Taking Shape

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how difficult it was to begin this collage collection.

The eight canvas panels sat untouched on my table while I wrestled with questions that felt impossible to answer before making anything at all. Would the pieces feel cohesive? Repetitive? Would I have enough materials for an entire series?

Eventually, I stopped second-guessing and started creating. Now, all eight backgrounds are complete, and the collection has entered a different phase.

I've started introducing collage fragments—vintage magazine pieces, mixed metal costume jewelry, found words, textured layers. The process feels less like planning and more like discovery. Each piece reveals itself one decision at a time.

During stressful times, I sometimes feel creatively paralyzed. I have projects in different states of "doneness" and can't seem to bring myself to work on any of them.

What I've learned from this collection is that momentum doesn't arrive before the work. It arrives because of the work.

Today, I pushed myself to create. Three of the eight collages are now sitting on my windowsill curing in the afternoon sun. Looking at them, I can finally see the collection beginning to emerge.

They're far from finished, but they exist now.

And that's enough for today.

I feel a sense of accomplishment.