You can imagine that I get a lot of book solicitations from publishers- but only now and then will I get them from the actual AUTHOR. Such was the case with the The Collage Workbook: How to Get Started and Stay Inspired
This was interesting to me because while collage is VERY hot in mixed-media right now- specifically as a scrapbooking format- I’d never taken more than a by-the-seat-of-my-pants approach to collage. And to be perfectly honest, I wanted to see how a male artist approached it. And how that approach varied from the “pretty” collages that I’ve been seeing across the webs.
So enter this book. Here’s how it’s described on the website:
Both a popular hobby and a recognized art form, collage encompasses a wide range of creative styles and techniques–explored here by the creator of the popular A Collage a Day blog. Offering step-by-step instruction, visual inspiration, and even a library of copyright-free images, this hands-on guide covers all the necessary materials, tools, and know-how, from adding color and transferring images, to décollage (tearing away layers). And to spark the reader’s imagination, there are 52 creativity prompts, such as a collage using the letters of a single word.
I dug into the book and immediately found it accessible and engaging. (And not “pretty” at all, by the way.) Randel gives the reader a series of practical exercises to help get you “out of your head” so to speak and just MAKING, while giving you one point or technique to focus on.
The “reassembly” exercise is deceptively simple, but it’s great for making you think of images in a new way.
I was intrigued by the color study exercise. I chose the color blue, hunted through a magazine, and got started.
First layer- just filling the space.
While I usually really enjoy collage, I actually found this REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE. I kept wondering, what am I looking at? Where is this going? Why don’t I feel connected to my piece? And then I realized that I usually work from a narrative- that I’m telling a story of some sort with my art. This wasn’t a story-it was an exercise. And it’s OK to be uncomfortable to make art without my story.
I also worked on a numbers-themed piece, and had the same feeling. The first layer is excruciating for me! Which is probably my indicator that I need to do this kind of collage much more often, and just let myself explore more.
Wanna see my “finished” pieces?
Blue Collage. Magazine and acrylic paint. (Spool stamp)
Numbers Collage. Mixed paper collage with pattern tissue and stencilling.
I also like that if you need some cool images, there is a set of papers in the back you can photocopy and use.
So here’s my take-away on the Collage Workbook: it will push your boundaries and maybe your buttons. You will NOT make “cute” collage- but you just may tap into a part of your brain that has been laying dormant. I know that when I get into a rut, this book will be a great resource.
Other information:
- 132 pages
- published by Lark Books
- resource guide for materials
- guide to basic materials and techniques
Disclosure: sample provided for review. My opinions are my own.
If you’d care to purchase this book, please support CTD and use our affiliate links- and get a great deal, too!
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I don’t see myself as a “collage” crafter, but your review of this book and your fabulous creations have peaked my interest. Thanks.
My collage medium is primarily fiber and I am constantly discovering new,even practical, applications for fabric collage. I would buy this book for the exercises alone. It is easy to get stuck (ho ho) in a design rut and I will enjoy the challenges.
I just bought this book and am still in the beginning of it and taking notes, on so much valuable informaiton about our tools that I didn’t understand before this. I am learning when to use what! I am not a direction follower and do not like long winded craft narratives. But I am thoroughly enjoying this book!!! And for once am being patient and not going to jump in before understanding how deep the water is and then when failing, put the book on the shelf and feel bad about my lack of talent and desire to create like the author.