Discover the tools, materials and methods that shape the unique tapestry of collage artistry, and ignite your imagination with the possibilities that “Cut and Paste Art” offers.
According to Chloe Obermeyer from Create With Cleo, collage is an extremely versatile and fun medium. Mixing and matching, cutting up and editing, arranging and rearranging—there is a great level of play inherent in this way of creating final compositions. Collage can be used to create striking and compelling art pieces, but I find it can also be a useful way of brainstorming or creating mock-ups for future works. The process of finding and collecting an assortment of materials that you are drawn to—such as images, texts, textures—and then juxtaposing them in various ways can be a very liberating way of working. Because you are often working with images and visuals that already exist, the starting point for a piece has more momentum in a way than it would if your starting point were a completely blank surface. You are able to build and play without staring at a blank surface, upon which you must now create from absolute scratch.
She also finds that working with collage allows one to come up with unexpected visual solutions and ideas that you may not have if you had not, say, seen two particular visuals placed together in a certain way.
Chloe also finds that within her exploration of alternative photography and printing, she enjoys how collage can be used as a playful extension of photography, adding an element of surrealism, stylization, and even a touch of the fantastical to photographic images—both found and self-taken.
BOOK NOW for Chloe’s (Create With Cleo) latest workshop on collage on Saturday the 9th of September 2023. in this workshop you will get the basics of collage, its uses and how to start or elevate your current artworks.
Collage making involves a diverse range of materials and tools to bring different elements together into a cohesive artwork. Here are some of the most commonly used art supplies and tools for collage making:
- Magazines and Newspapers: These provide a vast source of images and text that can be cut out and used in collages.
- Scissors and Cutting Knives: Essential for cutting out precise shapes and images from various materials.
- Glue and Adhesives: A variety of glues are used, including glue sticks, liquid glue, gel mediums, and double-sided tape, to adhere different materials to the base surface.
- Paper: Apart from magazines and newspapers, various types of paper like colored paper, patterned paper, tissue paper, and handmade paper can be used to add texture and layers.
- Photos and Prints: Personal photographs, printed images, and digital prints can be incorporated into collages.
- Fabric and Textiles: Fabric scraps, cloth, lace, and other textiles can add texture and depth to collages.
- Found Objects: Buttons, beads, ribbons, feathers, and small trinkets can be integrated into collages to create three-dimensional effects.
- Paints and Inks: Acrylic paints, watercolors, and inks can be used to alter the appearance of collage elements or add backgrounds.
- Brushes and Sponges: These are used for applying paint, ink, or adhesive.
- Stamps and Stencils: These can be used to add patterns and textures to collages.
- Embellishments: Sequins, stickers, washi tape, and other decorative elements can enhance the visual appeal of collages.
- Canvas or Paper Base: A sturdy surface on which the collage is created.
- Cutting Mat: Protects surfaces while cutting with knives and provides measurement guides.
- Rulers: Useful for making precise cuts and aligning elements.
- Bone Folder: Helps in smoothing out glued-down elements and creating clean creases.
- Old Brushes and Toothbrushes: These can be used to create splatter effects with paint or ink.
- Heat Gun: Useful for drying paint or setting certain types of adhesives.
- Collage Mediums: Gel mediums, matte or glossy, can be used as both adhesive and protective layer.
- Old Maps or Music Sheets: Vintage elements like old maps or music sheets can add a unique touch to collages.
Remember, the beauty of collage art is that you can experiment with a wide range of materials and tools, so feel free to mix and match to create your own distinctive style.