This most recent piece, called Diving the Depths of Communication, is a collage done on Strathmore 500 bristol board, using maps and engraved illustrations from old discarded books. The media used includes liquid acrylic inks, Derwent Inktense watercolor pencils, Prismacolor watercolor pencils, and Pitt artist brush markers. The image is 5″ by 5″ square.
This collage process has developed in response to having less time to devote to create endeavors. I wanted to find a way to explore my artwork in similar ways as before but in a less time-intensive way. Using collage elements combined with the immediacy of the brush markers has been working well for me lately. I’m sure, as time allows, I will still pursue other creative process, such as those I use in the Alchemy Notebook, but for now this is providing me a quick way to keep my creativity moving forward.
NG has a great history of quality illustration – as a kid I would look at the maps and illustrations and dream about doing that when I grew up. Wonderful that you have seen originals of Hiroshige – what a rare treat. I work in the archives for a small private school, and even handling the the ho-hum types of documents gives me a little thrill. I think that is a big part in why I enjoy making these little collages.
Interesting to hear you got the wave pattern from the National Geographic – now you say it, I think I’ve seen similar there too. I’ve always loved their style of paintings illustrating some of their articles from time-to-time. I’m a big fan of Hiroshige – and I’ve been lucky enough to handle two originals of his works.
Hi Tim – The waves are much like Hiroshige – his waves have become the archetype. I found them on an old National Geographic map of England (from the 1960s I believe). Thanks for your comment.
I like this piece. A nice combination. The waves remind me of Hiroshige.