The Honeymoon is Over
August 23, 2005
Illustration Friday: Reflection. This collage is not the collage that is the subject of today’s journal entry. That collage is to remain in seclusion – forever.
Preface: The collage pictured above is not the subject of this journal entry. I did not specify this when I first posted this entry earlier today and I think it caused some confusion. Anyhoo, carry on…
I realized today I have been in a honeymoon stage with my collage work. For the past two weeks I have been on an intense mission to create various collections for my online store, and so far all has gone swimmingly well. I like what I have been creating, and have enjoyed a steady groove of prepping pieces, deciding on themes, working on imagery & layouts, and adding the details. Last night, however, I got stuck and ended up taking the piece in a direction that I look at now and truly despise. The honeymoon is over, and I have a crappy collage to prove it.
The truth is that I love this part of the process. Trying something and seeing it not turn out the way I had envisioned it is wonderfully humbling, and it teaches me to let go of trying to accomplish the rather pointless goal of perfection. It also teaches me to let go of all of my precious papers, vintage wallpapers & magazines, and other ephemera that is scattered all over my studio floor. I have a tendency to want to hoard all of my most unique items, thinking I ought to save them for that "perfect piece" that I believe isn’t meant to come out of me until later. The piece I worked on last night and this morning has a vintage magazine ad that I absolutely love, and it is now smack dab in the middle of a piece of work that will most likely end up in my closet. I look at that ad and sit still for a moment, pondering what I find to be an astounding reality: that the world is still turning despite the fact that one of my favorite vintage ads is now lost forever.
Haven’t seen your blog before, Shirley, so it’s my first time to visit. And given that you are not a fan of this piece you created, I don’t know what to say about it. I mean, I can’t see where the ‘flaws’ are, as I wasn’t in your head to see what you envisioned. However I do know the feeling of not achieving the standard I want in my art and I appreciate you sharing the growth process and your feelings on the matter. Thanks for that. : )
Oops…Sorry. I meant to call you “Swirly” not “Shirley”. Heh. : ) That’s fatigue for ya.
Love this collage, the egg in hand particularly. Looking forward to seeing more and following your illo friday pieces!
Hee hee – I actually like the piece pictured. I specified in the caption that this was not the piece I was writing about. Sorry for the confusion!!
I think your collages are simply beautiful. I also enjoyed the collages you made about your visit to tokyo. I find that your work isn’t only aesthetically beautiful, but the thoughts and feelings that go into it are apparent and allow us, as viewers, to connect to your work on a deeper level. I have always wanted to ask you – is there a book that you recommend for beginners about the art of collage? I am interested in starting it as a hobby, and would really appreciate any assistance and advice you could give me.
Well, keep it around just in case. You may pull it out a year from now, look at it with fresh eyes, and find that you actually love it and that it’s your most brilliant work … or it may always just be a reminder of this powerful lesson in the creative process. Either way, it’s a good thing.
Ah, the “Don’t use the good dishes” phenomenon strikes again…that’s a tough one. Good to see you’re allowing yourself to use some of your ‘special’ items. When get to be my age (50), you realize that “later” is NOW.
WOW, well I love the collage you posted, and I am always in awe of a good collage, I personally think that good collages are VERY hard to make, very very hard. I really love the one you posted for reflections. I also was so taken by your words about worrying about using the good stuff, OH my gosh, how many pieces of special art supplies do I have around the house that I’m not ready to use because they are too good. It was wonderful and freeing to read that someone else feels that way. Very insightful. Thanks and very best regards, Jacque
I love this collage…lot’s of symbolism to go with the theme of “reflection”. Great job.
can i just call you “shirley” from now on? oh god i’m dying over here.
you hoarders, andrea with her special beads and you with paper…what am i going to do with you two! and don’t be so bloody mysterious-do i get to see the crappy collage? i’m yanking your chain today, friend. get loose and get funky. i love you.
i like how the owl has his wings spead. you don’t see that very often. do you illustrate any of the art in your collages, or are most of the materials found art?