Art in a Box or Assemblage
3D Collage
Assemblage is like a 3D collage usually with found objects. It is a 20th century art form that became more well known in the 1950s and 1960s. Art in a box is a type of assemblage.
Small Wooden Boxes
I recently found about fifteen 9″ x 7″ 23cm x 18cm wooden boxes. They were brand new, in light shades of grey and beige. A perfect setting for some assemblage. The box works as a frame. My mininalist style worked because there wasn’t room for much more. A chance to finally structure add some continuity to my displays. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/product/cityscape-found-object-art/
A Class in Assemblage
In 2018 I took a class in assemblage from local artist, Janet Silverglate. https://www.janetsilverglate.com/
First,she taught the class how to use a drill with wood or metal. Meanwhile,the students created a layered piece from a wide range of available materials.
Interestingly enough, Janet also came from the sewing world. Furthermore,she built on those skills while changing her materials from fabric to metal. She encouraged me to adapt my known skills as well to the different materials. Janet was incredibly generous with the materials that she had collected. However, I still had a lot to learn about the art form.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1005720871/contemporary-mixed-media-collagebeige
Choosing a Background
One of these adapted sewing design skill includes starting with an interesting background. I chose redirected wall paper that would add movement, color or texture to a piece. My usual way of working is to first select interesting materials I like. I have no idea of what project I may use them for. For example, I let the materials play with one another. They tell me if they want to be together or not. Sometimes the size and scale is not correct. Other times the colors are slightly off. At times even great materials need to be saved for a different project .
Choosing Materials
I prefer to see the materials in front of me before making a choice. There are just too many variations involved for me to choose. Color? Are the colors of the correct shade or hue? Too grey or too beige? Scale? Is the size correct for the box? Is the action on the wallpaper too big or too small for the box? A perfectly lovely item may need to be saved for a different art piece. Scale is an important element when working small. The quarter inch tiles I redirected from a interior designer fit the tiny bill. Each miniature tile has a slightly different shade of color to it. I couldn’t place them correctly without seeing them first.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1005714869/contemporary-mixed-media
Color
The color range of the tiles was limited. Yet a few tiles provided tiny pops of color. Luckily, the tints complimented the muted shades of the container boxes. In addition, finding a unique artful use for a redirected item is definitely a win-win for the earth.
Texture
Texture adds depth to a piece. Fiberous materials also add interest. The 3 dimensional aspect draws the viewer closer. However, that could just be my special view on fiber. Interesting, vintage items also provide texture. “Junk” laying around one’s house can be put to good use. Surprise yourself!
In Conclusion
In conclusion, artists stretch their artistic muscles by learning new skills. Combining shapes, forms, and colors are basic skills that can be developed. After that, those skills are available for and can be applied to many art genres. For example, I recently witnessed a flower arranger combine various colors,textures and sizes to create an incredible bouquet. Everyone starts somewhere. Just start!
Read more.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/02/recent-attempts-at-assemblage/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/01/first-steps-towards-assemblage/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/07/art-materials-hard-or-soft/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/08/sewing-room-minimalist-assemblage/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/videos-of-art-quilts/assemblage-video-work-in-progress/