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Thursday, August 6, 2015

Collage-Mania!

Accordion book 5

accordion book 4










companion to accordion book 5 shown above
Editing these pics made me see that this collage idea has gotten hold of me! I can't say exactly what it is about this way or working but I will say that the process is challenging. It's probably clear for many of the collages that I was being driven by the idea of a landscape of some sort. I can't get away from that I guess. Non objective work isn't exactly what I am after I guess though there are components to that type of design that drive my current style. Non  objective design isn't the sole motivator though. Here are just a few things that I was thinking about when making all of the pieces shown above:

* proportion and balance, specifically with color relationships and shapes and variance in size of shape
* use of positive and negative space and repetition of shapes created in both areas
*use of existing already cut paper-I tried not to cut paper to fit something but hey, I am human, I did it anyway!
*representation via color and shape of some idea or feeling that I had about something in my environment.
* learning how to use color's inherent properties of value and chroma to create a sense of balance, i.e can I have a small chromatic shape balanced against a larger more neutral colored shape or area. What seems proportional?

That second to last bullet point is specific to many of the collage ideas above. And I will be the first to say (again) that some of these collages got away from me. I have a tendency to add more pieces (or start with small pieces and end up adding smaller pieces for coverage) in the hopes of pulling the collage together somehow. It usually results in a fiddly and awkward arrangement. But, these "sketches" with paper are meant to generate larger ideas or to show how I can refine an initial idea that has potential. The whole process really is similar to sketching in lots of ways.

OK, hope everyone is having a good week. I am working on a few more collages for my 5th leporello/accordion book. I found some instructions too for making two "book" covers to attach to either end of these fold out collages. The end result would be a type of book that could be displayed. (I am looking at you, Julie!) We will see.

Thanks for reading and commenting.
Libby
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6 comments:

  1. Carol FlattAugust 8, 2015 at 8:59 PM

    I love these for the pure joy of color and shape! They really do make me feel happy!

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    1. Libby FifeAugust 9, 2015 at 6:23 AM

      Thanks Carol! They make me pretty happy too. They are lots of fun to make, require a low commitment level, and produce ideas for larger pieces. Plus, I love the element of surprise. I never have any idea really of what the outcome is going to be. Very exciting in an arty kind of way.

      Thanks as always for the visit and comments!

      Libby

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  2. Chris LallyAugust 9, 2015 at 8:25 AM

    I like the way you think! I never thought of doing something like this and love the reasons why you do them. Thank you for sharing & for inspiring me, Libby!

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  3. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comAugust 11, 2015 at 8:07 PM

    As always, it is totally fascinating for me to read your thoughts, motivations and process in this Collage Mania. I do appreciate your dedication.
    You are so fortunate to be totally engrossed in an art project like this.

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    Replies
    1. Libby FifeAugust 12, 2015 at 3:18 AM

      Thanks Julie! I hope it is interesting to read about or at least maybe there are some parts that could be helpful to people. I have no way of knowing how other artists learn but I would be interested to compare notes with anyone. The learning aspect of making art really is fascinating for me.

      Thanks as always for the visit and comments!.
      Libby

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  4. Debbie NolanAugust 12, 2015 at 2:34 PM

    Libby - it is fascinating to see your work as well as to read your thoughts. I have to say that these accordion books are very inspiring. Your decision making in choosing the different components of the collages is so intriguing. Thank you friend for sharing. Hope you are having a super week.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it! I reply back in an email if you are signed in and I can see your address. Otherwise I will post the reply here under your comment. I tend to cut and paste my emails too so that others can experience the back and forth which I think is integral to blogging.
Libby