Once again, I am teaching a course at the university entitled, "Psychology & The Visual Arts". I think the students are enjoying it. This past week, I did a collage workshop with them. We didn't have enough time for everyone to complete their pieces, so we will continue this coming week. But I thought I would share two collages that two students made. I think they are really good (makes me feel less "special" ;-)
I once again struggled with calling this piece "done". I struggled with question, "What is a collage?". I kept thinking to myself, "This needs another element or two" -- because it is "simply" two elements (two piece). Sometimes, when I am struggling with what I call a "minimalist collage" (which I have written about in Kolaj magazine), I think of the works of John Stezaker. He's known for his two-piece collages; and I love his work. But his works seem much more "disruptive" in their juxtaposition than this composition. BUT, is this collage any "less" of a collage than Stezaker's work (or others)? The woman-and the-cloud element is from a vintage Mexican magazine. The grey cloud element is likely from LIFE magazine, or a vintage book. The pieces are glued-down (i.e., collaged). It is a collage. But I also struggle with not wanting my work to be simply "decorative". On the other hand, I really appreciate beauty -- and I found this composition very beautiful. It took great care to get the placement of the elements "just right". Can you tell from my writing, that struggled with considering this piece "finished"? But I did not succumb to the "should" temptation. Weirdly, I initially got over the "should"s (and "should not"s) after watching the documentary "How to Draw a Bunny" (about Ray Johnson). So, here it is (untitled as of yet; 7' x 7'; framed 11" x 11")...
I have been experimenting with some compositions which are atypical for me (in terms of my voice). I don't know where any of these might take me, but I have been enjoying stretching my approach. Here are some examples...
Well, it's a little bit of fun; combined with beautifully-saturated complementary colors. This one is entitled "The Problem with Pointing" (7" x 7"; framed 11" x 11").
I am struggling a little bit, with variations of a sketch I am working on. I simply LOVE this sculptural element that is the primary focus of this piece. I am tempted to do a two-element composition using the sculptural element and the cloud element. I think they work incredibly well together. I also like letting the child's head overlap the mat (would this be considered "half an element", since it is integral to the composition of that sketch?). But I also like the addition of some color, and the angle of the buildings (both variations). Still not sure what I'm going to do with this one... although I'm leaning toward adding the color elements. I also thought I'd throw in a photo of what I cut when I say I am "microcutting".
I teach my "Psychology and the Visual Arts" class on Tuesday evenings, and typically do not work in the studio after that (I usually don't have the stamina to create after teaching). But last night, I was compelled to finish this piece, as I wanted to submit an image of it (along with 9 other works) as part of an application for an exhibition in New York City. I found out about this potential opportunity only yesterday; and the deadline is midnight tonight (yikes!). I need to finish the piece, so I could photograph it in daylight this morning (I have school obligations, all day). I'm happy that I was able to get it done. It's entitled "Long After the End" (4.5" x 6.5").
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