Now I play with old 8”x10” photo prints gifted to me by my sister (she also gifted me full permission to alter them). I choose an 8”x10” I like and use it as a background to create a visual narrative, positioning bits & pieces from my stash on it until things feel “just right.” It’s a highly scientific process.
Once I’m done with this format I will move on to the next because the creative possibilities of collage are endless. Thanks to the many sources of inspiration out there I already have other techniques and trials in mind and I greedily look forward to playing even more.
.:.
I discovered that I allow myself much more creative freedom with collage than I do with any other medium – except maybe mobile photography. I bring disparate images from disparate sources together into cohesive narratives, worlds and stories. I use colours and shapes in a way I wouldn’t normally use them when I’m painting.
I allow parts of me to come out that I tend to keep in check: the absurd, the dramatic, the irrational. It is liberating.
I wouldn’t have discovered that if I hadn’t followed the nudge.
.:.
The moral of this story?
If a creative nudge keeps coming back, follow it. Ease into it if you must, but keep taking action.
Research and prep yes, but don’t forget to experiment, play and learn. Go to your art table, whatever that may be.
Stay open. See where that nudge goes and when another one comes along, follow it and see where it leads. Who knows where you’ll end up, but I bet you’ll have fun along the way.
In spirit of discovery,
Stephanie
♥