Monday, May 21, 2012

Scissors, rock, paper

Scissors, Rock, Paper (2012)
mixed-media collage: antique illustration (Delineator, April 1894),
vintage paper doll (Fashion Paper Dolls From Godey's Lady's Book, Dover, 1977),
recycled Champion paper sample kit (1989), title page from a discarded library book,
recycled invitation, handmade paper, ink, marker. 5.5" x 11.5" on archival mat board.
Price: $125 (matted, unframed).
Okay, here's the first piece in the new series Scissors, Rock, Paper. Yeah, you probably guessed that was what I was up to if you looked at last week's photos closely. Right now, there are four collages, but I'm considering a few more.

I've been possessed for weeks by the idea of Scissors, Rock, Paper collages, but envisioned something much different and a bit more abstract. Rocky landscapes. No people. Then, I hit on the idea of using vintage paper dolls as the "paper" and they began to fall into place.

Each of the first three has a background that speaks to the winner of that round, in this case, paper. Alice stands atop the scissors and rock in triumph. I wanted the layering to reference how players layer their hands during the game.

Just when I thought I was done, I came across the piece of paper on the bottom. It's from a discarded library book and the library stamp seemed like a great way to add another reference to paper. Still not satisfied, I went back to the paper doll book and found her hats. This one, with its black center really helps draw the viewer up the page.

Stay tuned for the others ...