Capturing a Moment to Collage

For my final art entry, I chose to create a collage using limited amount of supplies. It represents the amount of resources listed for us to read, watch and/or listened to during our Graduate Program.

For this final project, I wanted to create collage in a small, contained size by using a 3.5” x 5.25” etching paper. My purpose was to allow the collage to grow spontaneously, like the subject matters and information that stuck with me from the Graduate Program. Not everything that was taught stayed with me, nor did I find everything valuable. However, the program was packaged tightly and very well organized.

Limited amount of supplies for collage making.

Goal was to create a predominantly horizontal feel.

 

Playing with glue to add interest.

Using flags to create an horizon line.

 

Though I wanted the collage to form organically, I still needed structure. I gave myself one rule, to make the piece look predominantly horizontal. [Figure 1]  After working on the first piece for 30 minutes, I didn’t like it. The next piece was predominately diagonal. [Figure 2]   I liked it but not completely satisfied. The third was predominately vertical. [Figure 3]  This is like school; we received instructions of our homework, yet still had options of what we wanted to write on.

[Figure 1]

[Figure 2]

[Figure 3]

 

After more than an hour went by, I decided to let go and not think too much about creating an ineffable piece of art that is arresting for every viewer. Four hours into it, I completed 7 pieces (in total). Interestingly enough, I didn’t realize how long I spent on this project. It felt less than an hour. The work drama and persona- life issues melted away. The last 4 collages felt more organic and simplified.

In reflection, this is a process would benefit the patients greatly. It could truly allow them to experience the state of “flow”, when a person enjoys a process that he is completely absorbed in it. This process helped peel off a few layers of my stressful day. I remember starting with extremely tight shoulders and ended forgetting that I needed a massage. The small contained space will make it less intimidating for patients as well. This might be a great self-expressive project for a patient, but most importantly, it will help usher in the state of “flow”.

Yupo is not an emotive, YUPO is for watercolor

Urban dictionary will tell you that Yupo means ‘yes’ in an excited way. Today, we will use YUPO in a different form. For a few months now, I have heard about this amazing new watercolor paper call “YUPO”. For my creative practice, I decided to try this very expensive synthetic paper.
 

YUPO paper is different from other watercolor paper. It has a wax feel to it. When we apply the watercolor to the paper, the water gets absorbed into the atmosphere rather than into the paper like most watercolor paper. This means it takes a while to dry. Be forewarned, it has a mind of its own, but the results can be a nice surprise. Just knowing that I cannot be in a hurry with YUPO paper was forcing me to enjoy the process.

 

What You’ll Need:

 

·         YUPO Watercolor Paper

 

·         Koi Watercolors with Reusable Waterbrush

 

·         Pencil

 

·         Ink Pen

 

·         Your Imagination

 

·         Patience

 

·         Time (at least an hour)

 

At first, I tried to control the painting by drawing the flowers and the tree branch with a pencil. The pencil on YUPO paper feels like gliding on rich melted chocolate. It feels so smooth and good. Embarrassing to admit it, but it is true! I love how the pencil skates on the paper!

 
 

Starting with a reusable waterbrush, I added the various colors in small areas, but when the reusable waterbrush started leaking more what than desired, the colors ran together. Holding the papers up and down, trying to help the flow of the water made me forget for a minute.  I then realized I enjoyed watching the colors mixed and how they flowed on their own. I found myself having fun and accepting whatever the outcome maybe.

 
 

As I stated before, it takes a while for the paper to dry, and you have to be patient. After over an hour of waiting, the end result looks different from what I am used to.  I then used an ink pen to add final touches. Next time, I will try watercolor ink with alcohol and salt.

 



Close-up of Final Piece