Santiago - Collage playground: a fresh approach to creating mixed-media art

Collage Playground A Fresh Approach to Creating
Mixed-Media Art
kimberly santiagoCollage Playground. Copyright 2010 by Kimberly Santiago. Manufactured in China. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Published by North Light Books, a division of F+W Media, Inc., 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236. (800) 289-0963.

First Edition. 14 13 12 11 10 5 4 3 2 1 Distributed in Canada by Fraser Direct
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Tel: (02) 4577-3555 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Santiago, Kimberly.
Collage playground : a fresh approach to creating mixed
media art / by Kimberly Santiago.
p. : alk. paper)
eISBN 13: 978-1-44031-015-7
1. Collage. 2. 2.

Collage Technique. I. Title.
TT910.S26 2010
702.812 dc22
2009049807 A Note About Copyright-Free ImagesThe projects in this book employ the use of photocopied images. Please ensure that the images you use are either your own, or copyright-free. Copyright-free means that the copyright has expired on the image, or that the image is free for anyone to use without permission.Editor: Julie Hollyday
Designer: Julie Barnett and Kelly O'Dell
Production Coordinator: Greg Nock
Photographer: Christine Polomsky
Photo Stylist: Julie Barnett METRIC CONVERSION CHART

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my husband, Luis, the man who stands with me on this journey of life, and to our two daughters, Brittney and Amber, our finest creations. A special dedication to my twin brother, Keith, for his lifetime of encouragement.

To my father, who lost his fight with cancer before the book was finished; his strength has carried me through. Believe in yourself and others will too.

Acknowledgments

Art is a statement of who we are and what we have experienced. I am fortunate to see life through many different eyes. I am especially grateful to be surrounded by wonderful friends and family whose contributions to my art have been my lifeline. To my two sons-in-law: Ian, for dragging home collage resources every time he left the country, and Justin, for answering my computer questions.

To my dear friends, who continually give me ephemera to make my art. Their words of sincerity and support helped me make it through difficult times. To artists everywhere, thank you for your expressions of life. My hope is that you read this book and continue to grow and make art. To the people behind the scenes because, without them, none of this is possible. To my editor, Julie Hollyday, who is always one step ahead of me.

To the talented and ever-kind Christine Polomsky. To the person who opened the door, Tonia Davenport: thank you for giving me this incredible opportunity. To Christine Doyle, for always being available. To the designers of this book, Kelly O'Dell and Julie Barnett: thank you both for making it all fall into place. To the other members of the North Light family: a heartfelt thank you your work and dedication are greatly appreciated.

About Kimberly

Photo by Becky Hall Kimberly Santiago began her career as a graphic designer and was elated to be recognized in the HOW design magazine self-promotion issue.

She continued to work in the design field and win other awards notably, Conqueror Paper Design Competition, for which her work was exhibited in London at Wiggins Teape Paperpoint Gallery, the Design Museum at Butler's Wharf and, later, in a Paris venue. From graphic design, she metamorphosed into an instructor and later the Department Chair of Graphic Design and Fine Art at O'More College of Design. She continues teaching art in workshops and private settings. Always experimenting with new techniques and developing her artwork, Kimberly's interest is concentrated in collage. The desire to create art, deconstruct it and then reconstruct it, grips her soul. She is currently living in Clarksville, Tennessee, with her husband, Luis, the love of her life.

She has two beautiful daughters and two wonderful grandchildren. Her perfect day is to be in her home studio working on art with her trusty assistant (and cat) Boo Boo Kitty, create until she is exhausted, take a nap and start all over again.

Introduction

Think of your school days and how you could not wait until it was time for recess. Once again, the playground is beckoning you the swings are still and the slide and merry-go-round are all waiting for you to bring it on. Come out, let's play and make some art. Collage is similar to a playground because it's user-friendly and accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.

The equipment is equally as friendly, often items you already have in your household. I think this is what makes this medium so rewarding. Collage is layering and uncovering ideas, a continuum of thoughts. As each collage evolves, it becomes a metamorphosis of art. Ever had one of those days where you overthink everything? The right side of your brain is telling you to create, and the left side of your brain is saying, Now let's sit down and ponder this idea. I have a solution for you: just go with creativity.

Find your inner child and let loose with your art. Pull out those unfinished drawings, paintings and sketches; grab that box of loose photos and paper scraps; leaf through old books, magazines and textiles. That's right, go back to the playground! The place you ran around, free of your inhibitions. Go back to the stories you would make up and the drawings that went with them. Go back to your wide-open imagination and just create. I hope this book will give you the tools to help free your imagination so you can see all the possibilities of your art.