Collage Art

Vintage images in the public domain are a treasure trove of inspiration for collage work. With tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of free images waiting to be rediscovered, these forgotten visuals offer endless creative possibilities for new compositions.

Addition and subtraction are key techniques in forming an abstract collage. Choosing the right images is crucial to ensure the piece feels cohesive and intentional. A helpful starting point is selecting images that share a similar color palette or fall within the same color scheme, creating harmony throughout the work.

Designing a collage with a specific theme presents more of a challenge for me, as I prefer working with abstraction rather than direct representation. To convey the theme, I use images that reflect the failings of our world, juxtaposing them with idealized visuals to mirror the unattainable perfection we strive for.

This work is an exercise in patience. Sifting through an overwhelming number of archival images in an attempt to capture just a fraction of the emotion that Stezaker conveys was a humbling experience. The way he can make his work appear almost effortless, yet convey so much with so little, is something we should all aspire to in our own creative endeavors.

Vegemite Kid is an interpretation of facing danger. In this work, I incorporate various motifs of danger—fire, war, pufferfish, and Vegemite—to symbolize the many forms fear can take. The phrase “I’m still a Vegemite kid” serves as a powerful statement, representing the embrace of fear while refusing to let it hold you back. It speaks to resilience and the ability to move forward despite the dangers we face.

From Memory uses Albert Bierstadt's painting of Mount Starr King in Yosemite Valley as the foundation for a reimagined piece. I incorporated elements from different artists' depictions of Yosemite to reflect the various sketches Bierstadt likely made. The roughness and noise in the work represent the contrast between urban and natural environments, mirroring the disparity Bierstadt may have felt while painting in his New York studio. The final reimagined piece transitions into a shot of the New York skyline, paying homage to the location of Bierstadt's studio.

These collages were created to embody the emotions expressed in the accompanying phrase. While each piece is unique, together they convey a sense of bewilderment, inquisitiveness, and longing—feelings encapsulated in the simple phrase, “Please tell me what you’re doing?”