Advanced collage techniques?
January 11, 2010 12:56 PM Subscribe
I've been making a lot of collages lately, and would like to learn more 'serious' techniques.
I am a sound/intermedia artist who is generally not that great at visual mediums, but I've lately begun doing a lot of casual collage work of the "cut up magazines with scissors and slather on a cup of Modge Podge" variety. The results are satisfying, but sloppy. I'd like to learn more precise cutting techniques so I can use more interesting source material without fear of destroying it, as well as proper gluing procedure. I would also love to learn more about the history and theory of collage---I am familiar with Dada photomontage artists and was originally inspired by Genesis P-orridge's "30 Years of Being Cut-Up" exhibit, but I don't know much of what else has gone on. I'm not particularly interested in digital collage.
What tools and adhesives should I invest in if I want to produce more serious work? Any authoritative or helpful resources, online or print, that I should check out?
I am a sound/intermedia artist who is generally not that great at visual mediums, but I've lately begun doing a lot of casual collage work of the "cut up magazines with scissors and slather on a cup of Modge Podge" variety. The results are satisfying, but sloppy. I'd like to learn more precise cutting techniques so I can use more interesting source material without fear of destroying it, as well as proper gluing procedure. I would also love to learn more about the history and theory of collage---I am familiar with Dada photomontage artists and was originally inspired by Genesis P-orridge's "30 Years of Being Cut-Up" exhibit, but I don't know much of what else has gone on. I'm not particularly interested in digital collage.
What tools and adhesives should I invest in if I want to produce more serious work? Any authoritative or helpful resources, online or print, that I should check out?
Guess I could be described as a " serious" artist who uses - and teaches collage. Acrylic medium is the glue of choice for many things, particularly since you can use it to seal the surface. If you're using lightweight enough paper that it ripples from the water content of the glue you might try using 3M's gluesticks - they are lower in water content so your paper will stay flatter. Sometimes, with very lightweight paper I use cold mount tissue (studio tac) instead of a liquid glue. It's a good idea to work on a fairly rigid substrate - rag board, masonite, claybord or luaun are all good options. I normally use a single edged razor blade to cut paper. A rotary cutting wheel works for somethings. I don't think there's anything magical about what one cuts with - it's a matter of what's controllable, convenient to use and you like.
If you start incorporating heavier objects in your collages you will need to be sure to use a rigid backing like plywood or masonite and will need a stronger adhesive like epoxy or tightbond. Personally I combine wax with collage/assemblage in order to go very three dimensional but that's probably outside of the scope of what you're interested in...
You can always scan or photograph things, manipulate as desired in photoshop and print out to avoid destroying your original - whether you combine elements digitally, physically or in combination.
posted by leslies at 1:55 PM on January 11, 2010
If you start incorporating heavier objects in your collages you will need to be sure to use a rigid backing like plywood or masonite and will need a stronger adhesive like epoxy or tightbond. Personally I combine wax with collage/assemblage in order to go very three dimensional but that's probably outside of the scope of what you're interested in...
You can always scan or photograph things, manipulate as desired in photoshop and print out to avoid destroying your original - whether you combine elements digitally, physically or in combination.
posted by leslies at 1:55 PM on January 11, 2010
I think it's a great idea to scan or photograph things first, as mentioned above. Sometimes I get collaging paralysis because some of thing things I have are irreplaceable without considerable difficulty, but with a scan or a photo, you always have another.
As for other techniques, I don't have much to add. Great question!
posted by elder18 at 2:04 PM on January 11, 2010
As for other techniques, I don't have much to add. Great question!
posted by elder18 at 2:04 PM on January 11, 2010
You might also want to join a collage group on Flickr — there are dozens. You'll get an idea of some of the better techniques and you can also read the Flickr members' blogs for inspirations. I have a friend who does collage and I've found her blog to be extremely inspirational in other artistic venues for me, since I don't collage myself.
posted by Brittanie at 2:19 PM on January 11, 2010
posted by Brittanie at 2:19 PM on January 11, 2010
Golden's clear acrylic gel and a squeegee. I would put down a layer of acrylic media, lay my collage items on it, put a little gel on top and then squeegee it perfectly flat from the center outwards. Always wet the squeegee before you use it to reduce friction and cut down on the risk of tearing te collage media.
Some printed media (magazines, toner xerox, etc) will smear when you squeegee it once it's wet with the gel medium. So, blast it with some hairspray, fixative, or a clear acrylic aerosol spray before you collage it to give a protective coating.
Golden's makes some awesome gel media. You can get it in a number of different viscosities and I've mounted all sorts of stuff in it. Bullet shells, orange temporary fence, wood, fabric, you name it. As long as you can make it sit still long enough to dry, Golden's will hold it for good.
Masonite was my favorite collage surface. I would get a nice piece of Arches paper and cut it to fit the masonite and then make the blank paper my first layer. I found that it made a good base. I also would frame or brace the wood or masonite so it wouldn't warp if when it got wet. The acrylic medium can cause a little warping sometimes.
posted by Jon-o at 2:19 PM on January 11, 2010
Some printed media (magazines, toner xerox, etc) will smear when you squeegee it once it's wet with the gel medium. So, blast it with some hairspray, fixative, or a clear acrylic aerosol spray before you collage it to give a protective coating.
Golden's makes some awesome gel media. You can get it in a number of different viscosities and I've mounted all sorts of stuff in it. Bullet shells, orange temporary fence, wood, fabric, you name it. As long as you can make it sit still long enough to dry, Golden's will hold it for good.
Masonite was my favorite collage surface. I would get a nice piece of Arches paper and cut it to fit the masonite and then make the blank paper my first layer. I found that it made a good base. I also would frame or brace the wood or masonite so it wouldn't warp if when it got wet. The acrylic medium can cause a little warping sometimes.
posted by Jon-o at 2:19 PM on January 11, 2010
Another collage artist/teacher here.
Seconding leslies in that you want acrylic medium. My favorite is Golden soft matte gel. I use an xacto knife or small scissors to cut out my images. Don't rule out the beauty of a torn edge juxtaposed with crisp edge.
I often seal over the top of my finished collages with the same gel medium. A sturdy background will also be invaluable.
Color copies of your images is another method to keep your originals intact, plus by color copying, you can resize the images as you require.
If you have trouble with bubbles and ripples, you might try the Jonathan Talbot method for adhering your paper. In short, cut out your images, coat both sides with gloss acrylic medium, let dry, arrange in place and then iron into place with a tacking iron. Mr Talbot sells supplies and a book on his site here.
As for books, I don't have any specific technique books to offer, but enter "collage techniques" into Amazon and you'll get a handful of books.
I don't think there are hard and fast rules regarding collage, aside from making sure that your edges stay glued down (providing you want them glued down); I would experiment with a few techniques to find the one(s) that produce the effect(s) you are after.
posted by sarajane at 2:24 PM on January 11, 2010
Seconding leslies in that you want acrylic medium. My favorite is Golden soft matte gel. I use an xacto knife or small scissors to cut out my images. Don't rule out the beauty of a torn edge juxtaposed with crisp edge.
I often seal over the top of my finished collages with the same gel medium. A sturdy background will also be invaluable.
Color copies of your images is another method to keep your originals intact, plus by color copying, you can resize the images as you require.
If you have trouble with bubbles and ripples, you might try the Jonathan Talbot method for adhering your paper. In short, cut out your images, coat both sides with gloss acrylic medium, let dry, arrange in place and then iron into place with a tacking iron. Mr Talbot sells supplies and a book on his site here.
As for books, I don't have any specific technique books to offer, but enter "collage techniques" into Amazon and you'll get a handful of books.
I don't think there are hard and fast rules regarding collage, aside from making sure that your edges stay glued down (providing you want them glued down); I would experiment with a few techniques to find the one(s) that produce the effect(s) you are after.
posted by sarajane at 2:24 PM on January 11, 2010
I did my senior art school thesis in collage and have had a subsequent gallery show. I guess you could call me an expert. (Self link: my portfolio.)
I have two words: Xacto knife. Practice. (Ok, that was three.)
Get an xacto knife and a cutting mat - both available for cheap at an art supply store. Practice cutting up anything and everything you can get our hands on. Go slowly. I've gotten good at this over the years, but there are some pieces that have taken me hours to cut (like the birds on this one - HOURS). The best tip I can give is to cut around the area as closely as possible with scissors and then do the detail work with the knife.
Mod Podge isn't a bad glue, but it does tend to get messy quickly. Regular matte medium in a tub will do you just fine. Apply with a sponge brush (or your finger, if you roll that way). You don't need all that much - and do NOT dilute with water. (I've made that mistake.) Spray adhesive will actually give you the flattest final finish, but I've yet to find one that's archival, if you're concerned with such things. Oh yes, glue sticks dry flat, but I have yet to have a piece that I've done with gluesticks actually stay glued for more than a year.
Practice, practice, practice.
If you're into the history of the beast, Collage: The Making of Modern Art is the best overview I've found. Also, you should check out Hannah Höch because she's amazing.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:13 PM on January 11, 2010
I have two words: Xacto knife. Practice. (Ok, that was three.)
Get an xacto knife and a cutting mat - both available for cheap at an art supply store. Practice cutting up anything and everything you can get our hands on. Go slowly. I've gotten good at this over the years, but there are some pieces that have taken me hours to cut (like the birds on this one - HOURS). The best tip I can give is to cut around the area as closely as possible with scissors and then do the detail work with the knife.
Mod Podge isn't a bad glue, but it does tend to get messy quickly. Regular matte medium in a tub will do you just fine. Apply with a sponge brush (or your finger, if you roll that way). You don't need all that much - and do NOT dilute with water. (I've made that mistake.) Spray adhesive will actually give you the flattest final finish, but I've yet to find one that's archival, if you're concerned with such things. Oh yes, glue sticks dry flat, but I have yet to have a piece that I've done with gluesticks actually stay glued for more than a year.
Practice, practice, practice.
If you're into the history of the beast, Collage: The Making of Modern Art is the best overview I've found. Also, you should check out Hannah Höch because she's amazing.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:13 PM on January 11, 2010
Ah, collage! I have 2 books I highly recommend. First, Rex Ray, Art and Design. It's available at Amazon (of course) and you might also be able to check a copy out at your local library, see if it speaks to you. Personally, I adore his work and after seeing his book at a friends house had to get it. Tremendously inspiring and freeing. There are 2 videos on YouTube, A Retrospective of Rex Ray, and Rex Ray at Gallery 16. I have been sort of copying the style of his early work and turning out dozens of collages. I showed some at my Experimental Artists Group and was asked to lead a session. Fine with me, as there is nothing to it but to do it.
Practice, practice, practice. The advice given so far is very good. There is no one way, or style, no 'right" or "wrong", except to have what you glue down stick. If you watch the Rex Ray video he uses a small brayer (to get the bubbles out of thin magazine paper. I found that I prefer to brush medium on part of the thin paper, put it in place and then press and smooth with a paper towel, that picks up some of the medium that seeps out along the edges. Then I lift the paper and and brush the other part(s) and smooth down again. I use a matte medium, but you could use a soft gel (Golden). For thin paper I wouldn't use anything heavier. This is not messy work, but...
When you are glueing using a brush (or your finger) have a tub of water at hand and put your brush (or finger) in it frequently, then wipe it clean. Otherwise, your brush will get stiff and be useless without doing a number on it with warm water and brush cleaner. Ditto for your finger.
Ray's work is abstract. His newer collages are huge, but he started small. Small is good. This may or may not be what you like, but I found just doing these small abstract collages really helped me see many other possibilities, enhanced my composition skills and made me better at creating tension, balance and proportion in all my work - plus it's just plain fun.
The other book is Collage Techniques by Gerald Brommer. He gets more into specific techniques.
There are also a number of Collage Societies. There may be one in your area. Have fun!
posted by cosmicsister at 9:52 PM on January 11, 2010
Practice, practice, practice. The advice given so far is very good. There is no one way, or style, no 'right" or "wrong", except to have what you glue down stick. If you watch the Rex Ray video he uses a small brayer (to get the bubbles out of thin magazine paper. I found that I prefer to brush medium on part of the thin paper, put it in place and then press and smooth with a paper towel, that picks up some of the medium that seeps out along the edges. Then I lift the paper and and brush the other part(s) and smooth down again. I use a matte medium, but you could use a soft gel (Golden). For thin paper I wouldn't use anything heavier. This is not messy work, but...
When you are glueing using a brush (or your finger) have a tub of water at hand and put your brush (or finger) in it frequently, then wipe it clean. Otherwise, your brush will get stiff and be useless without doing a number on it with warm water and brush cleaner. Ditto for your finger.
Ray's work is abstract. His newer collages are huge, but he started small. Small is good. This may or may not be what you like, but I found just doing these small abstract collages really helped me see many other possibilities, enhanced my composition skills and made me better at creating tension, balance and proportion in all my work - plus it's just plain fun.
The other book is Collage Techniques by Gerald Brommer. He gets more into specific techniques.
There are also a number of Collage Societies. There may be one in your area. Have fun!
posted by cosmicsister at 9:52 PM on January 11, 2010
I occasionally attach things to canvas and use varathane to attach and seal. I initially found it when I was making things out of polymer clay and using it at a sealent/gloss coat. It's acrylic, comes in gloss, semigloss, and matt finishes, and seems to get along fine with my acrylic paints. I've done some papier mache and wire attachments to canvases and they're holding up very well.
There's lots of good advice here. Thanks, all.
posted by lilywing13 at 12:08 AM on January 12, 2010
There's lots of good advice here. Thanks, all.
posted by lilywing13 at 12:08 AM on January 12, 2010
Response by poster: Thanks, everyone! I had a feeling that there isn't really a 'standard' way to do this, so asking around has provided me with a lot of different methods to try out. grapefruitmoon - Hannah Höch is my favorite!
posted by supernaturelle at 7:40 AM on January 14, 2010
posted by supernaturelle at 7:40 AM on January 14, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
I use the mag bits just as color fields (of various sizes), not images themselves, so no real suggestions on cutting technique. I harvest interesting colors from the sources, file them according to color family in huge envelopes, and cut them down to bits of uniform size when I'm working on a piece. The end result is like a tile mosaic, although the glue (and a sturdy background) allow me to overlap a good bit before any lumpy-ness becomes distracting.
I've never thought to research how "serious" artists use collage. I'm curious myself now!
posted by travertina at 1:23 PM on January 11, 2010