Friday, October 2, 2015

Weekly Quick Collage: Abstract II



Abstract II
collage,  7.5 x 6 inches

I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.
                                                                                                                                ~ Pablo Picasso


I'm definitely taking Picasso's advice on this one. I have been trying to push myself to work more abstractly, which is not really my strongest suit, so to speak. Really, to be clear, I should say I'm attempting to make work that's non-objective, meaning that it's not based on real objects, whereas abstract work is. Art history.com says, " Nonobjective art is another way to refer to Abstract art or nonrepresentational art. Essentially, the artwork does not represent or depict a person, place or thing in the natural world. Usually, the content of the work is its color, shapes, brushstrokes, size, scale, and, in some cases, its process."

Though my work isn't completely "realistic" by any means, and I wouldn't necessarily call it abstract,  it usually depicts objects that are based on real ones, i.e. butterflies, flowers, birds, faces, etc.  I guess it walks a line somewhere in between. So I thought it would be fun to do something that's focused on colors, shapes, and movement rather than recognizable things. I don't think this is easy at all, but it was fun, if not entirely successful. And I think I'd like to try more of this in the future.

What do you think? Is making non-objective work easy for you, or difficult? Any insights or thoughts concerning how to make it easier?


Thanks for looking, and have a wonderful weekend!





8 comments:

  1. I like this piece very much color and detail.. and your piece has strong triangles supported by circles. Birds or planets or just shapes?! For me it is always about the story I'm trying to express.

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  2. I agree, Mary Ann, a non-objective piece can tell a story, though maybe more open to interpretation by the viewer. Thanks!

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  3. I love your collages - the compositions; the stories and memories they invoke. I think it's so important to work outside our comfort zones - to push and dig deep, This piece makes me uncomfortable - the angular lines; the bold colors - stark and busy patterns. But isn't that what art is supposed to do? Stop us and make us think? So in that way I think this abstract piece is very successful.

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    1. This piece makes me kind of uncomfortable, too, Judy, for just those exact reasons you mentioned; I think that's why I don't really like it. But it does make me think about where I'm going from here, so I guess it's helped me learn. Thanks!

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  4. This is a wonderful start! I make nothing, but abstract work, but that was not always so, and yes in the beginning long ago it was very hard. I would sit in front of blank paper for days. Now it is all I do, but the other day I realized while on a hike that I was taking my hikes back with me into the studio and translating it into my abstract collage work. Best of luck with your adventures in abstraction. xoxo

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    1. Thanks so much, Annie! I have a long way to go before I could possibly call myself an abstract artist, but I am learning. One step at a time, right?

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  5. This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work. You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging.

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  6. I love the quilting design slashing against the neon green. Very innovative and popping.

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