Collage 101 with Laura Harvey

Collage (from the French: coller, “to glue”) is a technique of creating art from an assemblage of different materials and media. A collage may include magazine and newspaper images, photographs, handmade papers, paint, ribbon, lace and an infinity of found objects – glued to a surface of some sort. In this 4-week class, for beginner to intermediate collage artists, we will explore a short history, and the basic techniques, of collage. We will discuss the various surfaces (substrates) that are commonly used; the many adhesives available and how to determine which one to use for which projects. Along with learning the actual technique of creating a collage, participants will engage in exercises to see how to create a pleasing composition, how to build interesting layers, and how to intuitively make the work “their own”. So much to cover – so little time!

I will provide heavy papers and cardboard to work on, but please feel free to bring your own substrate material. Again, I’ll have PLENTY of materials for collaging, but bring any papers that you love: some suggestions…

• newspaper, magazine pages, music pages, maps, comics, colorful
• black and white or color COPIES of photographs (I’ll explain!)
• tissue paper – colored, printed, wrinkled, etc.

About the Instructor: Laura Harvey

As a mixed media artist, Laura creates intricate layered collages on a variety of substrates; from canvas and traditional birch panels to hollow-core doors. To intuitively build each piece, Laura draws from a rich and unique collection of media and vintage ephemera, building layers using paint, papers (found, purchased or hand painted), acrylic mediums, graphite, photo transfers and more. She derives a storyteller's satisfaction watching each piece evolve during the creative process - from the initial blur of an idea to a completed visual.