Movin’ On (no. 1 of 4), paper collage, 2025

When I first started collaging, I used to finish compositions very quickly. If I found a few pieces that worked reasonably well together, they got the glue. The reason for that, I think, was lack of practice. I found two pieces that actually go together? Score!

Now that I’m more practiced, however, it’s a different story. It often takes me a very long time to finish one composition–and the fewer pieces there are, the longer it usually takes. The reason? So many options. I no longer glue down the first two pieces of paper that serendipitously fall together. I experiment with different concepts and combinations. Often, what looks like a very simple two-piece is the result of several hours of work.

Inevtiably, though, at the end of that process, I make a decision. And one of the many combinations I’ve experimented with gets the glue. Except this time. I just got a fresh batch of 1957 National Geographic magazines with some great imagery. And I couldn’t choose. I also don’t quite feel ready to stop working with these new images…so no glue.

You’ll find there are four collages in the Movin’ On series and two alternatives for Dreaming Impossible Dreams. I built all of those compositions on my scanner. Eventually, I think I’d like to commit and glue some of them down…or not. Maybe it will be enough to have them immortalized in their impermanence.

That said, if you have a favorite, please let me know in the comments.

I hope you enjoy these experiments in collage art.

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Also, I recently got some new business cards and thought I’d share them. For the past few years, I’ve used cards with multiple designs on the back. Whenever I hand out business cards, I ask people to choose which card they would like. That way, each card feels personal, like a miniature artwork. It seems to work pretty well, and it usually takes people by surprise.

Moo.com is my go-to for these cute little square cards. They have a great hand-feel, too.

If you enjoy my artwork, you can follow me on Instagram.