“That is what he said.
That is what Abraham Lincoln said.”
150 years ago today . . .
November 19th, 2013On collage derivations . . .
November 17th, 2013“I believe that it is better to be receptive to correction than to be satisfied with one’s own imperfection, and to think that one is oh so original!”
— Piet Mondrian
As I mentioned in a welcome statement from over a year ago (and perhaps more recently), I have nothing against digital collage, although I do maintain a bias in favor of conventional (so-called analogue) techniques, especially at this site, but don’t expect me to become “all blogmatic” about the topic, since I have been known to gratefully accept commissions for digital montage and affirm my respect for those who do collage illustration at a high level. The point I want to make today is that, so far, I have not generated much enthusiasm for manipulating or reproducing my “tear and glue” artworks as digital prints or “art merchandise.” Someone recently asked if I sold note-card versions of my miniatures, and I had to admit that “I have never quite gotten around to that.”
There are many reasons, both good and bad, to produce derivations of one’s own work for the marketplace. There are also many reasons, both good and bad, to restrain oneself. I would hope to be open-minded about the subject. Not everyone who enjoys collage can afford to collect originals. In addition, I often get ideas about how to combine separate works into a composite digital design, exploring in the process a distinctive aesthetic resonance that might not be discovered in other ways. I occasionally imagine how one of my miniatures would look as a super-enlargement, or I envision an exhibition of large canvases created from Giclée blow-ups of small works. No doubt, there is an appropriate place for digital technology in the medium, whether on the front- or back-end of the process. The digital image is, of course, the stock in trade of any artist with an active presence on the Internet. That comes with its own set of issues that I plan to cover in my next discussion. Meanwhile, I hope to preserve my emphasis on a traditional methodology and observe how other collage practitioners adopt emerging technology to enhance their fine-art investigations.
Microcosmic Moments
compilation of nine miniatures by J A Dixon
proposed digital concept, variable in dimensions
Modular Zowee
composite of collage details by J A Dixon
proposed digital concept, variable in dimensions
Mystery Solved (detail)
super-enlargement of collage detail by J A Dixon
proposed digital concept, variable in dimensions
Mystery Solved (set of four cards)
merchandise with collage details by J A Dixon
proposed digital reproductions, 5.75 x 4.5 inches
Broadband Access
digital montage by J A Dixon
editorial illustration for ACUTA Journal
The Paris Papers
November 15th, 2013A recent series of intensive collage investigations undertaken by Cecil Touchon while abroad — resulting in The Paris Papers — are more than worthy of our careful study. One of the medium’s most assiduous practitioners, Mr. Touchon clearly earned a well-deserved break after his significant contributions to the Collage Centennial, and yet it is no surprise for me to learn that he would combine it with such a Herculean self-assignment. We are all the beneficiaries.
p s ~ He also let everyone know the good news that he quit smoking during his month-long adventure hanging out with collaborator Matthew Rose. Amazing.
Fusion Series #3384
collage on paper by Cecil Touchon
made with bits of paper from Parisian street posters
8 x 12 inches, 2013
Quadratic Expression
November 12th, 2013
Quadratic Expression
4 collage miniatures by J A Dixon
11.25 x 11.25 inches
Purchase this artwork!
Excessive Understatement
November 11th, 2013
Excessive Understatement
collage miniature by J A Dixon
6 x 7.25 inches
private collection
Collaboration in Collage, part 2
November 9th, 2013“There has been an increased attention on collaborative practice in the arts in recent times with a perceived increase in artists working in groups or partnerships. For many other artistic enterprises, collaboration is the norm. Musicians form together into ensembles and bands; actors, writers and directors necessarily work in companies; and dancers, choreographers and musicians work in companies too, or in troupes. But for the visual arts the history of collaboration is less dominant, but perhaps, on the rise.”
— Kent Wilson, from the Central Highlands ArtsAtlas
The Target Practice Project is certainly taking on a life of its own. L T Holmes has established a new blogsite and yesterday she kindly featured me as a “guest blogger.” Thank you, Laura, for your generous spirit.
Several of my entries over the past weeks have illustrated thematic collaborations. How many other kinds are there at play in the contemporary collage scene? Please indulge me as I continue to count the ways.
There have been remarkable long-term projects such as Liz Cohn’s Playing with a Full Deck. The playing card format seems to be a perpetual stimulus to interesting collaborations in collage. And then there is always the creative teamwork that simply results from a meeting of improvisational minds. One artist will originate a piece and a partner will complete it. Sometimes the process works in both directions at once. In other cases, a collaborator will select ingredients in order that a fellow “chef” may prepare a delicious “entrée.” Zach Collins has devoted much of a Tumblr site to his prolific joint ventures. Musta Fior is internationally known for his many visual co-conspiracies. Below are representative products of collaboration in the medium that have recently caught the eye of The Collage Miniaturist.
Long have I been convinced that musicians had it all over visual artists when it came to the collaborative urge, but countless exponents of contemporary collage are helping to revise that perception. Ladies and gentlemen, keep jammin’ away!
“Playing with a Full Deck” exhibit
altered playing card collaborations
Gallery 6 PDX, 2013
4646
collage collaboration
F Free + J Gall, date unknown
(start and finish, title unknown)
collage collaboration
start by A Bealy, finish by Z Collins, 2013
(title unknown)
altered playing card collaboration
start by G Stadler, finish by Z Collins, 2013
deception
collage collaboration
(©2013 Flore Kunst/Aaron Beebe)
Cute commando 5
altered playing card collaboration
(©2013 Flore Kunst/Musta Fior)
(title unknown)
altered playing card collaboration
M Fior + + L J Miller-Giera, 2013
Ragbrai
altered playing card collaboration
T Tollefson + L J Miller-Giera, 2013
A Dreadful Idea
altered playing card collaboration
L T Holmes + C Chocron, 2013
Bigger Than That
altered playing card collaboration
T R Flowers + L T Holmes, 2013
Channel Crossing
collage collaboration
start by J Ratouin-Lefèvre, finish by D Daughters, 2013
24.2
collage collaboration
D Daughters + I Reitemeyer, 2013
Bibelot Series
November 5th, 2013“The museum suffered a crisis in July 1994, when burglars broke into the jewel room and stole 103 pieces worth $1.6 million, including most of the bibelot collection. The biggest art heist in Kentucky history remained a mystery for five years, and then a group of Ohio thieves was caught and convicted. Unfortunately, the bibelots apparently had been dismantled and sold as scrap for a fraction of their value.”
— Tom Eblen, Lexington Herald-Leader
I made a visit to the Jewel Room at the Headley-Whitney Museum only once, many years ago, and I was deeply inspired by the capacity to bring raw imagination into physical manifestation. The heartbreaking theft of numerous bibelot masterworks makes it nearly impossible for me to return and view a diminished collection. I have dedicated this series of miniatures to my vivid memory of what used to be.
Dedicated to the lost masterworks of George Headley.
Click on a thumbnail image to preview each miniature.
All Merry, All Happy and Bright
November 3rd, 2013
Day Two / Open Studios ARTTOUR —
I was astonished to learn how much I looked forward with high anticipation to opening our doorway to the public this morning. I have considered myself a person who prefers privacy over public exposure, but completing our gallery space is apparently calling those self-perceptions into question. It was an extraordinary two days of interacting with a diverse group of art tourists. I am already looking ahead to the next opportunity — this Friday we shall welcome more people to our realm as a Gallery Hop Stop in downtown Danville. A peculiar aspect of disclosing the results of one’s collage-making process is to gauge the response of someone not quite prepared for the experience. To do that in one’s own environment is especially indulgent. To offer hospitality to someone else who really “gets it” brings immeasurable satisfaction.
All Merry, All Happy and Bright
collage miniature by J A Dixon
3.875 x 5.875 inches
• S O L D
Dawn Goes Down to Day
November 2nd, 2013
Day One / Open Studios ARTTOUR —
How much sleep I got last night will remain a secret, but I crossed the finish line with everything in place to welcome the public today. We had a steady trickle of folks who enjoyed viewing and talking about art. The design studio, art studio, and gallery/meeting space were looking fine (not to mention the exterior facade), and it feels like I have not caught my breath for several months. Dana outdid herself with some tasty punch and snacks for guests, and she was bragging on my collage all day. Nothing feels like reaching an ambitious goal with a kindred spirit, and I wish every friend in the world had been with me today, too.
Dawn Goes Down to Day
collage miniature by J A Dixon
4 x 4 inches
Purchase this artwork!
B O O !
October 31st, 2013
Halloween Frolic
collage miniature by J A Dixon
4 x 4 inches
Purchase this artwork!
More collage experiments . . .
October 29th, 2013“All the works of man have their origin in creative fantasy.”
— Carl Jung
Anyone who thinks that everything about collage is known is probably stuck in a dull place. Continuous experimentation is vital, whether or not we divulge or share the products of our investigation, and constructive self-criticism is essential, if one is to avoid the pitfall of “artistic comfort.”
Untitled (kaleidoscope)
collage experiment by J A Dixon
4 x 3.75 inches, not for sale
its You
collage experiment by J A Dixon
4.375 x 3 inches, not for sale
Reign Glorious
collage experiment by J A Dixon
3.25 x 4.5 inches, not for sale
6 Pads Of Time
collage experiment by J A Dixon
3 x 4.25 inches, not for sale
84 Tonal Impressions
collage experiment by J A Dixon
3 x 4.25 inches, not for sale
Untitled (overlook)
collage experiment by J A Dixon
5 x 7.75 inches, not for sale