Collage tag 1

Collage tag 1 © Karen Thiessen 2011

Last year I started collaging on size 6 (133 mm X 67 mm) manila shipping tags. The tags are downright cheap and they allow me to work quickly on several pieces at a time. So far I have collaged over 100 tags and I have about 80 hanging in a grid on my studio wall. What I appreciate about the tags is that they are non-precious. If a tag doesn't work, I am free to cut it in half, paint over it, wrap it with thread, collage over it ... the sky is the limit. Above is a tag that I painted, added several image transfers, and then collaged over.

Bidding War!!

Dear readers, I'm pleased to share that the above Shadow Box Oooo was subject to a fierce (and dirty) bidding war last night at the Textile Museum of Canada Shadow Box Auction. Although I am a peace-loving person, bidding wars are marvelously fun. The event was packed with triple the number of ticket sales from the previous auction. This year there were some gorgeous shadow boxes although the TMC website photos do not do justice to the artworks. Next year they need to hire a better photographer. In the original post I forgot to tell you all that the stitching was all done by hand. When one of the bidders asked about my machine-sewing technique and I told her it was all done by hand, she started bidding in earnest and won.

Image transfer experiment

Image transfer © Karen Thiessen 2011

A few years ago, I learned how to do image transfers and I really like the unpredictable results. The above transfer was done with magazine images and black-and-white photocopies of my dartboard pattern on heavy watercolour paper. Over top I collaged various translucent papers. I use acrylic medium to do the transfers, so the process is non-toxic.

Postcards: Pearl Van Geest

I collect artist postcards. The above postcards announce two exhibitions of work by Pearl Van Geest at Katherine Mulherin Gallery in Toronto in 2001 and 2004. I picked up the postcard on the left at the 2001 Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition. The previous day we took possession of our house (the worst house in a nice neighbourhood) and all we could do was dream of art and pick up free postcards.  My mantra that day was: new roof, new roof, new roof. I tucked the Skin Deep postcard on my journal, and every day I looked at it longingly as I wrote my Morning Pages. A few years ago, we finally bought one of Pearl's smaller kiss paintings and now it hangs in the dining room, where I look at it every day. Postcards are a small investment that can reap rewards. 

Evidence

In the past few weeks I have let go of 91 magazines. Here's a stack of some of my discards that I am giving to a friend. My studio is feeling rather spacious and clean these days. Spring cleaning came early this year!

Identity?

A few months ago I was almost hit by a flower delivery van. The driver was talking on his cell phone while he was turning a corner and came within an inch of hitting me. I'm a careful pedestrian but given how much I walk, I've had a few too many close calls. Drivers just don't pay close enough attention. So, now I wear a safety vest when I'm walking, just to be certain that I am as visible as possible. The reflective safety vest is ugly but very effective. It is also a conversation starter. I've been asked if I am a: 

1. parade marshall
2. police officer
3. construction worker
4. film crew member
5. crossing guard
6. hiking trail minder
7. by-law officer
8. cyclist
9. beat cop
10. porch builder
11. SPCA officer
12. Body guard for Stephen Page

Now if only the safety vests were more attractive! Stay safe dear readers.

ArtClothText

Ohne Titel 1 by Karen Thiessen © 2011

Mackenzie Frere over at ArtClothText has a nice post about some of my new work. Check it out. Thanks Mackenzie!

Ohne Titel 2 by Karen Thiessen © 2011