Maximalism and Minimalism in Collage, part 6

It would not be a mistake to put me in a category dedicated to “maximalism” in collage — the practice of adding more visual elements to achieve a balanced effect, in contrast to restricting a composition to a minimum of ingredients. Not that long ago I discovered the work of two maximalists when I happened upon an old blog post by fellow Kentucky collage artist Sharmon Davidson. I have never met the prolific Davidson, but it pleases me to find her concise survey of collage pioneers juxtaposed with examples of contemporary artists active in the medium. I have a high regard for collage artists who maintain a keen awareness of the history of mixed media. Her own work evokes for me the layerist tradition, and I especially like many of her miniatures. In addition to learning about Sharmon, her 2014 entry introduces me to Lance Letscher, a maximalist’s maximalist who also has been known to explore the spectrum’s opposite side with a minimalist approach. The widely exhibited Letscher is formerly a sculptor.
 

Sharmon Davidson
Her artwork emerges from the interplay of intention and intuition.

Lance Letcher
The spatial density of his designs exemplify a “maximalist” approach.

2 Responses to “Maximalism and Minimalism in Collage, part 6”

  1. Thanks so much for the mention and for the kind words about my art! I’m happy to meet another Kentucky collage artist, and to have discovered your wonderful blog, which I have added to my blog list!

  2. J A Dixon says:

    Thanks, Sharmon! I hope we find an excuse to meet each other and compare notes — perhaps in Berea, where I often exhibit at the Kentucky Artisan Center.

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