"Images and words are such fortunate cousins."
Those were the first words in a book I found at a thrift shop last summer. A book about monotypes created by artist Bruno Leti, the foreward (and that wonderful quote) were written by poet Chris Wallace-Crabbe. I am enamoured with words and images combined. I cannot resist putting a well chosen word or quote in my paintings and collages.
Even though visual images are often just as powerful on their own, perhaps it is my need to imbue a specific meaning rather than leaving a piece entirely for interpretation that compels me to add them. Sometimes it is the graphic shapes of the letters chosen for pattern and texture rather than for description. Lately, I've been inspired by my friend Marilyn's collage swap, based on the techniques of artist Kelly Rae Roberts - well chosen affirmations that motivate and uplift both the artist and the viewer.
Today, digital art allows even more exciting combinations of words and images. From digital collage artists to families capturing and recording memories with both handmade and digitally rendered scrapbooks, images and words have never been so fortunate.
5 comments:
Yeah, but it's what you (and I mean you, Keri) can do with those images and words that makes them magical!
You know that's interesting because I'd find it hard to put words in the things I make. Somehow I think I'd be worried to impose my idea on the work, or on the onlooker, I like the idea that lavender for exemple may remind someone of Summer, but others may think of a holiday they had or their grandmother's linen... if I gave the piece a mood it may not have the same effect.
Still, it's another one of those things that I will have to think about for months before I dare start using them and then think " why didn't I do that before?!"
You are the Word-Mistro!! I've always loved your mixture of words and images. This ones is wonderful - I just love it!!
HiKerry, I just came across your blog and it's wonderful! I do know what you mean by looking at your clothes after watching What Not to Wear...LOL Oh this is Stephanie I loved taking your classes...esp the collage....Hope to take some more in the future...
I LOVE this piece Kerri! Just touching and wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs,Patti
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