After taking a class with Catherine Rain, I was inspired to give these really tiny collages a try. The rules were simple: Limited palette, each piece of the collage a different size. As it turned out, I found the limitations inspiring.
I start with a background that calls to me. Sometimes it is the color, sometimes a pattern that resonates. Then I cut and tear bits of ephemera to begin to tell a story. Next comes a focal piece that anchors the story and then more layers of images…sometimes printed on tissue paper to make them more transparent….sometimes stamped or drawn. These new layers are to tie everything together.
I start with a brayered background and then add color and shapes with stamps and marks. Then I cut it apart and use it as a background in collages or as book covers.
When I travel, I like to have something creative to do in addition to photography. Though I sometimes pack a vintage suitcase full of paper, stamps and ink pads, shlepping that suitcase on an airplane is out of the question. That’s when I discovered the app ArtRage which allows me to do digital collage on my tablet. What started as a way to play with my travel photos away from home turned into a way to be more playful once I am home.
