111 Collage Design Art by Abby Sernoff

Love Tree

2011-08-31T11:01:00.014-04:00

This is one of the largest collages I have ever made - it's 30" x 48" on gallery wrapped canvas made using paper (primarily an old map of the US), acrylic paint, and ink. It's titled "Love Tree."

xo Abby

My Favorite Materials

2011-08-29T10:18:00.009-04:00

My stash of paper organized by color

I suppose every artist a favorite medium or two to work with. As a collage artist, by far, my favorite is paper. I had been collecting paper for years, even before I had any inkling I would become a collage artist myself! I guess a tiny unspoken part of me knew deep down I would need it some day - funny how our truth calls to us in ways we don't understand at the time.

So I thought I would share some photos of my paper collection, in addition to some other materials I've collected more recently that I love to work with. I'm amazed sometimes I have any room to create anything at all with all this stuff!

Bins full or more paper sources - old calendars and maps

More paper - rolls that are to large to fit anywhere else,
so I have them in a gift wrap organizer

And of course the scraps I could never throw away!
I keep them organized by color in Ziploc bags!

Honorary Mentions

My collages wouldn't be collages without the glue - here is my favorite Liquitex fluid matte medium. Holds most light to medium weight paper, dries clear, and makes a great top coat/sealant. Love it!

In the past year or two I have really begun to
incorporate acrylic paint into my work

And finally, my Ranger Distress Ink.
I love to use this ink (applied with my finger) for shading and definition.
It can really make a piece come to life!

If anyone would like to share their favorite materials, I'd love to hear!

xo Abby

My Visit to the the Art Institute of Chicago

2011-08-25T13:09:00.014-04:00

Last month during my trip to Chicago I was lucky enough to spend some time at the Art Institute. Since realizing I was an artist myself, about 5 years ago (you can read my story here), going to museums has become a much more intense experience for me. I've enjoyed art my whole life, but now am just awed by the impact art has had over the centuries, the age of certain pieces I've seen, and the idea that people have simply been making art since the beginning of time.

The Art Institute of Chicago is definitely one of the best museums I have ever been to. Their collection of Ancient Indian/Eastern art was amazing as well as a huge Impressionistic Wing and Modern Art areas.

Here are some photos I wanted to share:

This statue was right in the entrance foyer - I found it very striking!

Ancient statue of Hindu deity Ganesh, Remover of Obstacles

A famous Van Gogh painting The Bedroom
I have a print of this in my art studio! So cool to see in person

Seated Buddha statue from the 12 th century

xo Abby

New Work Monday

2011-08-22T13:11:00.012-04:00

So, after spending most of this past year working on large scale collages (30" x 40" !) for my solo art show this past May (see here), I am having fun making art on a smaller scale.

I found this old Funk and Wagnalls New Standard Encyclopedia Volume X from 1931 about 7 years ago at a garage sale, and it has just been sitting in my art room, lost, until I finally decided to put it to use. One of the things I love about mixed media collage is that you can turn old into new, and breathe new life into things. Oh, in case you are wondering, I did check to see if it was worth anything before I started ripping it up!

With fall coming, I decided to focus on trees and leaves cut from the book pages over a layered background of hand painted tissue or textured paper with a bubble wrap imprint. I have 2 done so far, but am working on several more! These little collages are 4" x 5" on stretched canvas. I plan to sell them at the upcoming craft show I am doing The Clover Market September 18th in Ardmore, Pa.

The Ferris Wheel

2011-08-11T14:27:00.003-04:00

Last month during a trip to Chicago I had the chance to ride a Ferris wheel, which I haven't done in a long time. A really long time! As a 42 year old woman with no children, the opportunity just doesn't come up that much. But visiting Navy Pier with my 4 nieces and nephews, I didn't have much choice in the matter.

There is something so joyful the image of a Ferris wheel evokes for me. I guess it reminds me of my own childhood summers and adventures at amusement parks. So I thought I'd share this photo I took.

As an adult, I am pretty afraid of heights. But even I know to always ride the Ferris wheel when given the chance. Always. And as long as everyone kept their fingers and toes inside and didn't stand up, I was fine :)

What I've Been Up To...

2011-08-10T12:16:00.009-04:00

Well, I recently made a resolution to post twice a week, but life got in the way a bit. Oh well, it's time to begin again....

So, I have a few things in my creative life going on that I'm excited to share. Firstly, I have started an e-course this week called Flying Lessons presented by Kelley Rae Roberts. The subtitle is Tips and Tricks to Make Your Creative Business Soar. I have had a very exciting year creatively (my very first solo art show in May!) and am ready to continue to grow my creative business :)

Secondly, I will be participating in my very first craft show this Fall at the Clover Market in Ardmore, PA. I feel this market is a very good fit for me, and I have been delving into the world of craft show preparation! There are lots of things to consider - I have already purchased my tent, but I am still ruminating over how to best display my art. It's all fun stuff though :) I will definitely be posting more updates about the show as it gets closer!

The Story Behind the Art

2011-07-25T12:13:00.009-04:00

Today I am going to tackle question #3 in my ongoing series "5 Blog Posts Every Artist Should Write" suggested by this article on the website Imaginative Bloom:

The Story Behind A Piece of Art

I was going to choose a different collage actually, but a moment ago, a starling landed outside my window, so I think I will discuss this bird collage featuring a starling called Etiquette Lessons ( I am a firm believer in signs and messages!)

I made this collage about 2 1/2 years ago. It was one of the first collages I made after learning how to include other mediums besides paper in my art. It was originally made on an 9" x 12" canvas. The background was made from tissue paper I painted (using acrylic paint,) and the flowers are actually from a dinner napkin! The body of the bird was made using a Xerox of my husbands sweater. A fun tip: Color copying fabric is a great way to create interesting papers to use for collage. And amazingly, I have found no one even gives you funny looks if you go to Kinkos and Xerox a bunch of clothing!

The title Etiquette Lessons comes from the description of the starling in my animal totem book Animal Speak by Ted Andrews:

The starling is a very socialble bird, and when not nesting, they gather together to form immense flocks. They almost always travel together a feed in flocks. Because of this , Starlings reveal lessons associated with group behavior and etiquette ...

The original of this collage has sold, but giclee (fine art) prints are still available in my etsy shop here !

New Artwork - The Sing Series

2011-07-13T11:32:00.008-04:00

I had fun making these little 4 " x 4 " collages! They were made on canvas using hand painted tissue paper as the background to add texture.

I had originally created these paisley birdies to use in a larger collage called "Always Remember to Sing," but decided to expand the idea to smaller collages I have named the "Sing" series.

These paisley birdies sitting on musical note branches are here to remind you to always remember to sing your own song, and are currently available for sale in my etsy shop!

What I did last Sunday...

2011-07-11T11:17:00.013-04:00

Maybe other readers are familiar with this phenomena. When going on vacation, I always make sure to take full advantage of all the sights and opportunities available. But living near a major metropolis - Philadelphia, I am definitely delinquent in taking advantage of all the cultural opportunities in my area.

Philadelphia Museum of Art (sorry no Rocky steps, we went in the back!)

So, yesterday afternoon I suggested my husband and I take a trip to The Philadelphia Museum of Art (about a 15 - 20 minute drive away.) I hadn't been to the museum in years. And guess what - it was great! Some of the exhibits I remembered well. Others I found a new appreciation for since becoming an "artist" myself. I left feeling inspired and rejuvenated.

One of the many outdoor sculptures

Monet's The Japanese Footbridge and the Water Lily Pool, Giverny- always amazing to see famous art in person!

early 20th century Japanese Tea Garden (yes, that is *inside* the museum!)

If you visit with a member of the male species, you *will* have to see the armour exhibit!

Now my husband and I are planning which local museums to visit next!

Childhood Art Influences

2011-07-06T10:31:00.008-04:00

It's always fun to look back at early artistic influences from childhood. For me, it was the illustrations of some of my favorite childhood storybooks that had the biggest impact.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, Miffy at the Seaside by Dick Bruna, and Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson are the books that stand out in my memory the most...How about you?

5 Blog Posts Every Artist Should Write Part 2

2011-06-27T10:55:00.008-04:00

So today I am going to tackle question #2 in my ongoing series "5 Blog Posts Every Artist Should Write" suggested by this article on the website Imaginative Bloom: Your specialty and why you choose it. To see my first response in this series, click here

I consider myself a mixed media collage artist, but the mixed media part came later. Initially, I found myself drawn to paper collage. The collage part was easy and natural: I've always loved cutting things from paper, and even though nobody believes me, I really don't feel I can draw well. Paper alone was my first medium of choice and many of my early collages were 100% paper and glue.

Red Bird Listening Paper Collage

Eventually, I felt myself wanting to add more depth and texture to my work. Creating what was in my minds eye with only paper was just not happening! The only problem was I was terrified of paint! I am self taught, and paint seemed very daunting and permanent. I mean, didn't you have to go to art school to use paint?! Slowly, I began teaching myself techniques using acrylic paint, and now I prefer to incorporate it into my work rather than not!

A New Day paper, acrylic, and ink on canvas

I also learned to use ink for shading and texture, making my work truly mixed media!

Nothing Happens Alone Paper, acrylic, and ink on canvas

Untie Your Wings

2011-06-09T12:05:00.005-04:00

Untie Your Wings Mixed Media Collage on 8 x 10 Canvas

Always Remember to Sing!

2011-06-06T14:26:00.008-04:00

These paisley birdies would like to remind you to always remember to sing!

This original 8" x 10" mixed media collage is now available in my etsy shop. Chirp!

Look What I Saw!

2011-06-01T09:03:00.011-04:00

A few weekends ago visiting my hometown area of Princeton, NJ, I came across this bus. How cool is this?! Since seeing it, I have made an effort to consciously be kinder in my day to day life.

Big gestures are great, but even little things like being patient waiting in a line, really listening when someone is speaking to you, or even a smile can have a huge impact on someone's day. In turn, that person might be a little kinder to those they encounter. Also, I've noticed it actually is fun to make a conscious effort to be kind to others. Just sayin'.....

The Mystery of It All

2011-05-23T11:54:00.004-04:00

I'm not sure where I found this to be honest, but this picture has been hanging on my bulletin board for quite some time. I love this quote, so I thought I'd share it today!

I know my art is definitely inspired by the mysterious - how about you?

Solo Art Exhibit Opening Reception

2011-05-05T10:27:00.022-04:00

My Art Show Opening on May 1st at the Pebble Hill Gallery in Doylestown, PA was a great success! Thanks to all who supported me from afar and to those who were able to make it in person!

The exhibit will run through May 29th, please check the gallery website here for hours. More information about the exhibit can be found here

Art Show Opening!

2011-04-29T08:33:00.003-04:00

I am very excited to announce the opening reception of my solo art show is this Sunday, May 1st 12-2 pm at the Pebble Hill Gallery in Doylestown, PA! The show will be displayed through the month of May.

Click here for more information

New Work Part 3

2011-04-15T10:24:00.006-04:00

Hard to believe my solo art show is about 2 weeks away! Here is another new collage titled Heaven and Earth that will be featured in the exhibit.

Heaven and Earth

Mixed Media Collage (paper, acrylic, ink)
on Canvas 20" x 30"

How I Became an Artist

2011-04-06T11:04:00.009-04:00

Recently I came across a very interesting article titled 5 Blog Posts Every Artist Should Write on a website called Imaginative Bloom. I have decided to answer these questions in an ongoing series.

Today I will tackle question #1 - How you became an artist. The reasoning behind writing this blog post is that it will help readers feel more connected to you. I personally often waver over how much of myself to expose on the internet. I admire those people who "let it all hang out" but at the same time feel like I would be too exposed if I did that myself. I even read advice from one very successful artist who said her sales increased significantly when she deleted all personal information about herself from her website and recommended everyone to do the same!

I do happen to think the story of How I became an artist is really interesting though, and worth sharing again for those who haven't heard it, so here it goes!

How I became an Artist
First of all, I have been an artist for less than 5 years! If I stop to think about it, it is still quite new and unexpected. Being an artist was never what I had planned for myself in a million years (although maybe deep down it was something I secretly wanted, but never thought could happen.) I actually have a Master's degree in something completely unrelated - Speech Language Pathology- and worked in that field for several years. I suppose I imagined that that was it for me career-wise, and I would be doing that job the rest of my life.

Of course, I have since learned, we don't have a whole lot of control over certain things. In 2003 I became severely ill and had to stop working. This led me a couple years later to take a local class called "The Artist's Way" based on the book/program by Julia Cameron. I had always been kind of "crafty" as a hobby, but never considered myself an "artist" in anyway, shape, or form. For fun, I decided to make a collage and bring it in to the class for a kind of "Show and Tell." Well, the response was overwhelming! The teacher of the class wound up buying that first collage, and within a few months I found myself accepting commissions, having my work in local stores, and being accepted into a juried art show!

It hasn't all been easy though. There has been a huge learning curve in terms of technique as well as marketing myself, and I have still been dealing with ongoing health issues, that at times have made doing anything incredibly challenging.

I am, however, having my first solo art exhibit in a few weeks!!
Click here for more info

As a person who hasn't been an "artist" for all that long, this is a pretty amazing place to conclude the story of How I Became An Artist, if I do say so myself!

To be continued.....

New Work Part 2

2011-03-30T09:34:00.008-04:00

Cardinals remind us that everything we do is of importance, and that you and your message are needed in this world!

You Are Important Mixed media collage on canvas 30" x 40"

This collage will also be featured in my upcoming solo art exhibit May 2011 at the Pebble Hill Peace Gallery in Doylestown, PA

New work!

2011-03-24T09:46:00.006-04:00

This collage will be featured in my upcoming solo art exhibit in at the Pebble Peace Gallery May 2011 in Doylestown, PA

A New Day Mixed Media Collage on Canvas 30" x 40"

Supermoon

2011-03-19T12:14:00.004-04:00

In honor of tonight's "Supermoon!"

The Cloud

2011-03-16T14:53:00.003-04:00

The Cloud

I am the daughter of Earth and Water,
And the nursling of the Sky;
I pass through the pores of the ocean and shores;
I change, but I cannot die.
For after the rain when with never a stain
The pavilion of Heaven is bare,
And the winds and sunbeams with their convex gleams
Build up the blue dome of air,
I silently laugh at my own cenotaph,
And out of the caverns of rain,
Like a child from the womb, like a ghost from the tomb,
I arise and unbuild it again.

- Percy Blythe Shelley

My new mantra!

2011-01-24T14:13:00.008-05:00

Here is the new sign I've posted recently in my "art studio" (aka the craft room, or spare bedroom, depending on the day.) Many thanks to Denise Linn from whom I have borrowed this phrase.

Although I am finding this reminder helpful in my own creative process, I think it could be useful for anyone in any situation. Once you give yourself permission to let go of the pressure of perfectionism, you might be amazed at what might actually emerge!

Introducing... My Art Assistant Carmela

2010-12-20T12:16:00.006-05:00

I would like you to meet my new art assistant, Carmela. I wasn't even looking to fill such a position at this point in my career, but she just won't take no for an answer!

She's definitely a self starter. For example, here she is warming up my paper, and I didn't even ask her!

She also decided to take inventory of my art supplies one day, all on her own.

Sometimes I have to put my foot down. Over the weekend she tried to convince me that large canvases were a good place to lean up against to take a bath, so we agreed to disagree. She works for free though, so I can't really fire her :)

Giving Back

2010-12-03T10:05:00.004-05:00

In the spirit of giving this holiday season, I decided to get a bird feeder! As the birds in my yard have provided unlimited inspiration for my art, I decided to help out the family of cardinals the stick around through the winter!

I have since learned that there are many more birds around this winter than just a family of cardinals and, although our yard is starting to resemble an Alfred Hitchcock movie, it's always good to give back!

Happy Holidays!

New Mini Collages!

2010-11-16T10:18:00.005-05:00

I fell in love with these mini easels and canvases as soon as I saw them! It was fun to make these little works of art, and they would make a great holiday gift too!

The Cerulean Blue Warbler

2010-10-04T08:59:00.004-04:00

My latest collage, titled "Nothing Happens Alone,"features a Cerulean Blue Warbler, a small bird of the deciduous forest treetops. This bird has been in the news a lot lately: it is our fastest declining neotropical migrant songbird, and is currently on the Audobon watch list and under consideration for listing under the Endangered Species Act.

The text is this collage that reads "Nothing happens alone in nature, for change begets change" comes from a vintage 1960's book about environmental conservation. I thought this sentence captures the essence of the piece pretty well, that even seemingly small decisions we make everyday have a greater impact on ourselves, our wildlife, the environment, and the planet.

I Won A Vacation!

2010-09-29T10:28:00.007-04:00

In August, I actually won a vacation in an internet contest!!! My husband and I just spent 5 nights in a gorgeous 2 story ocean front villa last week in Kiawah, South Carolina!!!

Almost as surprising as winning were other people's reactions. Most people assumed there was a "catch," that we would be spending a day in a time share presentation, or something equally horrid as a result of our winning a vacation. I enter contests all the time, and I figure most of them are legit. I mean, some one has to win, why not me?!

Anyway, we simply just won! Maybe the sponsor had an ultimate ulterior motive that we'll never know about besides general promotion of their properties, but upon arriving we received a huge gift basket and had our photos taken. Otherwise, we were completely left alone :)

If you have never been to Kiawah (or heard of it,) it is a beautiful island about 30 minutes outside of Charleston South Carolina. It is known for being relatively undeveloped, so nature abounds, as well as golf (which my husband thoroughly took advantage of!)

I am a beach girl myself, so I spent most of my time by the ocean. There were so many interesting birds, but what surprised me the most were the large number of crows on the beach. As I feature crows in my artwork quite a bit, I felt a strong connection to them. There were also butterflies everywhere you turned - even outside the supermarket! Taking the ramp to the beach it was not unusual to have about 10 gorgeous butterflies cross your path.

So I would definitely recommend a visit to Kiawah Island, SC! And that, in of itself, may have been the whole point the contest promoters giving away a vacation, I suppose :)

On Selling Out ( Or Not ...)

2010-08-30T10:35:00.029-04:00

Actually, I don't think it would be possible for me to "sell out" - I have found that if I make a piece that doesn't have some meaning to it (at least for me) I am very unhappy with it. However, I do want to be successful!

Birds As Souls Original Mixed Media Collage

Woodland Creatures Original Mixed Media Collage

I recently completed 2 new original mixed media collages (pictured above) called "Birds As Souls" and "Woodland Creatures." Prior to making them, I tried to follow some of the trends for fall I had read about in Etsy's September Merchandising Report. Some topics I tried to keep in mind were: woodland creatures, natural colors/earth tones, muted greens, mustard, and cranberry. I am pretty happy with the finished results. The bird silhouette featured is a Hermit Thrush.

Also, as Etsy is always encouraging their sellers to take interesting photos, I captured my new collages sitting on top of a pile of rocks! Although I was skeptical, I think the photos look pretty good! Enjoy!

Only Don't Know...

2010-08-18T10:14:00.006-04:00

Last summer, I bought a new guided meditation recording. At the end of the meditation, the listener was instructed to "go straight, and only don't know." As I understood it, going straight referred to the Buddhist idea of dharma and following the Right Path. But "Only don't know?" This phrase perplexed me. What in the world did it mean?! Was it even grammatically correct? Well, that's what Google is for, I suppose.

I learned that "Only Don't Know" is the title of a book of correspondences between Zen Master Seung Sahn and his devotees. In this book of letters, all sorts of people write to him with questions ranging from work and relationships, to the meaning of Zen. I most letters, he counsels "Only don't know."

Hmmm. I am far from a Zen Master (nor do I desire to be one,) but this notion has really struck a chord with me. What if we let go of all that we profess to "know." The future, the past, our limitations. All that defines "us" as "us." Because, really, what do we know? My life has been one continual surprise after another, and the times I have been the least happy are when I have clung to ideas about how I think things "should be."

So, I've adopted this phrase as a kind of mantra. As my life unfolds, I try to stay on the path that has been clearly laid out for me, and "only don't know." Because I've found, when I let go of what I think I know, the sky's the limit!

Announcing...my new website!

2010-08-16T10:30:00.006-04:00

For a while now, I have felt having my own website, aside from my etsy shop, would be a good idea. Not only for promotional reasons, but also to have all my links in one place. Between etsy, facebook, twitter, flickr, etc (and who knows what's next!) it's overwhelming for me, let alone someone trying to view all my work.

Originally I had hired a web designer, but, after 6 weeks in, he quit. Of course I was disappointed, but, after reviewing all the options, I decided to design it myself! Well, actually my husband set the whole thing up for me...but I did all the layouts!

So, I am proud to announce 111collagedesign.com! Hope you enjoy it!

Junk Mail Challenge

2010-08-06T15:16:00.013-04:00

I often see wonderful craft challenges on blogs and think I'd really like to participate. But somehow, I never do. I miss the deadline or am not inspired by the subject matter. So, I decided to create my own challenge, with just me participating! You've got to start somewhere, right?!

Last month I wrote a blog post about how I like to incorporate recycled materials into my collages. You can see it here!

Well, I thought, what if I make a collage where the only source of paper is junk mail!I made the junk mail rules pretty tight for myself: No magazines, or paper I had picked up elsewhere. Each paper source I used had to come into my home through the mail and while I included catalogs, I decided magazines were not allowed (too easy!) I already had some great wooden blocks I had found at store going out of business sale (used for merchandising displays) so I felt this challenge would be a perfect use for them!

As this has been one long hot summer, I settled on the subject matter of leaves (think Fall!) to be the focus of my junk mail challenge. I decided to make a series of 3 leaf mixed media collages using the upcycled wooden blocks, 100% junk mail, acrylic paint, and ink.

Original Red Leaf Mixed Media Collage

Original Mixed Media Maple Leaf Collage

Original Mixed Media Green Leaf Collage

I am pretty happy with the way they turned out and find it hard to believe they were once "Junk Mail" that would have wound up in our recycle bin (a noble place, yes, but it's always nice to bring a little beauty into the world!)

If anyone is inspired to try this challenge for themselves, I would be happy to run another series. Just comment below if you would like to participate and I will post some details.

xxoo
Abby

A little bird told me...

2010-07-14T10:47:00.009-04:00

So, if you are familiar with my artwork, you will have noticed that much of my inspiration comes from birds. I really only became interested in birds a few years ago, and it was because I was creating collages of them not knowing exactly why!

I am now familiar with the birds living in my yard that I see on a regular basis (our backyard seems to be a birdie hub of activity!) Cardinals, robins, grackles, sparrows, mourning doves, and the occasional blue jay to name a few! And I am much more aware of the types of birds I see when away from home too.

In addition to studying different species of birds, I am so inspired by what they represent. Of course, I am not alone: birds had powerful symbolic meaning in ancient cultures and have inspired art for centuries. The beauty of their song, the ability to fly, the amazing variety in the patterns and colors of their markings. To me, they are also a reminder to view life as if from a "bird's eye view," being able to see the big picture of how things work out the way they are meant to, vs. getting bogged down with mundane details that cloud our vision.

Above is my latest collage, a tribute to the power and mystery of the bird. It's called "Unseen Cosmic Forces."
The text in the upper right reads : "The reverence paid to animals in most primitive cultures had to do with a perception that they are more in touch with unseen cosmic forces"

I think that this might be true :)

Why 111?

2010-07-07T10:01:00.011-04:00

About 3 or 4 years ago (it was summer I believe) I started seeing the numbers 1111 everywhere! When I glanced at a digital clock, on store receipts, and once, my stopwatch went haywire (granted I was in a sauna) and stopped on this very number!

Out of curiosity, I googled "numerology and 1111." One of the first listings that came up asked"Are you someone who has been seeing 11:11 everywhere?" To say I was unnerved would be an understatement! I am much more open to things unseen at this point in my life, but at the time this sort of phenomena was very new to me.

Here is a bit from what I read

Whenever you see the sequence 111 or 1111 show up, it is a great sign of a golden opportunity. Both sequences mean that a "doorway" has opened up in which your intentions and goals will manifest extremely quickly. The Angels have taught me to focus my thoughts and intentions whenever I see 111 or 1111, almost like making a wish when a cake with candles is presented to you - Doreen Virtue

I still see this number combination all the time. In fact, if you look at the time stamp of my very first blog entry back in April, it reads 11:11 (this was a total coincidence, not planned!)

So this is where the title of my Etsy shop 111 Collage Design comes from. Make a wish!

A few words about materials...

2010-06-30T11:00:00.010-04:00

"Every master knows that the material teaches the artist"

Even though I have only been making collages for a few years, I inexplicably have been saving potential materials for much longer than that. I guess the "collage artist" part of me was busy preparing, even before I knew this was the path I would be taking.

Although many of my collages are made with more than one medium (making them "mixed media" pieces), my heart lies with paper. I can't really draw, and paint scares me ( I am trying to work on this,) but I have always loved to cut things out of paper!

In this way, everyday objects become my palette. Old calendars, maps, magazines, tissue boxes, greeting cards, and food cartons all have the potential to be featured in my next collage!

Since I am an avid recycler, I'm glad my art utilizes repurposed items. One of my more exciting recent finds were these wooden blocks at a store going out of business sale (the kind where everything is going, even the fixtures.) I believe they were used to prop up displays, but for me they are perfect canvases!

Here is the first collage I made using one of these repurposed wooden blocks.

Patience and Contentment Mixed Media Collage

If you look closely, you can also see a repurposed map in the background. The seahorse is also partially created out of recycled gift wrap.

Butterflies and Dragonflies

2010-06-25T14:44:00.005-04:00

My newest collage is called Butterflies and Dragonflies/Free at Last. This piece was made on a warm summer day, and was, in part, inspired by the love I have for this time of year. I have always loved the heat and the stillness of summer. And what could be more delightful than wandering through a field of butterflies!

There is also a deeper meaning to this piece, which I feel reflects where I am on my journey as an artist and also in my life. A lot of my earlier artwork reflects searching: for meaning, for balance, for acceptance, and for integration. This collage represents the idea of a more complete transformation: the ability to let go of the past and live in the present moment. Like a butterfly released from it's cocoon: free at last!

My Birthday Trip

2010-06-14T12:15:00.013-04:00

For my 41st birthday on Friday (how did that happen?!,) my husband and I took a day trip to Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ. Although I grew up very close by, in Lawrenceville, I had never been there before.

Recently, I have been reviewing The Artist's Way program by Julia Cameron, and one theme that runs throughout is the idea that your artist is a child who loves to be nurtured and to play! It is important to revisit what inspired you as a child and to try to recapture the joy and wonder you felt when everything was new. I am very lucky I had a childhood rich in art, literature, and music, and draw on these images all the time while creating my own art.

I felt my visit to Grounds for Sculpture was like stepping into a fairytale! Even the restaurant there (which was amazing by the way) is inspired by a children's book, The Wind In the Willows. At 35 acres, everywhere you turned were gorgeous works of art, secret passage ways, gardens, and trails that led to magical surprises.

Perhaps the most pleasant surprise for me personally, was looking for a place to get a drink and running into a family of Peacocks! Moms, Dads, and babies strolling around!

I couldn't help but recall my favorite childhood birthday memory. I had just turned 5 and we took a birthday party trip to a petting zoo where I saw a Peacock. The peacock opened his feathers that day, and I truly believed it was just for me! So hanging out with a peacock, feathers wide open, on my 41st birthday, was incredibly symbolic.

My "artist child" couldn't have been happier!

Help the Gulf Coast on Etsy

2010-06-09T09:30:00.010-04:00

I have been very pained recently, along with a great many other people, about the ramifications of the oil spill in the Gulf Coast. Among the most seriously affected by this catastrophe are the creatures and wildlife who rely on this area for their livelihood. Seeing images on television and the internet of birds and other creatures covered in oil is, for me, almost unbearable.

So, although this problem seems completely overwhelming for one person to try to make a difference, in times like these I recall the famous words of Burmese activist and political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi If you're feeling helpless help someone

I decided a few days ago I would find some way, albeit tiny , to aid the relief efforts in the Gulf. That very night I came across this wonderful Etsy shop called Help the Gulf Coast started by an Etsy seller named Kate from Flapperdoodle. This shop is a collective of items donated by Etsy sellers; 100% of the proceeds go to relief efforts in the Gulf- 50% to Oxfam, 50% to the National Audubon Society (pending approval)

Of course I donated something right away! I choose the above giclee print of an original bird collage called White Mountain Bird because I think he looks wistful.

Please check out this wonderful shop here
xxoo Abby

Where I Work

2010-06-07T10:48:00.005-04:00

Here is my current "studio". It's really an extra bedroom, but I am glad to have the space to create and store all my stuff. I try in my life to be not too attached to "things" and limit the clutter in my living space, but as a collage artist, every piece of paper I come across (including but not limited to: junk mail, birthday cards, and old tissue boxes) take on new life as potential art materials. I am planning to spend some quality time in this space today - hope I am productive!

Spread Your Wings

2010-06-02T10:50:00.005-04:00

Here is my latest collage titled Spread Your Wings. The bird is an Anhinga. When my parents went to Florida for the winter this past year, everyday on the phone my Mom mentioned an Anhinga that lived on the property ( yes, I talk to my Mom everyday!) So, I made this collage as a birthday present for her this past weekend.

According to animal totem mythology, one of the things the Anhinga teaches are ways to spread your wings of possibilities, so that is where the message/title comes from.

The Power Of Letting Go

2010-05-28T10:24:00.011-04:00

A few years ago I took a poetry class. I had never really written poetry before, but felt it was something I wanted to learn more about. I found that poetry is something I really enjoy as a hobby and love the idea of illustrating poetry I have written with my artwork.

Here's a poem I wrote called "Healing"

I’ve been thinking lately
about alchemy;
the art of
transforming
base metal into gold.

How to alter my chemistry
to find the right remedy?
Isolate
properties,
then reconnect the whole.

A caterpillar must liquefy
before becoming a butterfly.
Surrendering
completely,
so change can occur.

Perhaps just by letting go,
I may find wings will grow.
Emerging
triumphant,
more beautiful than before

- A.S.

And here is the collage illustration that was born out of this poem. This work is titled "The Power of Letting Go"

A giclee print of this collage is available for sale on my etsy shop "The Power Of Letting Go"

xxoo Abby

Where I am

2010-05-20T10:40:00.011-04:00

When looking back, where I was living at the time completely shapes the memories I have of different periods in my life.

The 2 story Colonial where I grew up in Lawrenceville, NJ is front and center of my childhood memories.

Me and my brother circa 1974 at our home in Lawrenceville, NJ

My recollections of college are largely defined by a dilapidated off campus house that was sliding down a hill.

And I will always fondly recall the rented carriage house (formerly "servants quarters") with the huge deck where my husband proposed almost exactly 11 years ago.

For the last 8 years I have been living in a 1950's ranch house in Suburban Philadelphia. I have some wonderful memories here, and some difficult ones too. But it is time to move on and create new memories. We have decided to put our house on the market and move into townhome a little further West of the city.

Although we don't know exactly where we will be living yet, I am really excited to start a new chapter in my life!

xxoo Abby

Who I am

2010-05-13T10:15:00.004-04:00

Since I became ill in 2003, spirituality has become a much bigger part of my life. It happened slowly, but the more I explored alternative healing modalities, such as meditation, the more I found comfort in realizing that we are all part of something much greater that our "selves."

I try to do something everyday to make sure I stay connected to this idea, usually some type of meditation or Qi Gong. Of course, I don't actually do this everyday (I am human!) but most days I do.

The type of Qi Gong I do is called Kuan Yin Standing. Kuan Yin, in layman's terms, is the Buddhist Goddess of Compassion. The closing movement in the series one is instructed to envision themselves as a white crane in the snow surrounded by light.

The second collage I made while taking The Artist's Way class was inspired by this idea.

It is titled "Recovering What Was Lost"

Who am I?

2010-05-11T11:28:00.005-04:00

"We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us." - Joseph Campbell

Who am I? is a very loaded question that most of us have thought about at one point in our lives. Often we define ourselves by the career we have chosen. But what happens when that definition no longer fits?

10 years ago, I never would have imagined considering calling myself an Artist. In fact, I have a Master's degree in something completely unrelated!

So, how did I start creating art? Well, in 2003 I was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease, and found myself no longer able to work in my profession (I was a Speech Language Pathologist working with stroke and brain injured patients)

To get out of the house, I took a course called The Artist's Way, the book/program by Julia Cameron. For fun I made a bird collage of a cardinal and brought it into the class for "show and tell." I am not sure why I choose a bird, it just popped into my head.

Anyway, things took off from there! That was about 3 years ago. Since then I've had commissions, my work in stores, and even an art show!

So, my health issues currently dictate that I live my life at a slower pace then sometimes I would like, but finding the artist within has been a true gift born out of difficult situation.

xxoo Abby

Welcome

2010-04-29T11:11:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my new blog 111 collage design! I am very excited to be blogging again. I am planning to focus primarily on art, creativity, and living life to the fullest no matter what challenges life brings. After all, isn't that why were here - to overcome challenges?! I am excited to see how this blog evolves