Random photos from a road trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico a couple of weekends ago. It was very inspiring to visit the galleries along Canyon Road. A few details jumped out at me -- not sure what they mean, but these oddities along the way were surprising and visually intriguing. It's fun to encounter something mysterious now and then!
Here are a few photos taken during the First Friday ArtWalk on May 7th. Thanks to all who came by to see the show. Another artist's reception is Friday, May 21st from 6-8pm.
Finishing my Rip/Tear show has been a whirlwind. My studio space is still not recovered and I'm acknowledging that I desperately need to de-clutter in preparation for new work. (Tomorrow!) Collage, by its very nature, requires a certain amount of debris to accumulate as potential materials are stockpiled... then again as pieces are considered, rejected, altered, and perhaps end up in the collage... but quite often return to the pile! Thankfully, I can close the door on the studio when it gets overwhelming and retreat to other parts of our relatively simple abode.
I've read about artists who toss all the materials that were considered, but went unused, for a specific collage piece. Somehow, I can't do that. Whatever originally drew me to the imagery keeps me interested enough to salvage it for the future, unless the scraps are absolutely diminutive! And therein lies part of the problem.This quote speaks to the issue and to the artistic process and makes an appropriate mantra. “Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; from discord find harmony; in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” — Albert EinsteinDid I mention the boxes of graciously donated magazines that are waiting to be sifted on the back porch?!
It's been enlightening to be able to stand back and see the collages from several of my series on the walls at Rip/Tear, on view through May 29th. The work always seems to take on a whole new personality when it is hung beyond the studio. It's good to get some perspective on what I want to continue or revisit, in terms of themes, and inspiration for what I may want to launch into from here. Here are a couple of photos of the exhibition. Hope you can see it in person if you are in the area!Above: Collages from the Color Constructs series, 20 x 10 x 1" each.Below: Collages from the Abstract collection, various sizes. (For scale, vertical at left is 20 x 10 x 1.")