NEW DIRECTION: COLLAGE

The elements used to create these collages have been drawn from a variety of sources, primarily, from a collection of documents, books, magazines, and newspapers, hand-written notes, receipts, sheet music, and more, that had been saved over the last century or so by various members of my family. They were organized people, practical Yankees for the most part, who darned socks and patched the worn elbows of sweaters rather than condemn them to the ‘rubbish bin'. They used every bit of a bar of soap, and ate everything on their plates in what I learned growing up to be a very traditional New England way of life. They were far from needy, but refused to waste any item that had life remaining in it. That would be impractical, and just plain wrong.

Having been a publication art director and managing editor, I have a reverence for the printed word. The majority of the books and magazines that line my library shelves appear to have never been read, but that isn’t the truth. It’s just ‘how’ I handle things I care about. So, why would I cut or tear into old books, some of which are nearly as old as this country? Because like everything else, they’ve lived long, well-loved lives. They’re falling apart, having weathered many hands over decades and generations, at least. Some for centuries. With spines crumbling and full signatures and loose pages falling out of many of the books in my collection, I’ve chosen to honor what lies within the covers, rather than toss them. I’m offering the words and images new life, out in the open, for all to see and appreciate. After all, they’re beautiful works of art in themselves. Reuse. I believe that my ancestors would approve.

  - JT March, 2025

NOTE: While some collages have moved on to private collections, new collages are in the works. For pricing, and current availability, email the studio.

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