Author: Eibhlin

In this collage, “where we grew up” isn’t just about place. It’s more about the happy, fantasy worlds we escaped to in our childhood.

For me, that was fairy tales. I probably read every Andrew Lang fairy tale book… all the colors. And then discovered “A Wrinkle in Time,” and so on.

Those are the realms of my childhood. It’s where I escaped to, when things at home were dark and scary.

In my mind, books were my real home. They’re where magic happened. Where wishes came true. Where anything was possible.

Today, I’m realizing the importance of embracing that same sense of wonder and optimism.

So, this collage is simple. It references childhood, the pursuit of adventure, fairy tale castles, and more.

I look at it regularly, to remind myself what’s important.

Size: 8.5″ x 11″

Materials: Poster board, torn magazine images and text, and Yes Paste

This collage is about hope.

It’s about moving away from the serious, black-and-white life of the past. Embracing the full spectrum of experience that awaits us in the sunlight. Choosing the pigments – the colors – we want to use in our everyday lives. Rediscovering whimsy, and fun… just for the sake of fun.

It’s a simple collage in some ways, but multi-layered in others.

The imagery should speak for itself.

Size: 8.5″ x 11″

Materials: Poster board, torn magazine images and text, and Yes Paste.

 

This is one of my simplest collages so far. It may also have the clearest message.

We may be in the middle of a move to a new apartment. I’m not sure. It’s a distraction I’d rather not have, right now, but it seems like the season for sweeping changes. (But really, I’d rather not move right now. Except for new – and noisy-at-night – overhead neighbors, we’ve liked living where we are.)

When I wake up each morning, whether I’m refreshed or didn’t get enough sleep, I’m telling myself to just keep going. Trust that things will go as they’re supposed to. Trust that what’s ahead – no matter what it is – is the best for us.

I’m determined to be strong. I’m determined to hold onto my dreams with both hands, firmly.

That’s simple and complex at the same time.

The lower part of the collage is about nature and, in some ways, the past. The jewelry can be viewed one of two ways: Either it’s a path that’s splitting, or it’s two paths now merging towards a single goal.

And, of course, the words and the woman’s image are about confidence.

Size: 8.5″ x 11″

Materials: Poster board, torn magazine images and text, and Yes Paste.

In a way, this collage is a logical extension of my work from the previous day. (Looking Forward and then A New Start)

Yes, I deliberately chose images of confident women of color.

There is a nod to tradition – the marble supports at the upper left – and the boundaries we’re moving beyond, represented by the red, wooden elements in the lower half of the collage.

“No Boundaries” and “Growing Strong” are self-explanatory. That’s where we’re going, now.

The blue elements support the line, “Discover the new rules.” (After all, there will be rules. The difference is: we’ll be choosing them.)

The pear…? I have no idea why it makes sense to me, but there it is.

I really like this torn-paper collage.

[NOTE: A couple of faint vertical lines on the image are from the scanner. The original art does not have those lines and it wasn’t damaged. I’ll replace this with a photo, later. Right now, I’m catching up, adding my past art to this website.]

Size: 8.5″ x 11″

Materials: Poster board, torn magazine images and text, Yes Paste.

Today’s collage was part of a gradual process. Suddenly, I saw more of myself – my internal messaging – in my collages.

Apparently, my collages – at least some of them – are a form of art journaling. (Others are simply whimsy. Or inspiration, depending on what sparked the piece.)

In this one, I see some of what’s been on my mind.

That’s how it is, with many of my collages: When I step back and look at them, I realize they’re sort of a message to myself.

In this case I was processing a harsh reality. Several friendships, and even some family connections, had changed over the past year or so.

Things that were said – or actions that spoke far louder than words – drove a wedge between us. I’m not sure that was an overnight thing.

I think those divisions have been rooted in politics. Not necessarily that we disagreed about candidates. Often, we didn’t.

During 2020, many of us struggled with the ongoing stress of what seemed to be an ever-widening gap between us and others. Adding physical distance as we’ve mostly stayed at home,  some relationships just didn’t hold up.

I’m mourning that, when there seems to be nothing I can do. But processing this through art, I’m (gradually) accepting that each of us have chosen our respective paths. I like to think they’re rooted in authenticity, and – in the future – we’ll find ways to connect again.

So, after thinking about it for a few days, I choose to see the silver lining. A fresh start is opening to us, now. What’s important is how we use that energy.

Some things must be left behind. (And, admittedly, some needed a more obvious nudge.)

Much around us feels a little unstable. Not drifting, but more in “free form” mode.

What will we choose? How will we model our future?

It’s part of the process, and I’m stepping up as myself. As an artist. As someone who cares deeply about others, advocates for inclusion, and makes authenticity – with all its facets – a priority.

This feels a little uncertain. Perhaps that’s what the Manolo (shoe, upside down) is about. There’s no way I could walk in that shoe – at any angle – and feel natural in it.

The trees are definitely about nature, and the blue is the beach. That’s where I’ve always felt most comfortable.

Later, I may see more in this collage. After all, it was assembled impulsively. Intuitively.

For now, I feel a little uncertain but also affirmed as I look at it.

This is the first of two collages I created, realizing the uncertain path ahead.

Living in the U.S., where we’re not sure what may happen between now and the upcoming change in government, anxiety is reasonable.

For this piece, I chose images that reflect the light and dark elements of this process. Perhaps it was a way of venting – and releasing – the stress of this in-between moment.

I’m choosing to look forward. To find myself… my own ideas, and how I can (literally) realize them, myself.

But, in this work, the past, the darkness, and the fears are on display.

The original piece is 8.5″ x 11″ on poster board.

Materials: poster board, torn magazine pages, Yes Paste, metallic gold marker (lines)