What an incredible experience! I’ve been a collage artist for many years but I’ve
never gone beyond the flat surface except for a domino or two. I was afraid to
take the class because I thought of all of the supplies I would need and all of
the junk I would accumulate after I discovered a new art medium. Oh well, I decided
to throw caution to the wind and go for it! |
Helga Strauss writes about the assemblage workshop with Janet Hofacker ( well known
for her assemblage and collage work in Somerset Studio, see her "Shrines" in
sept 2000 issue) Montreal Canada Agust 4-7, |
Black & White Shrine/Helga Strauss |
Frida suz shrine/Helga Strauss |
Frida shrine/Helga Strauss |
geisha trunk/Helga Strauss |
Janet Hofacker is a fun, kind, thoughtful, sharing, and very talented woman. She
taught tons of great techniques and really encouraged everyone to work beyond their
potential. I produced 4 assemblages that I’m very happy with. A lot of people
brought tons of supplies because they lived nearby. I flew all the way from
Victoria, BC, so had very little with me. But Janet had a huge assortment of items
to choose from and I was able to scour a construction site for rusty objects
to add to my pieces. My mom took the workshop with me and relied on the dollar
store nearby to create her beautiful assemblages. The general process for doing an assemblage is: Pick a theme and gather objects pertaining to your theme. Paint and/or collage a cigar box. Adhere items to box with E600 glue. And voila, you’ve got your finished piece! |
Painted, collaged and stamped torsos by Helga Strauss |
Helga Strauss/torso collage |
Helga Strauss\torso bloom |
Helga Strauss\torso green |