Connie Howes-Davidson's second journal page (Collage, 5 x 7 inches, February 2012) which was inspired by a favourite quilt. Quote: “A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.” Arsène Houssaye
Connie Howes-Davidson was lured to my Collage Journaling Workshop by her friend Ruby who caught my show at the Atrium Gallery. It was fun having these two intelligent and light-hearted friends who were so supportive of each other in my workshop. In our discussions regarding the use of daily ephemera in the collage of Kurt Schwitters, I was so impressed by the insights they brought to the class. When I learned Connie was an avid quilter I was elated. As a collagist, I’ve long admired the way quilters transform fabric pieces into wonderful works of art through colour, pattern and texture – they’re such kindred spirits of collagists! In my opinion stitching is just another form of adhering something to a surface. So when Connie said she had no experience with collage I had to laugh! I was so pleased to have her and hoped that her quilting sensibilities would find their way to some of the journal pages she made; they did! Here she is with more about the workshop…
Connie Howes-Davidson
1. Connie, tell us briefly about your background…
I am a happily retired Business Systems Analyst. I very much enjoyed my working life, but have found new joys in retirement. I love having more time to read, exercise, walk my dog, cook and pursue creative activities. I have enjoyed quilting for years and have recently started making fabric jewellery. I particularly enjoy combining fabrics – patterns, colours and textures – to create interesting combinations.
2. What drew you to the Collage Journaling Workshop?
A good friend saw Michelle’s recent exhibit at Centrepointe Theatre and suggested we take the course. I visited Michelle’s website and happily agreed.
3. Had you collaged before? No.
4. What kind of neat daily ephemera elements did you collect for the class?
I collected concert tickets, photos, brochures, used stamps, feathers and pages from an old book that was going into the recycle bin.
5. How did you find working under a 20-minute time limit to create your two pages? Did you find it stressful, freeing?
It was initially daunting, but ultimately proved freeing. It prevented me from over-thinking the page.
6. Did you make any discoveries about yourself during making or upon completing your pages… or perhaps a specific page?
I found that my quilting aesthetic showed up in one of my pages. I created a page reminiscent of a much loved quilt. The quilt is a wash of colour made with tiny blocks that move from pale pastel shades to deep jewel tones. This play of colour and textures just appeals to me and I was very pleased with the page.
Connie Howes-Davidson's first journal page (Collage, 5 x 7 inches, February 2012) inspired by her Mom... so cool.
7. Connie, who inspired your first page?
As I prepared for the course, collecting various materials; this theme around my Mom just seemed to emerge. My Mom was a wonderful person who surrounded her circle with her love and care – the angel images fit perfectly. The reference to Mother Nature was recognition of her nurturing spirit towards her children, her extended family, her home and her garden. The medal represents her community spirit and her contribution to her larger family. The quote “In the beginning … things got a little out of hand” brings me back to my childhood – we have a very large family and Mom managed to tame the chaos while still allowing us to explore and learn.
8. Do you think collage journaling with daily ephemera is something you can see yourself incorporating into your life?
Yes! I find myself looking at magazines and junk mail very differently now. I have a collection of ephemera and a couple of supplies on the ready and I enjoy retreating to my work room to create a page that reflects my mood or thoughts.
Thanks for enlightening us Connie. I loved both your pages and how they reveal diverse approaches to collaging a journal page. Each had a different compositional feel: one loving and commemorative; the other a more abstract series of impressions of soft colours, textures, shapes and patterns. Your transparent overlays on this second page are brilliant! It’s great that your collecting led you to include some more challenging objects in your journal like your Mom’s medal. It’s a good thing we had some heavy duty 3M double-sided tape to secure it to your page! I think it’s wonderful that precious items like this aren’t locked away in a drawer but can be easily accessible to draw from in a personal journal so you can flip through it and remember what a great nurturing soul your Mom was. As you know, your second page just made my heart sing – I was thrilled to find the quilter in you emerging and experimenting with extending your creative materials to include papers! I’m so happy to hear that you’re beginning to see the materials of your everyday life as fodder for artistic potential as well. You have a great sense of colour, design and creativity! One day I hope you’ll share those amazing fabric jewellery pieces you’re making with me, too! Happy journaling!
Other Related Links:
Creating Collage Using Daily Ephemera
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