Can you identify the series shared here? It is easy to base themes on materials and subjects. This series however is based on story telling. The stories are inspired by poetry and also through challenges developed in collaboration with members of a collage group, called Ripped and Torn, where I am a member.

Sub-themes: maps, old book pages, irregular paper edges and birds nests.

 Mixed Media: Hand-made collage papers on a map.

Ripped & Torn Collage Challenge: Henri Rousseau

Henri Rousseau found his painting inspiration in botanical gardens and zoos. He often exhibited along-side the Fauves and was encouraged by one of their founders, Henri Matisse. In this collage I have combined the primitive style of Rousseau with the simple cut-out shapes of his mentor Henri Matisse.

Goal: Create a collage that includes a portrait of Rousseau painting in one of his favorite locations, an Arboretum.

Deacon Brodie’s Tavern Edinburg, Scotland. Pubs often take their names from local folklore. William Deacon Brodie came from a building family and specialized in cabinet making. He was a respected member of the community and was appointed as a Deacon. He was also a heavy gambler. While working, he was given keys to the homes of his wealthy clients. He made wax impressions of those keys and stole money and belongings to pay his gambling debts. He was caught and later hung on the gallows that he had designed for the city. Robert Lewis Stevenson was fascinated by Brodie’s dual personality and used it to write the book Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

 “We Found Your Fork”

Coachella Valley, CA birds in habitat series.

The first image, “We Found Your Fork”, was created in response to a local college challenge to interpret poems by poet, Alex Gildzen.

“tonight the moon

is half a cheesecake

but I’ve lost my fork.”

Another poem,

“when a hummingbird sits

it’s a prayer

between swoops

to sweetness.”

This line determined the birds poses. I so loved the words “swoops to sweetness” that they became the title of the final canvas.

Goal: Make a series of three square mixed media collage paintings about local birds and their habitats. Use parts of poems to inspire subjects and composition.