COLLAGE BOX +
COMMUNITY ARCHIVE

Project and community archive from Briget Heidmous

This looks like a fun project - because it is!

Collage Box is a sustainable, interactive art project and ongoing community archive, both physical and digital.

What makes this DIY collage project so specific?

Inside each box are clippings and scraps direct from my studio practice, including cut-up sketches and paintings, along with the usual suspects, magazine pages, and such. When you participate in Collage Box, we are in direct creative conversation. When you complete your collage, you can share it with me by following the instructions in the step-by-step guide below.

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 of 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 drying 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 smaller than 5x7”.

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: lay out 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 uppermost 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

Photograph your art.

To get the best photograph of your artwork, on a dry and overcast day, take your art outside and lay it flat on a clean/dry surface. Square your camera to the artwork so that the corners are all right angles and snap your pic without a flash!

Send in your artwork.

Email your photograph to hello@briget-heidmous.com to be included in the digital archive below (anonymous or named). If you wish to include your original art in our physical archive (an archival box in my studio), we can arrange for the work to be sent by standard mail at your cost.