As I can only sit at my desk for short periods, I choose images and words that 'speak' to me from my enormous stash and gather them on the desk, then I take a break on the sofa with my feet up (they swell if they're down too long). After a wee rest, I sort through the pieces and arrange them on the page, then I take a break... Finally, I return to the desk, rearrange anything that doesn't 'feel' right, and glue everything down.
It's a process, and that's where the magic happens, I think - the stepping away, the returning, the sifting, the sorting, the final pulling it all together... (Yesterday's collage was inspired by an image in Tracie Nichol's newsletter, and clearly something shifted... oh my!)
But here's today's (Collage no. 4 - the crows woke me at 4.30am with their cawing, but I found peace making this...)
I think you can read most of the words, but here's the two quotes I'd typed out a while ago, which seemed appropriately nurturing :)
We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.
Goethe
Just to be is a blessing.
Just to live is holy.
Abraham Heschel
And here's the two pages in close-up...
I find it interesting the left-hand page is quite colorful and bright, while the right-hand one is almost monochrome... I felt yesterday's collage was something of a breakthrough, so finding the We'Moon diary page of that word was quite perfect :)
You can find the other three collages under the tab 'A Collage a Day' at the top of the blog.
Joining Becca et al in Nurturing Thursday :)
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I love this idea of daily collages for the month. I think is a wonderful jump-start for creativity and journaling. I did something similar for a month, and I hear a call to revisit. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank Becca! I'm hoping I can stick with it... I'd love to fill the whole journal :D
DeleteAnd yes, it's getting my creative juices flowing...
Great to hear about your process, something I could definitely do. My Echos project is similar with the small chunks and stepping away. I find myself reflecting on the photo as part of my day without conscious effort. Have sent the post to a friend as I think she might find it helpful.
ReplyDelete'Little and often', as they say :) It's fun to have a project and to find a habit forming within us... Yay for us :D x
DeleteClaire, these are beautiful, both the words and the images. (I'm stealing the quotes, by the way, don't be surprised if they pop up on Grace Notes! :) ) I admire how you have learned to listen to your body, its ebbs and tides and just go with it rather than fighting it. I was on a whirlwind yesterday, cleaning and then an afternoon of writing and collaging, and there came a point where I wanted to continue but my body was saying 'rest'. I listened to my body and was so glad I did; today is a new day and with a fresh mind I will approach the artwork with a clearer vision.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever visited Kelly Rae Robert's website? She hosts a terrific mixed media course called "Hello Soul, Hello Mixed Media Mantras" which I am currently taking. It's terrific! Her is her address: www.kellyraeroberts.com <3
Steal away, Grace, steal away :) Ah, listening to our bodies... it's a wise and important lesson the learn again and again!
DeleteYes, I've 'known' Kelly Rae Roberts for a long time - had her newsletter, read her book Taking Flight - but I've never done a course with her. Thanks for the info xxx
Hi Claire, great images, I like most the first quote 'do what you can..." I've read (don't remember where) that you should learn to be happy with what we have, and not looking for the happiness somewhere else. I'm happy you are enjoying Nurturing Thursday and have made new friends, Becca and Grace are lovely ladies!
ReplyDeleteThey are indeed! Yes, I'm trying to live by that quote and use up art supplies, etc before buying any more :) x
DeleteI wouldn't have described the right-hand page as monochrome. Well-chosen hints of color, I'd say. :)
ReplyDelete