MULTI MEDIA: MOSAIC/COLLAGE

Words you will learn:

• multi media
• collage

You will need

• recycling materials
• adhesives
• cutting tools
• paints
• stitches
• needles
• pins
• threads

Introduction

In this chapter you will learn about creating artworks using collage.

Collage is one of the craft within decorative art and craft. In decorative art and craft you can use any material to create artworks. While doing collage, depending on the materials you work with, the pieces are combined using different materials. Suitable types of adhesives, pins, staples, fasteners or threads provide good variety to choose from.

The word collage is French for gluing or pasting. The materials include paper and fabric, but cardboards, plastics and synthetic materials may be used.

A collage is usually made by sticking together pieces of one material of different sizes, shapes, colour, values and textures. These materials may be cut, torn, folded, twisted, or woven.

Collage techniques

Collage techniques include:

• Overlapping-similar to the applique technique of gluing or sticking pieces on top of another material.
• Inter penetration-similar to applique but with some areas interring others.
• Gradation-showing tone changes to create a feeling of distance.

The Collage Making Process

The process in collage making is intended to develop your ability in craft-making. You will do research; select what to create; select what technique to use; create your drawing (sketching) for the collage work; apply ideas for good composition; add details; and present the finished work. Along the way, you will also be reminded about using elements and principles of art and design.

Research: requires you to find about something. When you do research, e.g. in collage, you try to observe and explore what is created or written. This leads you to what, why, and how the work will be done. The questions that keep on coming as you prepare to do collage will be answered when you make research. Such questions are: what is collage? How is it done? What do I need to make a collage? What is the purpose of my work? In one way the research helps in your planning process.

Select the topic: because of wide variety of materials and techniques available, you will need to make decisions early. Choose an object/topic or theme that is simple to design, and which uses materials easy to find and manipulate.

Create a design: from your research, select pictures of the theme or subject you will use. Make use of a few pictures and examine them to select the one that is most interesting. Draw your design using a pencil and paper and work with a scale.

Observe your space as an element of design, to consider the negatives and positives. The image should be your center of interest. Collage requires a paper base. Cut or tear out your collage pieces. Separate them by layers, then attach them as by the designs for each layer. Begin by gluing/sticking into their positions to make artistic sense. Clear-drying glue is recommended.

Finishing the artwork: see that all edges are well stuck. Again work carefully to avoid glue or paint where they are not needed. Keep flat and in a dry place, pinned to a flat surface, and allow drying.

Present the Finished Collage: your picture will look complete with a mat or a frame around it. Measure the width and height of the artwork, then extend both the measurements by approximately 4cm at each end while making a mat.

Chapter Summary

In this Chapter you have learned to:

1. explain and use terms associated with collage.
2. follow the process for creating a collage.
3. creatively use available materials from the surrounding environment to make collage art.

apply your knowledge and understanding to speak and write effectively about collage.