Collage equals life. ~Joseph Cornell

There is something magical when an animal appears in my world and gives me the gift of pausing to ponder which then leads me to want to create something tangible from those moments of reflection.

And this is how this cardinal collage came to be. While it has its personal meaning that began my journey to wish to create this piece, it would take on another meaning after sharing the “collage in progress” on my Instagram page.

A long-time friend saw it and asked if it wasn’t yet sold that she would like to purchase it.

She said, “I have always been drawn to cardinals. Their song brings a familiar comfort. I love to watch when the male shares a seed with their mate. And, their beauty in the cedar branches when dusted with snow, is something to behold—beyond what any Christmas card could ever hope to capture. Since Dad died, these birds have taken on a deeper meaning for Mom, my sister, and me. I love how you placed the branch outside the church window. Can’t wait to see how you complete your latest piece!”

Knowing how much her dad meant to her, I was excited to finish it along with writing a personal oracle message I included on the back.

A few days later I shared some of my artwork in a collage community I recently joined.

A lovely man commented on a different piece I recently completed saying, “This is like a little icon/altar to nature and bird song. I love that you combine collage and collected objects from nature as it really creates a sense of a moment in nature captured. The blue frame invokes the sky as well. This reminds me of the work of Joseph Cornell. A really lyrical piece.”

I was so touched and was even more curious about the artist he’d mentioned as I’d not heard of him before.

And into the world of Joseph Cornell (1903-1972) I’ve submerged myself watching a documentary about him and books I’m waiting to read that I ordered from our library system.

I love that Cornell was self-taught and how he said of his work that they were based on everyday experiences and “the beauty of the commonplace.”

And why I appreciate the quote from him, “Collage equals life.”

It was the young collage artist that started the collage community who mentioned that in her research collage isn’t always seen as a “valid” art form. Though that is changing.

Yet Cornell was seen as an accomplished collagist and one of America’s most innovative artists according to Smithsonian American Art Museum.

A private man and one considered eccentric, I admire he followed his heart and thought “outside the box” in regards to his shadow box collage pieces. He didn’t care what others thought, but just had to create which gave us a glimpse into his world. Though I can’t say I understand all his pieces, they do intrigue me and leave me to want to ponder which I appreciate.

How one comment from a kind man opened my world to Joseph Cornell and has inspired me to want to create even more collage artwork.

And how collage created through my lens can then take on a whole other meaning for another. Well, that is indeed a delightful opportunity to open to all the wonders of life as seen through the eyes of many and all the perspectives this can bring.

Leaving an impact that changes us.

Collage is indeed life.

XO

Barb