Contraindications
collage miniature by J A Dixon
4 x 4 inches
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Contraindications
May 17th, 2014An end is perhaps the beginning
May 10th, 2014“What the Color Field painters shared most importantly with the Abstract Expressionists was the conviction that the role of art was not to report on the visible, but to reveal the unknown. They shared too, the belief that paintings that resembled nothing preexisting could have the presence, authority and associative richness of other real things in the world.”
— Karen Wilkin
I began my Bibelot Series by recalling to mind the lost treasures of George Headley. With this 13th miniature, I am wondering if the meditation may have reached its culmination. The primary reason centers on the changes that occurred with my process while creating this most recent composition. Because I find myself thinking less about the precious fabrications that provided the initial inspiration and more about the aesthetic qualities of the artifact manifesting before me, the connection to the Headley works have diminished enough for me to consider whether or not the transition to a new investigation is taking place. The color and abstract relationships inherent in an evolving collage surface seem to exist for their own sake, rather than as an homage to other artistic ideas, and point to a deeper reality. What comes next? As a student of American History, the number 13 has never felt unlucky to me. We shall see what follows.
Spy (Bibelot 848)
collage miniature by J A Dixon
4 x 5.5 inches
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Happy Birthday, NB . . .
May 3rd, 2014“I am really not famous enough to have a cottage industry devoted to my identity theft.”
— Brendan Adkins
My sincere greetings to the man behind the curtain at Xorph.com, the domain that brings you The Collage Miniaturist. NB stands for ‘Nephew Brendan,’ the multi-talented, multi-skilled, multi-identitied creative force who somehow manages to keep one of my feet near the leading edge of online communication. You can read his stories, hear his voice, unfollow his tweets, or simply join me today as I tip my hat to his magnanimity. There… Do you think that will get me invited to his birthday party? And can anyone please tell me whether or not the Oregon Boundary Dispute has been settled?
Untitled (NB)
collage miniature by J A Dixon
collection of B C Adkins
This artist is not coasting . . .
April 30th, 2014“To alcohol: the cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.”
— Homer Simpson
Yesterday was my birthday, and I was rocked by the generosity of a fellow practitioner, Ted Tollefson. A veteran collaborator, he is also one of the more versatile individuals currently laboring in the medium. Like many collage artists, Tollefson explores a number of different approaches, but has recently established his mastery of the collage-on-beer-coaster format.
I was not fully aware until today that he has been producing a coaster-based collage for each of his facebook friends. That means hundreds of miniatures in a relatively short time frame, and, from what I can tell, he calibrates the visual method for each intended recipient. Given my expressed fondness for personal miniatures, TT is a kindred spirit indeed. He has crafted a real gem for my gift coaster. Everything about it — scale, colors, composition, textures, choice of ingredients — are simply outstanding. Thank you, sir, for your kindness. Keep up the superb effort. You are a true heir to Kurt Schwitters. Merz lives!
Take a look at just a few examples of his creative output and you might share my high regard for this mushrooming body of intriguing work.
April 29
collage on beer coaster
by T Tollefson for J A Dixon
Personal miniatures on beer coasters by Ted Tollefson.
(Hover over image for more information; click to view larger.)
A few more from the Haus . . .
April 22nd, 2014“Excellence is a habit acquired by continuous improvement on the little things you do, with a firm belief that it’s going to be better than before!”
― Israelmore Ayivor
It is true that my output of hand-crafted greeting cards has declined, in contrast to when I averaged nearly one per day, but the small-format activity remains one of my most valued improvisational exercises as a collage artist.

A Glenda Kind of Day
collage miniature by J A Dixon
collection of G Dixon
Bill’s Smile
collage miniature by J A Dixon
collection of B Simpson
A Man Named Joe
collage miniature by J A Dixon
collection of M Dixon
Without Hindrance
collage miniature by J A Dixon
collection of M Scarborough
K’s Ladybird
collage miniature by J A Dixon
collection of K O’Brien
Triplet in Blue
April 14th, 2014Exalted Beast
April 7th, 2014March Exercise | year nine, day thirty-one
March 31st, 2014Triplet in Blue (right)
third part, configuration of three
collage miniature by J A Dixon
7.5 x 7.5 inches
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March Exercise | year nine, day thirty
March 30th, 2014Triplet in Blue (center)
second part, configuration of three
collage miniature by J A Dixon
7.5 x 7.5 inches
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March Exercise | year nine, day twenty-nine
March 29th, 2014Triplet in Blue (left)
first part, configuration of three
collage miniature by J A Dixon
7.5 x 7.5 inches
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March Exercise | year nine, day twenty-eight
March 28th, 2014Trajectory
collage miniature by J A Dixon
8 x 9.25 inches
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