Title: Collage
Medium: Magazine pieces & Mod Podge on Canvas Size: 1ft by 1ft Completion: March 2021 |
Exhibition Text:
"Collage" is inspired by Eunice Parsons's usage of color and layering of images and text in her collages. With this work, I take individual components to make a whole. Many of us have settled into a routine that makes it hard to differ one day from the next, but this artwork also encourages those that are feeling down to have hope about the journey ahead, and to keep moving.
|
Inspiration
Photograph of the artist and her work
|
Eunice Parsons is a collage maker who has been creating collages for over 50 years and resides in Portland, Oregon. She's begun creating with this medium since the 1970s, but she's also worked as a teacher, painter, and printmaker. To make her art, she takes ripped and cut paper with words, pictures, and a variety of colors. Parsons also produces works that are both familiar and contemporary. Parsons uses several layers of paper to create a single picture.Parsons incorporates text and numbers into "Untitled collage," as well as print and color. She concentrates on line, color, and collaboration. Parsons' collage work is influenced by Picasso and Braque's art. Texture is one of the elements of art she enjoys experimenting with, alternating between rough and smooth. The composition of a piece is crucial, and Parsons emphasizes color complements and contrasts rather than mixing it.
|
Untitled,(history) by Eunice Parsons
|
As shown in 'Untitled, (history)' by Eunice Parsons, her collages usually mine the realms of art history to produce works that are thought-provoking. In this artwork, scraps from illuminated manuscripts (details of Gothic architecture, a wounded knight, the rear of a horse), a pair of groping hands from a wrecked magazine advertisement, French Fleurs-de-lis and playing cards all evoke the game of war and its "zero" (see the clunky early computer key). The bizarre shape beneath the woman (made from spray-painted paper) resembles molten lava or an egg about to pop open. What I found most inspiring from this was how all of the different pieces of paper were unique in their own way, but come together and make an interesting collage.
|
A notable quote from the artist about her medium is, “Collage offers a freedom to shift individual elements without limitations—to add, subtract, cross out, paint over until the total image achieves something new and different.” This artist concentrates on the forms and their positioning, paying very close attention to the finer points. I hope to replicate this in my work because, while a collage may appear simple, I intend to put a lot of thought into it. The pieces are complex and the layers beneath the surface are all notable and intriguing to view.
|
Untitled collage by Eunice Parsons
|
Planning
Process
The first thing I did was cut out the words and letters that I wanted. While doing this, I had to pay close attention to the size and colors. Then, I organized all of the individual pieces onto the canvas to figure out how I wanted them positioned in my desired look. I wanted to get an approximate idea of the letter's location.
|
After that, I began actually applying the pieces of the paper to the canvas to make the background. I started with 3 main images, I selected to choose these pictures because of the color and line usage. Also, they were aesthetically pleasing to me and I enjoy the various shades and hues present. I used the mod podge to first apply a thin layer directly on the canvas where the picture would be placed, then after putting the paper down, applied more mod podge on top. I continued to do this process for 2 more layers of the pictures, I had to wait about 5 minutes after applying each layer prior to putting another picture on top of that, so that the first one could dry completely. This was done until the entire canvas was filled with various images.
The letters are large and slightly towards the top of the canvas to make room for the words and phrases I added on the bottom. Some of the significant phrases I added are "Keep moving" and organized the text so it reads "Stress!" then below "Can you handle it?". I had to play around with the placement of where the smaller words would be located so that they did not detract focus from my main message, but rather contributed to it in a meaningful way. I chose to add sentence fragments to the canvas because I believe they make the piece more interesting not only to look at, but because the details enhance the theme. The process for this was not extremely complex, but did require thought and attention to each individual component so I could create the collage I wanted.
Experimentation
The first step in my experimentation was to play with the different letters and fonts to understand how working with the material would look. I cut out many random images and phrases/letters with texts that I found to be interesting. I wanted to get familiar with the material and how to use it prior to starting the process to make my final collage. Due to this, in my experimentation process I worked on creating 2 other collages on a sheet of paper and use different methods to help me decide what my desired affect would be.
|
At first, I tried ripping the paper with my hands. This created more of a ragged and jagged look, and rough texture to the piece. However, while doing this I found that it was easy to make a mistake and definitely a struggle to get a neat and precise image or letters. I wasn't a huge fan of this method because it also ended up taking a longer time, and I had to be very careful with the paper because otherwise I would cut off a part of what I wanted to include.
|
I also worked with the mod podge to see about how much I would have to apply to ensure the pieces of paper stuck, but weren't soggy and ripped. Working with this product helped me to find a happy medium so I used the best amount without being wasteful. Additionally, I found that I had to wait for the background layer of the images to dry prior to applying the text on top. Waiting around 10 minutes for the bottom collage of paper to dry was effective enough so I could place the letters on top. Something else I wanted to experiment with was adding a painted background to the work. For this, I mixed gouache paint and water together and applied swirls, using loose and light brushstrokes. What I found from doing this is that I wasn't a huge fan of how it ended up looking. I felt like when paint was added to the piece, it took away from what I wanted to be the focal point and diminished the work. This is why I made the decision to stick to cover the entirety of the canvas on my final artwork with the cut out paper.
Following the first experimentation collage, I wanted to work with pieces of paper cut out with scissors as opposed to ripped pieces. So, I created another collage on a seperate sheet of paper, this time creating sharp lines. I knew that in my final piece, I wanted to have more text than just the main lettering so I played around with how that might look. I liked the effect of the contrasting colors and lines that cut through the paper, as well as mixing different fonts between the texts and images. From this experimentation, I gathered a lot of valuable knowledge. Overall, this allowed me to play around with hues and contrast, as well as find that I prefer the crisp look of cut paper rather than the jagged torn texture. Being able to experiment with my medium was extremely helpful as I moved to the final collage.
|
Critique
Similarities:
These two pieces make use of bold, unique colors in the composition. There is a particular focus on
contrasting shades in both artworks. Colors are highly pigmented and when layered next to one another, extremely bold. "Collage" and "Untitled, (history)" are also similar through the style used to create the art. The collage technique was used in both by layering shocking and contrasting pieces of cut paper to express extreme emotion. The style is used to evoke feelings of intrigue, drawing the viewer to the details in the collage. In Parsons' work, she used crisp, clean, lines as well as layering different hues to create the technique which I drew inspiration from.
Differences:
An element of art which differs between the pieces is space. In "Collage", there is a noticeable lack of the picture frame effect that created negative space on the exterior of the piece in "Untitled,(history)". The images are crowded around the table in my piece, and there is a very chaotic feeling created. Another way in that the pieces are different is the lack of text, in "Untitled, (history") and how my piece has emphasis on the words. This is perhaps the most noticeable difference, my message is communicated through words and Parson's through images. Another difference between the two is how the images are blended. In Parson's work the images are more cohesively placed together while I decided to focus on contrast in "Collage". However, these differences did not diminish from the theme presented in my original work as my unique piece is still inspired by Parsons'.
These two pieces make use of bold, unique colors in the composition. There is a particular focus on
contrasting shades in both artworks. Colors are highly pigmented and when layered next to one another, extremely bold. "Collage" and "Untitled, (history)" are also similar through the style used to create the art. The collage technique was used in both by layering shocking and contrasting pieces of cut paper to express extreme emotion. The style is used to evoke feelings of intrigue, drawing the viewer to the details in the collage. In Parsons' work, she used crisp, clean, lines as well as layering different hues to create the technique which I drew inspiration from.
Differences:
An element of art which differs between the pieces is space. In "Collage", there is a noticeable lack of the picture frame effect that created negative space on the exterior of the piece in "Untitled,(history)". The images are crowded around the table in my piece, and there is a very chaotic feeling created. Another way in that the pieces are different is the lack of text, in "Untitled, (history") and how my piece has emphasis on the words. This is perhaps the most noticeable difference, my message is communicated through words and Parson's through images. Another difference between the two is how the images are blended. In Parson's work the images are more cohesively placed together while I decided to focus on contrast in "Collage". However, these differences did not diminish from the theme presented in my original work as my unique piece is still inspired by Parsons'.
Reflection
In the end, I believe working on this piece helped me grow because I was able to take on a piece of my choosing, and convey a message that I thought was important. I developed as an artist by taking on a new style and adapting my personal work to that of another artist. Additionally, I enhanced my skill set by using the new medium of cut out pieces of paper from magazines to create a collage. Overall, what I discovered was that both the planning and experimental phases were critical in the final process. I was able to examine and distinctly plan out the method and gain experience in both of these components by experimenting with collage and paying close attention to line use as well as colours. Also, I played with texture by ripping pieces of paper versus cutting them and seeing how that small changed impacted the composition. Going ahead, I'll be able to develop better collages and apply the techniques I've learned here to other mediums, or at least the fundamental principles.
For this piece, I drew inspiration from "Untitled (history)" as well as "Untitled collage" by collage artist Eunice Parsons. This inspiration artist and piece connects to my illustration "Collage" through the impactful theme demonstrated through overlapping images and the bright, vibrant, hues. The greatest challenge I overcame while working on "Collage" was finding the right combination of letters and phrases to include. I spent a large amount of time browsing magazines for both images and text that I wanted to put in. There was a lot of trial and error in this process. Additionally, it was a struggle to figure out the contrast between the background and the lettering and I had to work on that in my experimentation phase. The creation of this artwork took a lot longer than I planned to finish because I wanted to be as precise as possible. Nonetheless, I feel that by working with this, I was capable of producing a better collage in the end, because the time and effort I put into my work appears in the process and I am satisfied with the final result. This project ties together previously learned exercises and concepts through because in previous artworks, I have had to use art as a way to convey an important message and tie in an inspiration for that piece. Those skills were used to create "Collage" by concentrating on comparable art elements and making meaning.
What I most enjoy about the artwork is how I took a topic I feel passionate about and connects to me personally, then communicate the theme through art. My favorite part is making work that connects to current events so viewers that are experiencing these situations in real time can relate and possibly find comfort in the feeling that others are going through the same or similar thing. The visual aspect of the work I like the most is the contrasting and vibrant hues, because I feel like it adds a layer of more interest. My least favorite part was that I decided to only make this one piece, and I feel as if the message may have been communicated more effectively if this collage was a part of a series that all connect. I think that it might have a deeper impact on a viewer if I highlighted this through other perspectives. Overall, I hope that people view my work as a statement about the toll the pandemic has taken on many people. It has been so easy to get caught up in the constant feeling of reliving the same day over and over that people have experienced. However, hope is on the horizon and by including the "When the pandemic is over..." phrases, I try and emphasize the message that everything people do has an impact, and it's important to look forward to the good things that are hopefully ahead.
For this piece, I drew inspiration from "Untitled (history)" as well as "Untitled collage" by collage artist Eunice Parsons. This inspiration artist and piece connects to my illustration "Collage" through the impactful theme demonstrated through overlapping images and the bright, vibrant, hues. The greatest challenge I overcame while working on "Collage" was finding the right combination of letters and phrases to include. I spent a large amount of time browsing magazines for both images and text that I wanted to put in. There was a lot of trial and error in this process. Additionally, it was a struggle to figure out the contrast between the background and the lettering and I had to work on that in my experimentation phase. The creation of this artwork took a lot longer than I planned to finish because I wanted to be as precise as possible. Nonetheless, I feel that by working with this, I was capable of producing a better collage in the end, because the time and effort I put into my work appears in the process and I am satisfied with the final result. This project ties together previously learned exercises and concepts through because in previous artworks, I have had to use art as a way to convey an important message and tie in an inspiration for that piece. Those skills were used to create "Collage" by concentrating on comparable art elements and making meaning.
What I most enjoy about the artwork is how I took a topic I feel passionate about and connects to me personally, then communicate the theme through art. My favorite part is making work that connects to current events so viewers that are experiencing these situations in real time can relate and possibly find comfort in the feeling that others are going through the same or similar thing. The visual aspect of the work I like the most is the contrasting and vibrant hues, because I feel like it adds a layer of more interest. My least favorite part was that I decided to only make this one piece, and I feel as if the message may have been communicated more effectively if this collage was a part of a series that all connect. I think that it might have a deeper impact on a viewer if I highlighted this through other perspectives. Overall, I hope that people view my work as a statement about the toll the pandemic has taken on many people. It has been so easy to get caught up in the constant feeling of reliving the same day over and over that people have experienced. However, hope is on the horizon and by including the "When the pandemic is over..." phrases, I try and emphasize the message that everything people do has an impact, and it's important to look forward to the good things that are hopefully ahead.
ACT Questions
Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect on your artwork?
Eunice Parsons was not afraid to try something new and escape her comfort zone to work on art. Although collage making might not be a 'traditional' form of art, I drew inspiration from how such simple materials can make an impactful piece.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
It can be concluded that the author was admirable of the risks Parsons took on being involved in art with different ways throughout her life advanced her development as an artist, and that it is important to try new things and try a variety of mediums in art. The writers' general approach to the subject of my influence was that vibrancy and hues play a big part in expressing a subject or message from a piece of art.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
One conclusion that I have made in research is that emotion and the people you surround yourself with can heavily influence one's art. As other impact your mood and motions, this may seep into an artist's style and technique, and they might switch it up.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The main idea surrounding my inspirational research how collages can demonstrate and communicate a modern theme to humans. During the pandemic, many people have struggled. I wanted to find phrases that talk about the impact, and sought out on finding words in relation to some common emotions during this time.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
I deduced that the colors and texture of an artwork have an effect on how the observer connects to it, and that these elements can significantly impact a work of art.
Eunice Parsons was not afraid to try something new and escape her comfort zone to work on art. Although collage making might not be a 'traditional' form of art, I drew inspiration from how such simple materials can make an impactful piece.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
It can be concluded that the author was admirable of the risks Parsons took on being involved in art with different ways throughout her life advanced her development as an artist, and that it is important to try new things and try a variety of mediums in art. The writers' general approach to the subject of my influence was that vibrancy and hues play a big part in expressing a subject or message from a piece of art.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
One conclusion that I have made in research is that emotion and the people you surround yourself with can heavily influence one's art. As other impact your mood and motions, this may seep into an artist's style and technique, and they might switch it up.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The main idea surrounding my inspirational research how collages can demonstrate and communicate a modern theme to humans. During the pandemic, many people have struggled. I wanted to find phrases that talk about the impact, and sought out on finding words in relation to some common emotions during this time.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
I deduced that the colors and texture of an artwork have an effect on how the observer connects to it, and that these elements can significantly impact a work of art.
Bibliography
Kolaj Magazine. (2019, August 19). The Amazing Eunice Parsons. Retrieved March 10, 2021, from https://kolajmagazine.com/content/content/articles/the-amazing-eunice-parsons/
Portland Community College. (2010). Eunice Parsons. Retrieved March 12, 2021, from https://www.pcc.edu/art-collection/artist/eunice-parsons/
W. (n.d.). Eunice Parsons & Process. Retrieved March 10, 2021, from https://libmedia.willamette.edu/archives/omeka/exhibits/show/matriarchofmodernism/introduction
Portland Community College. (2010). Eunice Parsons. Retrieved March 12, 2021, from https://www.pcc.edu/art-collection/artist/eunice-parsons/
W. (n.d.). Eunice Parsons & Process. Retrieved March 10, 2021, from https://libmedia.willamette.edu/archives/omeka/exhibits/show/matriarchofmodernism/introduction