Illusion
One of the unexpected features of photo albums is how they can create illusion, i.e. a photo can imply so much more than what is captured in the single moment it depicts. For example, for years and years, I baked countless cookies each December to share with others and enjoy as holiday desserts. My kids participated probably once per year; accordingly, I’d take a few photos. The illusion in the photo album is, somehow, that we baked together all the time. And loved doing so—no muss no fuss no squabbling!
This memory comes to mind now on the heels of my having just created what is called a collage masterboard, a mixed media collage technique about which I know very little beyond what came to my attention via MaryAnn Shupe. I decided to make a masterboard as a way to transition back to my studio after being away last week, since my being away interrupted the new inquiry I’d started prior to vacation, an inquiry which itself was an attempt to transition back to earlier interrupted art ventures! The blessing, I see now as I look at the masterboard, is that it creates the illusion of focus, purpose, and order!
It is self-contained! All the pieces are glued in place! It conveys intention! It has a limited enough palette to feel cohesive!
Illusion
One of th
For now, I’m happy to go with the illusion hahaha!
MaryAnn, I spy with my little eye five snippets that originated with you. RoseAnne, I spy with my little eye four snippets that originated with you.
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10 responses to “Illusion”
I spy all 5 of my snippets! But I can’t pick out Roseanne’s.
I love the illusion of focus, order, and purpose you created here! What fun! Now I want to see where you’re going to take it from here!
I love your story about the Christmas baking with the kids. Our photos often tell just part of the story….we create illusions all the time.
Well done Dotty!
Good work picking out your snippets, MaryAnn! Roseanne’s are all from an envelope …
I, too, want to see where I’m going to take this from here! Am I correct in thinking that next steps might be to soften some or all with a light white wash and/or to embellish with stenciling or markmaking that might unify? Am I correct in thinking that I can now cut this master board into smaller found compositions to develop and/or use as part of something else, e.g. the calendar page you made?
Thank you for your encouragement and enthusiasm!
First of all….there are not right or wrong answers for what to do next. Do whatever moves you!
But…it always amazes me what a coat of translucent white paint will do to unify and soften all the edges helping me to go forward. I know you already know how cutting it up will give you a whole new perspective. Both looking for compositions with a viewfinder…and just going for the blind cut from the back are good choices. I’m already picturing one of your fabulous series!
Sometimes I embellish a little before I cut it up with paint and marks…..then again after…including a focal point. Adding the details and the mark making is where you shine….so just go for it!
So looking forward to see where this is going….no matter how long it takes.
I’ve used collage in many ways for many years now but this is the first time I’ve made a masterboard, and something about that approach makes me feel like a beginner all over again—which is a fun place to be.
It was helpful to have you point out that this board is rich in images. Your making that observation explicit gives me expanded perspective.
Let me know if you want a hint at any point to help you locate the fourth bit of Roseanne fodder I used : )
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Collage is fascinating, isn’t it? There’s so much to explore in just this one masterboard, for example—each time I turn my eyes to it, it pulls me in for another dive.
I may have to write a post about my personal experience w/ collage.
Totally fun to hear you say my masterboard makes you want to make one, too, Lola!! Do it!
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