Mark framed eleven of my collages as my Christmas present this year. He actually started making these frames over a year ago when I created my original collages. This fall when he got back to putting the frames together, staining and waxing them, I made more collages so I would have enough to fill the frames with a couple of extra choices.
As it turned out, we decided to put a group of eight above the fireplace and one in the dining room. These are a quirky size: the frames are 13" x 15" and the collages are 5" x 5.75". That was done so they would match the collages Mark has made over the years. Initially we thought we would do a "His & Hers" display. But then we decided I could have the limelight.
When I looked at a few of Mark's collages, I discovered that his have quite a different feel than mine even though we pulled material from the same huge pile of paper ephemera that we've stockpiled over the years. The collages below are shown in the order they are displayed above, going from top left to right and then bottom left to right. You can enlarge these images if you double click on them.
Mark pointed out that mine all tend to have a horizon line.
An artist friend noted that most of them also had circle motifs of some kind. I did realize that as I was making them and tried not to overdo it. But what are ya gonna do when a shape or color attracts you more than others?
I've often used letter forms and text in my artwork in the past, so I knew they would show up here as well.
Before I began, I brushed and spattered gesso on a pile of assorted papers. I definitely wanted to have pieces with my own "mark making" on them to be able to incorporate.
The collage directly below and the last one both use 19th century photographic plant images that are from an old Metropolitan Museum calendar. I had a number of photos of me that I took in the early 1980s when there were still photo booths in the 5 and dime stores downtown on the Square. I decided that if famous artists can do self-portraits and other kinds of self-referential work, so could I!
Our paper pile includes blue prints, all kinds of handwriting bits, foreign stamps, Japanese papers — an endless supply waiting to see the light of day again.
Besides the Met Museum art and my photo, this one has leaves from our Locust tree glued on.
I truly love each and every one! What an amazing gift. We got each other a upright freezer for Christmas/Birthdays ;-) Now after 35 years maybe each and every meal won't come as a complete surprise.
Posted by: Rae | Tuesday, January 09, 2018 at 07:37 AM
Your collages are fabulous, every single one, and I especially like that your self-portraits include growing/blooming imagery. What a joy it must be to look through your art collection and decide what to display.
Posted by: Peter/Outlaw | Tuesday, January 09, 2018 at 09:09 AM
When you have two artists who have lots of artist friends, there is a big supply of work to display. We "shop the basement" when we want a change. Though I have to admit we never stop making more art (or buying it!).
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Tuesday, January 09, 2018 at 09:15 AM
I love the circles injected into your collages. I especially like the collage with the blue dots.
Of course you can do self portraits. FUN.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Tuesday, January 09, 2018 at 09:53 AM
Wonderful! I can only imagine what enjoyable "all engrossing" work making those collages must be. Personally I think you made the right choice to display only your colleges here. Of course the beauty of that decision is that it doesn't have to be permanent.
Posted by: Loree / danger garden | Tuesday, January 09, 2018 at 10:48 AM
The ability to change that wall easily is one reason I suggested one display over the fireplace and a second one filling the space next to it. Otherwise we wind up having to change a whole wall when we get bored!
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Tuesday, January 09, 2018 at 11:33 AM
A beautiful collection, Linda. I admire how you put things together and I love that you included old photos of yourself - oh those big 80s eyeglasses - we all had them!
Posted by: Eliza Waters | Tuesday, January 09, 2018 at 06:35 PM
Imagine my delight when, trying to get over the grey skies doldrums, I stumbled upon your posts! My eyes lit up and I intend to go back and look at your collages many, many times! Haven't decided which one(s) I like best. Love your talents, Linda and Mark!
Posted by: Pat Whyte | Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 09:58 AM
These lit up my day!
Posted by: Pat Whyte | Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 10:00 AM
That is a wonderful gift. They are so interesting!
Posted by: Phillip | Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 10:37 AM
I'm posting the rest of them tomorrow.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 12:26 PM