abstract art
Due to current circumstances with self-isolation, I thought I’d take the opportunity to get back into some collage. Recently, my focus has been on photographic work but I’ve been feeling the itch to get back to some abstract studies. Here’s the latest one from my glue book.
In recent months, I've been focusing predominantly on various photography projects. I've been really looking forward to getting back into some collage, so I decided to start a new abstract series. Lately, I've found myself really drawn to the potential of working in this way. Using my original photography as source material, I'm combining colour, texture and type to create layered compositions. Below are some work in progress shots.
I've been experimenting with some hand-made urban collages. Taking inspiration from Melbourne's vibrant streets, I've been exploring the possibilities of using my photographs as the source material for new mixed media works. By printing them out and cutting them up, I'm able to open up to a new, meditative way of working and the results have been very rewarding.
Here are some works in progress that explore layering, with a focus on type and texture like that of the torn street posters that surround us every day. There is so much visual interest and history to be found in the layers of the street walls.
I have enjoyed exploring decollage techniques with these works too. There's a fine balance between adding elements and taking them away. It also creates unexpected results when peeling back the images in this way, creating some playfulness to the work. The type is illegible and therefore becomes part of the design, rather to be read. I'm excited to explore this direction further and share more experiments with you soon...
I've just recently started an online course learning new techniques in mixed media collage. The course is run by Randel Plowman who's known for his amazing blog, 'A Collage a Day'. I'm excited to expand my skills and make more work by hand, a new direction I've been wanting to take in my work.
We started off with some quick 5 minute collages using our preference of source imagery. I used a combination of magazine clippings and some printed textures. It was challenging being restricted with time but I enjoyed the intuitive way of working with these. I'm pleased with the results.
