This series, initiated by a request to participate in "Xylem: Innovation in Botanic Art" at the Loveland Museum, explores ideas of transformation and growth. While the collage ingredients are not derived primarily from depictions of plants, through editing and re-combination a fresh composition arises that may suggest botanical forms and processes.
We are subject to such an assault of visual input that it's no wonder the printed materials in our lives, many of them unrequested, become a blur. I've attempted to transform the remnants of discarded and unanticipated mailed imagery into elegant little jewels, while encouraging a fresh look at the incoming paper stream. Each collage is made from the contents of a single day's incoming mail, addressed to me.
These collages, representing different series/collections, have been digitally captured in high resolution for possible reproduction. Although many of the original collages have been sold, reproductions (same size or enlarged) on various materials are possible. Please contact the studio for more information.
Recurring issues can confront and confound us, occupying our thoughts. Technology distracts us with incoming stimulation. Daydreams intrude... These collages are visual riffs on all that we carry within: explorations of the processes in our minds as we address issues of bandwidth, multitasking and overwhelm—alongside goals of simplicity, mindfulness and purpose. Each collage represents a moment in time, full of multi-layered and competing thoughts, hopes, fears, dreams, and memories—all moving forward and influencing each other—glimpses of the landscape of my mind. The collages are made from ripped strips of contemporary repurposed paper using a wet working technique. Unseen in photo, some paper elements also wrap around the black painted edges of the wood panel.
An avid recycler, I find myself carefully deconstructing and flattening the many boxes that flow through our household. I’m struck by the beauty and craft in these common materials. The packages have surprising perimeters, that are revealed once taken apart, and unexpected details in their construction. Each box comes with its own history of purpose, content, transport and consumption — ending as a void, an emptied container, just debris. It seemed natural to try using the unfolded boxes as platforms for collage compositions. I like the idea that the salvaged papers are resting on, and relating to, a salvaged support. I’m responding to the varied shapes and scored fold lines with found and recycled papers. The hard edges of the diecut boxes provide a counterpoint to the ripped paper elements that I use in my collages.
