Creating simple abstract collages
Music Credit: Softly to Myself by Kylie Dailey via EpidemicSound
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.” Carl Jung
Today’s video is all about abstract collages and small creative challenges.
In a previous blog post I chatted about a new book called: Make Every Day Creative, Art Anyone Can Do by Marion Deuchars, published by Skittledog 2024. I said I would pick a project from within it to share with you…so in today’s video I share a collage exercise from the book.
Creating collages from random shapes is such an interesting creative challenge.
On the face of it arranging pieces of paper is a simple thing, but creating a composition we find interesting and visually pleasing requires us to dance between sponteniety and thoughtfulness…Trying but not trying too hard.
Essential play
These playful tasks can be an important addition to our art practice, small projects where the process and the discovery are more important than the outcome.
Play is often underrated and is an important part of art making.
Carl Jung said that the “The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct”, whilst Albert Einstein said “Combinatory play seems to be the essential feature in productive thought.”
Sometimes play can feel like an indulgence, but I think it’s probably nearer a necessity…it’s how we discover, innovate, try things out, problem solve, learn tolerance and adaptability …
Further reading
In the book, Make Art Everyday by Marion Deuchars and within this video a couple or artists are mentioned;
If you would like to find out more about the art books of the early 20th Century Russian Avant Garde artists this is a good article from Getty with further links to explore ( the specific artists mentioned in the book are Natalia Goncharova and Aleksandr Rodchenko)
Matisse is renowned for his cutouts and collages, you can read more about his approach in this article from MOMA.
Online art classes
Learn new art techniques. Develop your own art style. Create art you love with these instant access online art classes…