REIMAGED
By Nancy Crasco | August 17, 2020
A chance encounter with a damaged art catalog precipitated a collage project that collided with the pandemic. Early in the year, I found an art catalog on the “free” cart outside the entrance to the Encinitas, California, public library. After perusing it, I realized that it was missing pages, but while browsing, I had a sudden inspiration to “reimage” the remaining reproductions by adding elements to alter the originals. There was no orderly approach to my project, as I randomly moved between source materials and reproductions, first to create “Staying at Home,” a collage in which danger lurks at the edges of a tranquil scene.
“Staying at Home,” collage, 10.5″x9″ (2020)
I began the series when the pandemic was not yet a pandemic, and upon arriving in mid-March to a Massachusetts-in-quarantine, I continued. Spending the majority of time at home, I was tolerantly “Waiting for Spring,” and the outdoor activities that warmer weather would allow.
“Waiting for Spring,” collage, 10.5″x9″ (2020)
But the Covid-19 virus was in an ever widening “Spiral,” and was at its height by mid-April. Finally, by the end of June, Massachusetts experienced a respite, like a “Whole Note” in a musical composition.
“Spiral,” collage, 10.5″x 9″ (2020)
“Whole Note,” collage, 10.5″x9″ (2020)Although I was not actively thinking about the virus or the quarantine while I worked, my subconscious was apparently leading the journey. A title for each completed collage came easily, and they evoke my unspoken thoughts during the process. When I complete all the collages, I will have a new, altered catalog entitled REIMAGED.
Copyright © 2020 Nancy Crasco
Nancy Crasco is a Boston artist and a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design who has been working predominantly in fiber since 1968, actively exhibiting nationally and internationally since 1975. Her work is often based on the intricacies of nature, using imagery attained through the use of various printing processes, including linoleum, gelatin plate, photocopying and direct printing, to which she adds stitching and embroidery. Her works on paper include linoleum and gelatin plate prints, drawings, and collage.