. If you look at my studio table, you will see some of the elements as they lay waiting to be incorporated into a composition. The other is a newer piece (one that is now on exhibit at the Kirkland Art Center). I had played with where the "ripped guy" might fit in a number of experimental compositions, until he finally found his was on the vintage map background with a colorful hand used as some contrast.