Color Paper Scissors

COLLAGE. This time honored medium is having a global moment as artists all over the world are incorporating paper into their daily studio work. For my part, I’ve been working in this genre for about five years now and really can’t imagine letting the collage aspect of my work go anytime soon. Indeed, the interest in my collage workshops remains strong as this medium is very forgiving and doesn’t require drawing skills. I’ve even completely rearranged my studio to accommodate the organization of my collage material—this is essential to keeping my sanity as an artist.

Urban Botanical #372

87 x 12.5 inches — various collage papers, acrylic house paint and Irish linen waxed thread on hand stitched canvas. Industrial thread spool armature.

I’ve also begun to work more with hand stitched canvas this year and I’m looking at a more textile approach in my art practice. This is a natural exploration for me as I combine book arts sensibilities with my collage work. I’m still pursuing work on panel, both aluminum and wood, as well as using a lot of vintage book covers as my substrate. There is continuity as well as exploration as I navigate change and solidify my every day practice in the studio.

Urban Collage #373 displayed in the AVA Juried Members show 2024

78.5 x 68.5 inches — various collage papers, acrylic house paint and Irish linen waxed thread on hand stitched canvas. Wood, leather and hex bolt armature.

Urban Collage #330 hanging in TETHER (on the right)—the September show in the main gallery of The Loft in Marietta, Georgia on the square (photo courtesy of The Loft Marietta).

Also, a new era has begun as this year has seen some changes in representation for me—Citron Gallery in Asheville has closed its doors, this summer heralded the end of the relationship with my Nashville gallery, and exciting new representation began with The Loft Marietta. Change is always imminent, especially within the art world, and its best to roll with the punches and embrace new challenges.

The Nature of Art

by Marie Lauer

Many believe in the healing nature of art. Indeed, scientific studies show that art has a profound affect on healing the mind and body. Add nature to the mix and you have a powerful force for energetic rejuvenation. 

This was the approach that local artist Anna Carll used to create a breathtaking series of paintings for Erlanger Health Systems valet entrance to the Medical Mall here in Chattanooga. The Elemental Series combines nature with intense color to enliven a neglected space in the vast geography of Erlanger's campus. "My vision was to help create a space that both patients and visitors wanted to spend time in and allow the art to do it's magic" says Carll. "Most people aren't aware of the subtle affect that art has on the senses—a deep and visceral response to color and natural forms centers the mind & body and can lead us down a healing path."

The Elemental Series is about seeing the beauty in the natural cycle of life and the passage of time. Carll's images successfully portray this concept in The Four Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall. Her modern botanicals dance along the main wall of the lobby while her panel entitled Rain graces the corner wall and reminds us that water is essential to all life on Earth. Carll also uses color as a way-finding element in the hallway leading to the C-bank of elevators. The four Elemental Impressions are colorfield studies that act as wall-level stepping stones representing the colors of the four main elements—earth, water, air & fire. Carll believes that "We are all influenced by first impressions. Subconsciously drawn to color—we will respond and head in that direction." When you round the corner into the elevator lobby you are greeted with Carll's lively depictions of The Four Elements—images that simply grab you and make your wait an enhanced experience.

This is a very cohesive suite of pieces in both palette and concept highlighting Carll's response to the basics of life. Anna Carll's work reminds us that we are all part of the elemental process.