Tribute to Women Artists in Three-Dimensional Mixed Media Collage

For the past four years, I began mixed media collages as a tribute to Historical Women Artists during March; each piece took over two months to create. I sculpted from clay, built in wood, drawn in pencil, and painted to capture each artist in their studio, art, and any other details about their lives which fascinated me. The use of black and white is a significant symbolism of photographic journals of their life, even if their art was about color.

Ode to Georgia

Georgia O’Keefe’s (1887-1986) The essence of her studio and kitchen are portrayed in this 3-D collage. New Mexico hills outside her window lured her to take her toolbox and canvas to paint as her collection of bones and other artifacts, which were significant imagery in her work.

(1:12 Scale)

Frida’s Pain

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) This collage represents her pain and suffering from a bus accident in her youth. I depicted images and symbolism in her paintings, which she used to describe her life of pain, loss of babies, and aching desire for motherhood projected toward her pets, all of which she painted. She loved wearing earrings, and the sculpted hands represent earrings given to her by Pablo Picasso.

(1:12)

It’s in Scale, Dorothea

Dorothea Lange (1895-1965)The title was inspired by her last words before her death. This piece depicts her love for the horizon and passionate attachment to the people she photographed. The struggles of humankind were shared with us through her darkroom, Graflex camera, and 1933 Ford C-4 wagon.

(1:12 Scale)

Wildfire

Edmonia Lewis (1846-1907) This collage represents her heritage and life in Italy. She lost both parents as a young girl, but her Native American/African-American heritage influenced her sculptures. She grew up in Niagara Falls, with the name of Wildfire, and became a successful Neo-classical Sculptor in Rome. Her sculpted figures portray suffered oppression and exhibited strength and faith.

(1:12)