I finally bought this book:
I learned about this book, and the author's collage a day blog from one of my favorite mail art friends, MadMadge (aka Spokane Madge). (seriously go see her blog or flickr stuff because her collages just knock me off my feet)
The intro to this book opened up a huge space in my head and now all I want to do is work through all the exercises in this book without stopping. He illustrates the very basic principle of background/middle ground/foreground in a way that totally changed the way I look at my collages.
The very first exercise in the book is '"five minute collages". I spent several hours Friday night sorting images into back/middle/foreground and scanning favorite images so I could print them on different types of paper.
and then I started gluing into a sketchbook like a mad woman.
I don't actually set my time for five minutes like the book suggests, but I am working quickly without agonizing over every choice and without over thinking.
Here are some of the quick, no-thinking collages I've done over the past few days.
I'm so full of good ideas, I don't want to stop. It's killing me to call it a night and go to bed, but that Monday morning alarm is going to ring in about 6 hours. Time to peel the Mod Podge off my fingers and hit the pillow.
I will be dreaming of layers.
I've just got this book too - it's brilliant isn't it?! Loving what you've done- I thought the 5 minute collage idea was great (I tend to over think). I must get round to doing some - you've inspired me, thanks!
ReplyDeleteYour quick, intuitive collages are awesome! I have had this book on my Amazon wishlist since it came out, but haven't taken the purchase plunge yet. I think I should!
ReplyDeleteOoooh Karen, I love your pages, I can fully understand you not wanting to stop, you were well on a roll there!! Ha ha, yet another book to go on my Amazon wish list, I love collage but have always felt that my attempts fall a little flat, maybe this book would help open my eyes a little too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Big hugs x x x x
What a strange synchronicity. I just signed up to acollageaday blog after finishing this book last night. Mine has a different cover, same title, just different artwork. Anyway, cool that you are reading this too. One of the best books ever. :)))
ReplyDeleteOh really great collage. I keep looking at the book, but never get around to getting it. I have seen his blog though, he is pretty amazing. Keep it up! xox
ReplyDeleteI love these, Karen, especially the one with the girl & jacks, and the one just below it. Duh, foreground, middleground, background. Of course! Why have I never considered it that way? I wonder if my difficulties with collage--which is, after all, a 2D medium and shouldn't cause an issue--are because I have no depth perception, and you still need that to layer effectively? (Sorry, my lack of ability to see in three dimensions is endlessly fascinating to me, especially where it intersects with how I perceive the world and translate it visually. Geeky, I know.)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I've just requested this book through interlibrary loan, since my son got braces today and I'm still gasping from the financial agreement I signed.
Thanks for the intro to both Randel and Madge - both are terrific sites. I always enjoy your collages, but I see a definite difference in these - haven't heard of the book but will add it to my wish list now. I love a workbook style book!
ReplyDeleteWOW!! It's obvious the book is inspiring...I'll just have to buy it.
ReplyDeleteThese are excellent! I have seen the book before and thought about getting it, but you know me and books...I could definitely use help with layers though!
ReplyDeleteI have used his site for free collage imagery. It has a lot of cool stuff on it.
SUPER nice work Karen. I need to put myself into a book like this. I've been at an "artistic pause" for months now, and it's killing me. I'm gonna find me a copy. AGAIN...you rock!
ReplyDeleteOoohh, nice, I love the first one, the hand one, especially. Isn't it great to feel so inspired? I'll have to check that book out...
ReplyDeleteI just ordered my copy last week -- now I really can't wait for it to arerive!
ReplyDeleteopps -- typo -- arrive
ReplyDeleteI really like the black and white with the woman's mouth open. I'm glad you are getting something out of the book. I have found it helpful, enjoyable, useful even if I have not referred to it in a few weeks now.
ReplyDeleteI think these are all fantastic, and as soon as I've done this I'm going over to Amazon to see about The Collage Workbook. It's difficult to pick a favourite, but for some reason the weird shape on the third one from the end really appeals to me.
ReplyDeleteThat's my favorite, too!
DeleteI have this book on my Amazon wish list, and you are making me think that I should buy it sooner rather than later! Your quick collages are really amazing...like, publishable amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow...I love these!! Thanks for the info about this book. I'm heading to Amazon to see about it.
ReplyDeleteThat book is on my want list! I love these. I really like the face one. These are all good, but she has something to say. Love these. :)
ReplyDeleteKaren, I just can't keep up with you. But I'm so glad you get a nice long visit with a good friend! This book looks great, just in terms of what you've done from it. I have never heard of it, I don't think!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are having a good time, and that you're feeling good.
Awesome 5 minute collage. I like the fact that you have them in a sketchbook.
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