I have been working on some paper collages.

I enjoy these. I like them for what they are. And I like the way they seem, often, to spur some idea to use in fabric projects.

I just finished two pieces this weekend and I was putting them in a stack with weights on top for a final flattening. For some reason, I felt compelled to look at the edges. I wanted to notice what was there, and to make mental note of what I was seeing.

The edges are where interesting things happen.

I love the intersection of a natural ripped edge against the white border.

I enjoy the patterns created when linear elements stick out into the margins.

Here is another linear element sticking out. But what I am really drawn to is the subtle orange wash peeking out as a shadow in the lower right.

Here is another orange wash. This time It’s on top of an underlying complementary color, creating a little place of depth.

This white area accomplished several things for me. I like that it’s not solid, but fades into the picture. Now there is something to look through, adding depth. And I enjoy the slight overlap of the lower right corner over the orange square.

Here’s a slightly different kind of color gradation. This fade into color occurred in the monoprinting of tissue paper. Cutting it into a square to collage allowed me to add that fade-in, and position it on the edge of the composition.

It is always my hope that a finished work of art will allow discovery in more than one way. I hope that the overall composition and idea is interesting. Then, small elements – like those I’ve discovered along the edges can be additional things to discover over time.

This morning I took my sketchbook onto the porch as part of coffee wake-up time. Some sketches emerged I had not really planned.

So… maybe this is the next stage in artwork speaking to artwork. Things I find interesting in small works may find their way into larger fabric works too.

It’s an adventure.

. . . . . .

(If you would enjoy seeing some of my completed collages, there are a number in the “Wednesday Collage” Gallery n my website, HERE)

For all the artmakers: Happy creating
For all the art lovers: Happy appreciating 

Thank you for reading. I always enjoy questions and comments.
--Bobbi

bobbi@bobbibaughstudio.com

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