I have never been a perfectionist. I cut such jagged lines in the second grade that my teacher would tell me to bring her the scissors when I needed something cut out. I hated the slow act of coloring within the lines — I scribbled haphazardly in every direction to finish the story more quickly. I used to think that because I couldn’t pick up a pencil, pen or brush and create a stunning realistic portrait that I was not an artist.
Then my grandma helped me open my eyes and embrace my creative side. My grandma is a mixed media artist and let me help her experiment with new ways of sticking things together. One day she let me collage a small board with whatever I wanted and then paint it with wax. I was astounded at how proud I was of the beautiful mishmash I had created. It was this moment that started my love of collage.
If you were ever a part of the public grade school system, you were probably instructed to make some sort of collage at some point. Often these were just pieces of newspaper or magazine images meticulously cut out and glue-sticked to a paperboard. Likely, there was an educational theme to fulfill and qualifications for size and the number of pictures to meet. I’m not talking about collaging like this.
I’m talking about ripping out color, texture and images that call to you and putting them together on a poster, canvas, notebook or even a wall. I personally enjoy collaging on journals — it helps me to create a space that is truly mine, and I end up with something radically different every time.
All you have to do to make a collaged journal is take a trip to your local Barnes & Noble or any book store or office supply store and pick out a plain journal or notebook. Then all you need are some old calendars, magazines, catalogues, etc., with images that make you think, wonder or dream. Then just rip or cut and pair to your heart’s desire with no parameters on your creative liberties. Slap it all together with Mod Podge and a foam brush, and you will have effectively created something beautiful for yourself.
There is an artist in all of us, even if it is an artist of ragged paper edges and clashing colors. If it is true, it is art, and nobody has to think it is beautiful except for you.
Happy creating!
@unchained116