Sun Series #1

Sun Series #1

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Photocopies, Bleached Paper, and Remnants


Almost Daily Collages
mixed media on paper
5x8"

On my work table in my studio I have this tray of papers and materials that I have working from for the past several months
From time to time I add more bits and pieces.
I enjoy sifting through these remnants, seeing what I can do with them.
Often the work is sparked by the new additions, but the pieces on the bottom of the pile also
hold some fodder for inspiration.

For these two pieces I spied, not in the tray but laying on top of my printer, an accordion fold book I had made
comprised of rusted and stained papers with some leaves attached.  I decided to photocopy it and work with what I got.
This was the new addition to that day's work.
It is amazing how the photocopied image in black and white took on another persona.
 (If leaves and stitching on paper can have a persona.)

The light marks on the black paper in the bottom piece were made by bleaching the paper.
That particular piece has been the tray of materials for months. And I am pretty sure I made it 2 years ago
as an example of bleaching for a class I was going to teach.
There wasn't much of it.
But I knew I shouldn't / couldn't throw it out.
Glad I had it in that pile of collage materials.

www.claremurrayadams.com
http://instagram.com/claremurrayadams

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Thanksgiving


I can't help but look around the beautiful farm I live on and feel thankful .
My life is full.
I have wonderful family and friends.
I am able to spend time making my work whether that take the form of gardening, cooking or collage.
And I have supporters who read this blog, purchase my art, take the classes I teach,
encourage me when I am stuck and are just plain present in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

Clare


Sunday, November 12, 2017

The Weight of Words

       

             
             Those of you who know me know that I am the least likely person to be censored.
People often tell me that some of my work has an edginess to it or that it strikes a sad or emotional note.  But it does not come off as offensive.

              But...I was recently accepted to an exhibit only to be told before the show opened that the words in the work were inappropriate for that venue.  They were very gracious about it and adamant that my work be included if I could some way remove the words or change the words or cover the words.  The concept centered on name calling, bullying and the kind of words that cause emotional pain.  The ethereal and innocent look of the piece belied the words the viewer confronted when coming in for a closer look.  It had an impact.  It was powerful.

The piece had been exhibited several other times without the censorship I now faced. I do understand that the appropriateness of the work is subject to the venue and the kinds of clientele that will see the work.  I had a short time in which to decide what I would do.
                                      Should I just pull the work from the show and be done with it?
                                 What kind of change can I make without changing the original intent?
                                          Am I caving in or am I compromising?
                                               Do I even want to compromise?

I talked with my husband who also is an artist.  I talked with another artist friend who is familiar with me, my work and my philosophy about making work.  If I change the work have I lost the initial powerful piece?  Can I substitute other words that will still convey my intent and cause the viewer to think about words that are damaging, hurtful and can't be unheard?

                In the end I did find a compromise.  I substituted words that addressed the emotions one might feel when being called names instead of using the actual offensive words.  Because the words were attached to the larger part of the work and could be removed I did not undermine the major part of the work.  The new words replaced the original one and I now have two works that address this issue.  I feel the piece lost some of its impact but it still causes the viewer to think about the name calling,  bullying and the hurt that verbal abuse can cause.

              I feel okay with my decision to compromise because the message is still out there.
                               I am wearing my censorship as a kind of badge of honor
                                            ever conscious of the weight of words.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Visit the Christkindl Markt Nov. 10-12!




"Child's Play"
mixed media collage
13 x 10"  framed  $110

I will be at the Christkindl Markt selling my work Nov. 10-12!
I wasn't there last year so I am looking forward to being a part of this Fine Art Fair this time around.
This is an annual holiday tradition in Canton Ohio at the
Cultural Art Center located at
1001 Market Avenue.
Fri. Nov. 10...10am-6pm
Sat. Nov. 11...10am-6pm
Sun. Nov. 12...11am-4pm

Stop by and see me and what I have been making.
Here are a few examples to wet your appetite.
Hope to see you there!
Clare
 

"Flower Girl"
mixed media collage
12 x 9"  framed  $200

Daily Collage
mixed media
5x8"  unframed  $15


Daily Collage
mixed media
5x8"  unframed  $15

See more on my website!