2020 Topic 9: Collage It
Hi
everyone, Keren here to kick off our latest topic which is all about
collage. From our earliest memories of making things, we probably did
some elements of collage but hopefully we've all developed a more
sophisticated style by now! In its basic form, (strictly speaking)
collage is a picture created by sticking other pictures or paper (or
thinner substances) together to create a new image. Its 'next of kin' is
probably assemblage and it would be easy to blur the two, but there are
subtle differences where assemblage tends to be more sculptural and
involve more than just glue to combine the elements together. Glue is a
heavy feature of collage.
I've not been super strict about sticking to the collage definition, but mostly looked for a collaged vibe.
The
PaperArtsy blog has plenty of inspiration and our first example is by
Pam Thorburn who has collaged hair and face so beautifully. Using the
same colours makes for a harmonious piece but with some wonderful
texture and check out the post for a real masterclass to this technique.
Gwen
has a style that lends itself beautifully to collage. This example with
some of her stamps shows the rainbow of collaged papers.
Controversially
I'm beginning with a piece of digital collage. Can it be classed as
collage? I'd love to know what you think! This striking piece gives a
really strong collaged look. It's a piece entitled Self Identity and
would be a really useful technique for a self portrait.
Collage can be a wonderful combination of images and colour, and these bright, modern versions have some wonderful details.
Collage doesn't have to be a blended affair. This piece of contrasting patterns and textures has a patch-worked feel to it.
This monochrome beauty is a stacked delight. Gluing layer upon layer of lace and fabric results in a strong dimensional piece.
Whilst
researching for this topic, there was a consistent thread of humour and
quirkiness. This piece appealed to me for the quirky design plus I
rather love vintage Singer Sewing machines!
Collaged
pieces don't need to have the whole space collaged; there's some in the
background, but the main focal flowers are really delicately collaged.
Moving
back towards the surreal, this is a good example of how you can use
bold but simple images to provide impact. Don't be afraid of using
seemingly disconnected images to tell a story.
One
of the best things about collage is using the textures to add to your
art. Torn edges of newspaper add texture and also highlight the layers.
The added colour in this example is exquisite.
Creating
landscapes using torn papers adds shadow and interest without
complicated colouring. Choosing papers with different shades is the key
to creating shade and highlights. Notice how the layers look so much
like ripples in the water.
I
don't know what glue this artist used, but many enjoy a decoupage glue
or an artists acrylic medium. Some thinner papers that become
translucent when medium is added create another dimension to your
collages. Tissue paper is a fab option for this look.
Combining
fibres and paper makes for a fascinating piece. The fibres look like
they've had colour added to them. Such a beautiful landscape.
Collage
can provide bolder dimension and I thought the way that the torn edges
created an aperture was really pleasing. Not adding adhesive all the way
to the edges is a unique effect too.
You
could argue that this next example is isn't really collage but I
thought that the design element was strong and was a good example of a
superimposed image onto another that takes the design through each
element.
I'm
pushing the envelope (a collaged one of course!!) here. It's sneaking
into the assemblage category really, but there are collaged elements
here and I thought it was a inspirational piece to show layering.
This
next piece is nudging itself into 'favourite' position. Using type and
collaging text to create a piece that really looks like a nest and I
adore the thickly painted eggs.
This
more carefully placed collage is striking with the black bordered
butterfly. Looking carefully at the piece shows so many different
papers.
These are wonderfully collaged and have so many elements that your eye is drawn around each piece in a myriad of directions.
I
hope you've loved this initial delve into collage. The great thing
about this technique is that you can make pieces using whatever you've
got already- even newspaper or junk mail.
If you want to create along with us, please share on our social feeds so we can see what you get up to.
The best places are Instagram @paperartsy or post in PaperArtsy People Group on Facebook.
Make sure you tag us in your contributions, we love to see what you get up to in your creative world!
The best places are Instagram @paperartsy or post in PaperArtsy People Group on Facebook.
Make sure you tag us in your contributions, we love to see what you get up to in your creative world!
2 comments:
Fabulous topic... Looking forward to this!
I browsed here and leave with that feeling that grabs one's breath. 'Breath taking' it's called. It's that feeling that hits you when you know you've found your passion.
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