Today has finally come along -- the National Collage Society's 36th Annual Juried show is online! It really made my summer when I learned I had two pieces accepted. The one seen above is titled Go To the Launching Pad at Once (8 x 10"), using game board, quilt, map and various other imagery. The title comes from some wording on one of the game pieces.
Then there is the largest collage I have ever created, titled Colorscape, on a 28 x 28" wood panel.The small squares include all kinds of patterns and small images, and the surrounding area is composed using satellite maps. I used a method known as fusion collage, involving many layers of gloss Medium and a tacking iron.
About a week ago I took out my sewing machine and started quilting. Perhaps I am missing the Quilt festival, for it is that time of year here in Houston. I did not feel like investigating the digital version. And now I can't stop sewing, as I am having a lot of fun, mostly making items to give away as Christmas presents. It feels good to take a break from collage. There are certainly parallels between quilting and collage, and in the mixed media world, they may even combine. What I have noticed is that in both mediums, I enjoy the composition and choosing colors the most. And for me, the hardest thing is the finishing touches. In collage it is the last few pieces as well as top coats and other matters related to adhesives. In quilting, it is the binding that I dread. Sometimes I get it right, sometimes not and out comes the seam ripper. But in both mediums, the way forward includes patience and forbearance.
Getting good at something takes plenty of practice. In any case, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I feel fortunate to enjoy arts and crafts. Both before and during the pandemic, no day is long enough. Of course, like everyone, I miss my friends and family. I get to see some of them on Zoom, and that helps, but (again), like everyone, I miss the real thing. Patience, patience -- time marches on, and someday this too shall pass...
