I have been making collages at a fairly steady pace, new papers rather sporadically. The result of that difference has been a cyclical effect in my collage-making. A batch of new papers induces a flurry of activity—a group of new works that are fed by the excitement of having new material to work with. These pieces tend to be larger, as they use newly created full-sheet monoprints. Gradually, new material is consumed. The work that follows becomes smaller, more delicate, fed by the scraps and leftovers of other work. Eventually I reach a place where it's difficult to create at all using the bits and pieces left behind (although these are treasured as accents and unexpected additions—little is thrown away). And then, suddenly, in a burst of energetic activity, I create new papers. And from these, new collages emerge.
Today, at the end of a phase of this cycle, I finished a new piece that was a considerable struggle. I was pleased to have arrived at a good place despite aching to get out my tempered glass plate and my paints to spend a few hours monoprinting (perhaps tomorrow, or over the weekend).
This is Untitled Collage No. 141 (Santa Rosa). May 5, 2016. Acrylic on paper, acrylic monoprint, collage. Image size 13.7 x 21cm. Matted to 16 x 20 inches. Signed and dated on reverse. Signed on the mat. For more of my collage work, use the Art I'm Making tab here or visit my collage site at http://ctalcroft.wix.com/collage-site.
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