| Collage: Dis-connecting the Altered Page

Peeling away the vulnerable layers of either a book or separate pages for a collage, its physical characteristics of paper, spine, board and thread become exposed. Through the use of an assortment of power tools, the pages of text from books and collage are reconfigured that fluctuate between abstract configurations and narrative forms. By transforming the content of a page from what the original author may have intended we are asked to read the collective pages of the collage non-linearly.

Collage is a process through which artists learn to assess and integrate a range of disparate imagery. This five-day intensive workshop introduces students to altering pages of found books and magazines through collage that begins with a sequence of inter-connecting concepts.  Using the language of computers, ‘cutting’ and ‘pasting’ informs students to assess and integrate a range of disparate imagery. Through the practice of dis/connecting two or more pages through the use of zippers, Velcro and machine stitching, for example, constructing relationships through layering images is another focus of the class. Students are motivated to use their intuitive processes, combining meaning and grasping the formal issues of shape, line movement, pacing and transitions. Developing a sensitivity for integrating their art making intentions through abstract and narrative concepts are challenged.  Accomplishing this task during class students work on individual pages using a variety of mediums; print materials derived from the computer; offset printing; found book pages; magazines; or their own picture-making sources. The class will also profile current artists working with both altered books and pages.