The pink Oxalis seem to think it’s spring!
Hi Friends,
In my last newsletter I talked about finding my artistic style, which I described as Zen minimalism with subdued colors and natural materials. And I was totally committed to it, until . . .
The September issue of Vogue Magazine arrived. The September issue is Vogue’s biggest and flashiest issue of the year. It’s eye candy for collage artists with its colorful ads, stunning designs, interesting fonts and awesome photography.
It hooked me in right away, and I’m off and running with colorful collage.
I realize this is a complete contradiction to what I said before, about having found my style and that I would use it as my guide. My Zen minimalist concept of art flew out the window as soon as I opened September Vogue.
I’m pretty sure that I’m not on the radar of the Art Police, and who cares, anyway? I’m allowed to change my mind. It’s not like anyone is watching and keeping score, right?
They say that if you don’t maintain a singular artistic style and focus you won’t be taken seriously as an artist. But I think I’m beyond the need to be taken seriously. I’ve spent too many years being serious. Now it’s time to have some fun!
Here are a couple of the collages I finished this week using pages torn from Vogue. I’m calling this the “Vogue Deconstructed” series.
Click on the images below for more information and to see them in a browser.
“Ferragamo On My Mind,” 14 x 11 inches, collage on canvas panel
“Heaven Scent,” 14 x 11 inches, collage on canvas panel
Just for fun, have you heard of Dogue? It’s Vogue’s annual competition for Dog of the Year. This year’s winner is Sir Spud. You can read an interview with Sir Spud’s human and see all of the previous Dogue winners by clicking here.
Do you ever contradict yourself publicly? is it humiliating? Does it matter if we decide to change our minds? I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts. You can share them with us in the comments section below.
With love and appreciation,
Cassandra
Wonderful wok, Cassie! I totally agree! Following your heart is much more important than the imaginary art police! I woner if you could tell me what kind of glue you use for magazines. I always get ripples! Thanks!! Cinthia
Hi Cinthia! I see Golden Soft Gel with magazine paper. The problem I was having with other adhesives, like acrylic matte medium, is that the paper would tear. Soft Gel comes in matte and glossy, and I use glossy for magazines. Works great!
Hi Cassandra
I just love what you have created…
As far as “they” goes, who are they, that “ they “ should dictate what or how you express your artistic ability and style
I’ve got caught up in the “ they “ and it frustrated and stifled me.
Art is to be a reflection of who you are and how you interpret what you see and then creatively convey that on canvas or any other material.
To quote you, who cares anyway? you are allowed to change your mind. It’s not like anyone is watching and keeping score, right? Precisely Cassandra..
I think l would be right in saying, all your subscribers take you seriously and look forward to see what you create ❤️
You go girl !!
Thanks, Debbie. I appreciate your support. “They” are the gatekeepers of the art world. They only become revelant if you’re focused on selling and exhibiting your work, or if you want your work to be placed in museums and important collections. Then “they” come into play. Otherwise “they” have no effect at all.
I used to want that stuff, and I depended on sales of my work. But now I don’t have those constraints, and it’s a little weird getting used to the newfound freedom!
I’m happy you are having fun Cassandra!
Thanks, Kathy. The collages are fun, and Vogue is so inspirational!