COLLAGE BOX +
COMMUNITY ARCHIVE
A project and community archive by Briget Heidmous
This looks like a fun project - because it is!
Not only is Collage Box a fun and meditative project, but it is also a sustainable, interactive art project and community archive.
Why is this DIY collage project so particular?
Inside each box is an artist-selected variety of clippings and scraps direct from my studio practice, including cut-up sketches and paintings along with the usual suspects, magazine pages, and the like. When you participate in Collage Box you are in direct artistic conversation with me and my art practice. When you complete your collage, you can share it with me on Instagram or by email to be part of the Collage Box Community Archive, a soon-to-be-published page on briget-heidmous.com.
How is this project "sustainable art"?
We are using excess materials that would end up in the recycling bin or trash: let's be honest, it is mostly going to the trash. Aside from scissors and glue, everything you need to collage is included in the packaging and its contents. You cut out the back off the box for your substrate or backing to your collage! You can use the excess packaging in any way you wish to make your collage. Maybe use the chipboard sides to create depth or structure. You can use the clear plastic cover to protect your work surface when applying glue or incorporate it into your original artwork.
What are the cognitive benefits to this project?
Oh, so many! Using the limited materials that comprise your Collage Box, you are stretching what you can do mentally with a limited number of randomized resources - problem-solving in a low-stakes environment. When you participate in College Box by making a collage, you are part of a "loose ties" community. Studies theorize that our loose connections give us a feeling of inclusion and contentment in our lives. When you submit your collage to the archive, you inspire others with your original artwork and exhibit your original artwork alongside others.
COLLAGE BOX: STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Your Box.
Your Collage Box is a 5x7x1 box filled with paper materials.
The Contents.
Inside each box is an assortment of visuals on paper, including magazines, scraps from projects, and even cut-up sketches from my studio. There are infinite possibilities here!
Your Tools.
1. You will need to supply your cutting implements. (At workshops, several scissors will be provided; if you don’t want to share, please bring your own).
2. Use clear crying liquid glue or gluestick.
The Substrate.
Cut the back panel out of the box. Use this to back your collage - it will support everything inside your box, and the glue from standard glue sticks absorbs and sticks securely.
Tip: use the interior side of your cutout for best results. You can also cut your support into any shape within a 5x7” scale.
The Substrate, Continued.
Once you have cut out the back of the box it will look like this. The portion on the left is your support. You can make use of the packaging materials on the right, if you’d like.
Fun Cutting Part.
Have fun with the contents of your Collage Box! Cut out shapes and compose your specific project.
The Layout.
You might do some fun cutting and do some layout, then go back to more fun cutting and more laying out.
Tip: layout your composition before gluing anything down so you can make changes.
You might take a picture of your final layout to reference in the next stage.
The Gluing.
Set your multiple components aside, glue your cut up pieces to your substrate - start with the background and work your way forward to the upper most layer.
Sorry Sarah Jessica Parker, for the glue on your face. Moving on.
Your Art.
And just like that - you made original art. I hope you enjoyed
ARCHIVE FUND
Contribute to future activations and exhibitions of the Collage Box + Community Archive