In collaged pieces, Leah’s photography is often non-specific and enlarged to highlight texture. Aesthetically, I love the diffused nature of her mark-making and photos, which speaks to the larger scope of her work. She writes:

The intention of my work is to visually record the subtleties in everyday life that we do not always notice or appreciate. For example, the idea of pausing and enjoying a moment that is right there in front of our eyes, such as a shadow on a wall, a piece of paper in the wind, or a reflection in a window. Through capturing details of things that may seem insignificant in our daily lives, the fragmented beauty of the subject is brought to the forefront and chaos is pushed back. Ultimately, the raw purity and fragility of the image is unravelled.

All images via her website/Tumblr.

Beth Hoeckel’s studio lies in beautiful, tree-lined neighborhood in Baltimore. Light and airy, the space is home to Beth’s collage and mixed media work. As someone who works in collage, I was impressed by Beth’s way of working and organization. Seeing this space and hearing her speak really informed the work for me, which is comprised of photographs from old magazines and sometimes paired with painting.

Three images via Beth’s website.

Beth works through feeling and intuition. Pairing parts of collages and paintings, she works until something feels done. She listens to her inner voice, and allows for things to develop organically.

Beth describes her collages, which use vintage imagery and a meticulous hand, as looking like regular photographs, but surreal. Her attention to craft is what helps to make her compositions look so believable. They feel extremely cohesive, but at the same time they could not exist anywhere — part of the beauty of using photographs in collage.

Working in collage (and seeing other collage-centric studios), I was extremely impressed with how Beth has set up her space. Things are labeled! They are separated and tacked up on on a wall! She’s organized cut outs by subjects, color, and ready-made pieces to stick.

Colored plastic folders hold already-cut backgrounds, ready for collage.

The cut outs tacked on her wall gave a good indication of colors, shapes, and imagery that Beth is interested in at the moment. Over the years, she said, these things tend to change, with some reoccurring themes. It’s not surprising, these changes, because they complement the way that Beth likes to work. There is a sense of growth and experimentation present in her space, and she’s willing to take risks if it feels right.

Right now, Beth is working on five album covers, and participates in zines (such as Mild Vilnc) and interviews. Despite her analog way of working, she’s also very active on the internet — something we talked about at length. She’s tapped into using sites like Tumblr and Flickr, which has helped to shape her career and what people are responding to in her body of work.

Thanks, Beth!

All images via his website.

If you participated in the Collage Scrap Exchange and made something with your scraps, I have create a place where you can show it off!

I’ve received collages from a few folks and am very excited about what ya’ll have been making. I’d love to see more. So, submit through the website or email me and I can post them on the Collage Scrap Exchange website.

And, for those that didn’t get to participate this round, early spring (Marchish) I’ll be working on Round 2, so stay tuned!

The stone or shape similar to it is very present in Malin’s work. Sometimes literally, other times merely implied. Either way, it has an organic and pleasing feel to me.

All images via her website.

All images via his Flickr.

All images via her Flickr. Check out her website, too!

All images via Geran’s website. Also take a look at his Flickr - you’ll see that he’s working on his first children’s book, De Tuinwedstrijd and a zine collaboration with Lie Dirkx (previously featured here!) .

Scraps:

Finished piece:

This piece was made through hand assemblage with some color layers added later. (All images via Pixelirious. Thanks for sending these over!)

Scrap Exchange participants: How’s it going? Have you sent scraps or received them? If you have any problems or are finished with your piece, email me! I’d love to hear about it.

All images via the David Zwirner gallery.