collage Archives - Linda Germain

Enjoy the hunt

altered books, collage, tools / Linda Germain / June 9, 2023

I recently realized that, I enjoy the hunt when making mixed media pieces. It is the process of sorting through papers and materials to find a pleasing combination that is most fun.

I like to use old books as art materials. And going to a library book sale is a treat. I like the last day when I can fill a bag with books for a few dollars. If you want to find a book sale near you check out this website. These are books that are headed to the recycle bin, so no reason to feel guilty.

I love gently taking the spine apart and revealing the materials that make up the spine of the book. These treasures make unique collage materials.

Every book is different and has something special to offer. Some books are good for black out poems.

It is fun to hunt for words that when combined give new meaning to the page. Recently, I realized that it matters to me what the book is about. Even though I am not reading the books and using them for their intended purpose the words matter. I want words to peek through and to draw the view in.

Another hunting expedition that I enjoy is finding mark making tools. I love to find a tool that I can dip into ink or paint and make patterned paper or delicate inked marks. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

Making a collage is a lot of hunting and deciding what to keep and what to let go.

Ask yourself:

Do you hunt for materials and ideas in your art process?
Do you enjoy the hunt?

Consider joining me in Books as ART Materials, a mixed media online class. Read all the details on the workshop page.

Enjoy the hunt Read More »

Try something new or different

collage, drawings, inspiration, mark making, mixed media printmaking / Linda Germain / May 31, 2023

I have been making painted pages and collages lately. It is a bit new and different for me.

Experimenting with a new technique or material can breathe new life into your art making practice. It might be a great way to stimulate ideas for your next series or project.

Or you could find a way to integrate new skills into your traditional practice.

Are you inspired by images that you see online? Ask yourself what is the quality that you admire and then see if there is a way to bring that quality into your work.

It could be:

the subject matter
the shape, color or simplicity or
the medium or format

I encourage you today play with something new or different and then notice if it stimulates something in your practice.

An art class is one way to try something new, check out the current workshops and see if any are a good fit for you.

Try something new or different Read More »

Tear, sew, burn and bind

book arts, collage, combined techniques, mark making, mixed media printmaking / Linda Germain / May 31, 2022

Do you have a pile of paper or prints that you are willing to transform with:

tearing into collage shapes
sew with or without thread
burn or smoke stain and
bind or fold into books?

If so, then you might enjoy the Mixed Media Retreat, and online class starting soon.

The class is designed to introduce ideas and techniques into your practice that will transform your papers and prints into books and mixed media prints.

Each lesson includes:

A simple mark making prompt
A textural layering technique
A book form for reshaping prints and papers
An artist talk to stimulate the mind.

You can get more details and register on the workshop page.

Tear, sew, burn and bind Read More »

Abundance and texture – Books as ART Materials

altered books, artist book, book arts, collage, combined techniques / Linda Germain / March 7, 2022

I wanted to share with you why I love using books as ART Materials.

Old books are:

tactile
intimate
abundant and
often nearly free

The pages can be the foundation for printing, painting collage and origami.

But the parts that I love the most are:

the stuff that makes up the spine
the book cloth and
the book board

One old book can be the stimulus for many projects. If you thinks this sounds interesting, then gather some old, unwanted books and join us in the online class, Books as ART Materials. Get all the details and register on the workshop page.

Abundance and texture – Books as ART Materials Read More »

Deconstructing a book – discovery process

altered books, artist book, book arts, collage, combined techniques / Linda Germain / February 21, 2022

I am getting ready for the Book as ART Materials class, and realizing how much I enjoy the deconstruction and discovery process of take an old book apart.

And I suggest that for this process it is okay to judge a book by its cover.

When using books as art materials, I think the older books have more surprises to offer. And they are a lot easier to take apart.

The magical parts are in the spine and the covers. The spine often has glue, mesh and other supportive materials that are great for collage.

Pages can be used for so many applications. Basically you can use them for any project that calls for paper:

origami
printmaking
painting
collage and more

I encourage you to find an old but not precious book and dissect it! Then see what you can make with the parts. And join us in the online class, Books as ART Materials. Read the details on the workshop page.

Deconstructing a book – discovery process Read More »