The sounds of paper ripping or my scissors cutting paper.
Glue sticks, colorful pens/markers, piles of magazines and baggies filled with imagery surrounding me.
Ahhh, therapy begins and it’s the most economic form of therapy.
There’s something about the process of collage, that soothes me and it appeals to the child in me; and getting into my inner child helps me move forward. It allows me take little nuggets of ideas and turn them into a visual tapestry. I can then transform my paper musings into something larger and tangible. Bottom line…it is a stress reliever and the simplicity of it, gives my mind a healthy break.
With calming music and a glass of wine, it’s one helleva dose of awesomeness!
Besides drawing, painting, and creating mixed media art, collage is often a primer for my art. I loved it as a kid and I’ve used it in business side by creating vision boards and using it to aid in my creative flow. It’s a visualization of what I want in my life. I’m amazed by what comes from scraps of colorful paper, magazine cutouts, pens and markers. I’m also flabbergasted by how these visuals become realized into my life. Not from just wishing for the things on those visions, but also the inspiration leads to action, step-by-step!
When I look back on some of my collage books and vision boards, it’s wonderful to see what has emerged…. two children, world travel, vacations, career, grand experiences and most of all the feelings of possibilities that have come to fruition. It keeps my day-to-day life grounded in creativity, vivid imagination and balance.
Collaging is such basic fun and it doesn’t require any special techniques or skills.
You can choose anyway to do them; choose a theme (like travel, getting images from travel magazines, or nature scenes) for example, lately I’ve been focused on textiles, languages and food to formulate ideas on a theme for paintings I want to work on and I’ve pulled images based on that. OR let your intuition guide you pick out imagery and words that speak to your inner self. Remember, they don’t have to make any sense to anyone but you!
Just sit and comb through magazines/catalogs and tear out one images that catches your eye, put the images on your wall, on a cork board or create your own book sampler of images. Every time you look at it, pay attention to how you feel and what it inspires in you.
You’ll be wonderfully amazed by such a simple process and how it can start you on the changes that you want for yourself!
From my passionate wild creative soul to yours, always in peace.
Krystyna said
Wonder filled indeed & it is a truly amazing process… I love it! xx
Indigene said
Krystyna, my sister from the other side of the world! I’m so excited you stop by! I knew you would enjoy this my twin soul. 🙂
tami chacon said
I am also always amazed at the power and healing from collage! Such a wonderful tool to have. Thanks for sharing!
Indigene said
Hey Tami!
It is a wonderful tool for so many things, I love it, too! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Made my day!!! 🙂
kimpdx said
I love this post so much. I love doing collages or even just cutting out a few images and gluing them into my journal. It's like meditation! I want to run home and glue things down now. 🙂
Indigene said
Kim, I’m so unconscious of ripping magazines, that while I’m reading magazines, I have to literally tell myself, if it’s not yours, you cannot tear the magazine apart! I generally tell myself this constantly during Drs’s office visits. LOL! I’m glad I’m not alone. 🙂 🙂
Jill Marie said
Have I said today how much you Inspire me! As a self-proclaimed non-artist, Artist I am in LOVE with Collage!
Indigene Art Forms said
Jill, you are an artist, heck, I'm proclaiming it! 🙂 You're such and inspiration and have such a beautiful soul, that in and of itself makes you a true artisan. Thanks for coming by! 🙂
Jill Marie said
🙂 So sweet!
jennifer barrile said
You had me at glass of wine! Your collage art is just fabulous so much of love and creativity in each piece.
Indigene Art Forms said
OMG, Jen, I miss you so much, especially our lunch outings! Wines always has the best effect of chilling me out, along with the tearing of paper! LOL! Who knew?! You and Miss O and I have to get together for a collaging party, with my girl! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂 🙂
jennifer barrile said
HiHope your summer is going well, any vacation plans with the family? Yes miss you too, especially at work (walks and lunch breaks) You should come over one day when your free do collaging or go for a hike in the wissahikon. Beginning to mid August good, Last week in Aug will be busy, going away..Let me know.. have a great weekend,Jen
Indigene said
Hey Jen! We’re just doing some local travel, nothing big planned, since the “baby” is in college! I miss you too! Let me know when you’re ready for a trail walk, we can go out for a bite afterwards! Sending you love and hugs! Thank you for your wonderful inspiration and encouragement! Love ya!!!
Jeanie said
I can see you tearing out those pages Indigene! I love creative process and its power to heal soothe and stimulate greatness. Inspire me sister! We’ll need to gather on my next trip east.
Indigene said
Thanks Jeanie! It would be great to meet up with you, if you’re on the east coast side of the U.S. 🙂 I’m pretty much a queen in the rip and tear category of collage, and I’m dangerous with scissors; at least that’s what my family says. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂