This is almost finished. I hope to have it done in time for the Annual National Collage Society's open juried exhibition in August.

The Traveler

I started this piece last year when I was working on several small miniature collages for the National Collage Society’s “Wish you were here” postcard exhibition. I like making several at once with different themes when working in such a small format. I tend to work in series with much of my work; I feel it helps me to focus as I enjoy so many mediums. I decided to not to submit “The Traveler” mini collage I made at the time but another collage which was a torn paper piece of a sunset, which I created to resemble a stamp. I was fortunate enough to have it win an honorable mention. To read more about the National Collage Society and their shows along viewing other winners click on the following link http://www.nationalcollage.com/08pcs.htm

I placed the series of collages in a draw for safe keeping in my studio until I could matt them. One evening in the middle of the night I awoke with the thought of the miniature collage “ The Traveler” I had created with the inspiration of the Greek stamp. My thought was to take the miniature postcard size collage and replicate the images into a larger collage. The new piece was to resemble the initial inspiration piece of the Greek stamp. This new piece was to have the stamp in the left corner of the postcard, which was to be in the hand of a girl which was to be next to a trunk. When I constructed the postcard size collage I replicated the stamp aging the girl and utilizing an assortment of materials. I decided to create a larger collage 18”x 24” with a traveling theme. I have often wished when I traveled that I had supplies to handle the many mediums I like to use. So with that in mind is why I envisioned a traveling artist with goods in her trunk. When constructing the collage I made the girl’s collar and cuff from cheese cloth to look like lace and edged the lace with wording proclaiming galleries, studios, museums and points of interest that an artist might enjoy visiting. Several I have visited in my journeys.

This piece is almost finished as I hope to enter it in this year’s National Collage Society’s Annual Exhibition in August.

It always amazes me the direction my work takes once it’s put into motion. It’s almost as if it takes on a life of its own as I become consumed with the making of it. I eat, sleep and breathe with thoughts of it until it is finished. Art is a funny thing and I am glad I am able to share mine with you. I would love to hear your thoughts on my work or these pieces.