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I’m working on some new collages at the moment. There are so many decisions to make – how much to include, what works with what, how everything you add creates an extra layer of meaning – does that layer add interest or distraction? Too many choices!
Then sometimes I come back to the original, paired right down, and I like it with no alteration. This is the base that I am working with, an image from a few years ago. After exploring the thousands of possibilities, I’ve ended up now quite enjoying its space. I often come back this way, a confusion of noise, settled down to a few quiet lines.
I’ll post up the layered versions next time, would be good to hear what you think!
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Settle and Chase 
Seriously, this is nice, as is.
Thanks, glad you think so!
I’ll look foreword to the work in progress. I was just going to try a collage myself this is a photograph correct?size? Or is it pencil?
Oh it would great if this was pencil! I used to make lots of handmade collage but have been much more drawn to digital recently. Would love to see your collage!
I like the process of coming back to the center, grounding in basics, the flow, the shifting sandbar where we stand.
Love how you’ve described this, thankyou – so important to return to that place when we need to..
This is lovely in its unchanged state – it could be anywhere and because of that it takes on a sort of symbolic role – looking forward to seeing the changes.
Really glad you thought that RIchard, thanks.
It’s a beautiful image! I really appreciate what you say about the process – that return to simplicity is so important. I find I often wind up going through a similar process in my work; part of it is stilling that “monkey mind” that is so full of ideas and wants to express them all at once. And perhaps part of it is seeing the connections develop as we work – how one thing or image leads us down a different, but related, path. Makes the return to simplicity all the more rewarding, sometimes.
“Monkey mind” – I love that!! Oh it’s so true, so many ideas – I get this musically as well, and also in the urge to create music, art, photography and writing all at once..these kinds of images are my attempt to still that a little I think, some pure focus on a scene, particularly these kind, really calms me. I like that about lenses – just one point of attention for a while! Really interesting thoughts Sydney, thanks!
I know what you mean about over-complicating. The hard thing is knowing when simple is best, and when you need to embellish. I think a lot of that depends where you are personally.
Yes, I know what you mean, thanks Emily.
A simply beautiful shot Cath and so on the button with your questioning of so many choices or, as you so well say, a confusion of noise!
Thanks Patti – yes sometimes I feel overwhelmed by choices, it’s good to just rest on something for a while!
Just really love this Cath. I can’t put my finger on what it is that so many of your images stir up. But they seem to share this natural ingredient, something like magnetism and mystery that beg me to stay. I linger over your images a long time. Love.
Really touched that you felt that way, Spree – thankyou!
There appears to be a mysterious conversation between two ancient languages. Minimal yes, but so much to think about:)
That’s really interesting Elena, I’ve been working on the collages and I keep wanting to add fossils and cave drawings for some reason!
There is something so grounding about simplicity. I love this too but I’m looking forward to more of you stunning collages!
I agree Karen, it is grounding – taken me many years to realise it! I’m struggling with the collages a bit actually as they just keep wanting me to take away more and more, it’s obviously where my heart lies at the moment!
I absolutely love it, so quiet and understated – and the colours, very subtle.
Thankyou! There is a purple-ness that creeps into the water here as well as those hills! I think it’s in the rock, I love it..
Me too
I like the image, and especially I appreciate your voice here, and being let into your head!
Thankyou! I’m always a bit uncertain to do that as I’m not sure I put things across so well in words and often end up with the urge to delete..:) I’m glad you liked it!