100 Crosses Series
100 Crosses: An Exploration in Collage is a series of one hundred pieces created over a period of 18 months. The work is an intense journey into the medium of collage. Using the iconic image of the cross as a constant in each piece, the work incorporates a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional collage materials as a means of creating a diverse representation around a similar theme. Each collage in the series is a unique representation using the image of the cross as the element that unifies the series. While some pieces focus primarily on the combination of the materials and the geometry of the cross, others explore the cross through the context of history and religion. The series is a story of discovery, pushing the medium of collage; within the series are individual stories about materials, color, imagery and history. Presented with each collage, is a written paragraph by the artist describing something about the materials, subject and creative process. These short stories connect the series and provide a glimpse into the artist’s thoughts and ideas about the evolution of the work.
The artist, who has historically worked in oils, was inspired by a museum visit to begin working in collage. His experience with the medium is described as “liberating” through the manner in which it created flexibility in time and expanded opportunity for creativity. As an art teacher of young children, the artist uses collage in teaching and was also inspired by the diverse range of materials the children work with in a program that values recycling. Old maps, window screen, caution tape, bubble wrap, candy wrappers, and countless other common materials appear in the series. “I wanted to create a series of work that reflected materials we come into contact with on a daily basis, but through a theme that inspires mystery and awe.” stated the artist.
Click on each image for more details
