Space collage. "Look for the lovely. Notice the breath.""

 

Lately I'm on a quest to pare down my possessions to the essentials.  I came across this stack of NASA postcards and a box of mindfulness cards that I once received as a gift.  Although I've been more focused on developing my drawing skills lately, my heart will always belong to collage so this is what emerged.  I try to upcycle found media into art rather than purchasing new materials.  There is something satisfying about cutting and pasting...  it is more sculptural and tactile than drawing or painting.  Not as messy as clay.

This piece combines the ideas that we are eternal, universal creatures living a temporary existence and it that can only truly be experienced in the present moment.  It is a gentle reminder to see the beauty in life which is always happening now.  The breath anchors us to the present.

I played around with a wet on wet watercolor technique for the background.  For me this piece is a little bit cheesy and overly symmetrical.  I made it quickly.  It kinda blurs the line between painting and sculpture.  

"Look for the lovely".  Watercolor and postcards on paper.  18 x 24".  2025

I couldn't resist cutting a few spirals.