Sketchbook Prompt #18 - Unexpected materials

Sketchbook Prompt #18 - Unexpected materials

Thinking about collage but taking it further, I often think when people hear collage they hear found images and text. What I like about unexpected materials is that it asks you to rethink what you could use in your art. You don’t have to be practical about your selection, think what if. Let me share what I used in these 4 spreads, ink jet prints, old packing sheets, cut outs from paper, linen, embroidery floss, found paper, sequins, marbled paper, tracing paper, pressed dutchman’s pipe, silk screened cloth, 1940’s journal paper, machine stitching, tracing paper.

In my class I saw folks use incense sticks, cardboard, plastic gloves, copper wire, pattern paper, rope, etc.

How to get started:

The most obvious - To use found papers, items around you.
• I want you to pay close attention to what you attracted to, what colors, shapes, artists, lines, clothing, places.
• Collect items from these attractions, start having them around so you can use them in this project but also throughout your sketchbook.
• Think about how you can alter the item.
• How does the item(s) benefit your style.
• It could be something you have made, disregarded and want to give new life to.
• Embrace collage, cut it up, paste it and see what happens.
• Try using fabric, thread, embroidery floss or some type of cloth based materials. I want you to explore with cloth.