ARTIST STATEMENT

On collage:

It is the medium that excites me. The contrasts of colour, texture and form give life to my imaginings.

I enjoy working in a very spontaneous, PROCESS way. I play around with the collage, watercolour

and drawing at the beginning. Then, I let the work take on its own unconscious level by

restating fields with paint and pastel, softening and intensifying as I go.
Finally, I have fun by adding elements such as sewing and stamps.
This is a very layered process which can take weeks. Encaustic will be part of the process.

The titles are also a source of pleasure for me. I pin up all the pieces on a big board and go with

the 'stream of consciousness'. I respond to the GESTALT of the piece by engaging recalled thoughts and memories and allowing them to take precedence over any literal idea. I enjoy feedback from others about the titles as people are invited to take meaning from their own life experience.

Music also plays a big part in my work as it is my wish that the viewer can appreciate

my pieces like good songs. I like to think that the colors act as harmonic chords, form and

line make the rhythm and melodic structure and the textural elements give the collages character

and style in a rich, cross-cultural way.

I have been making collages solidly since my graduation from O.C.A. in 1987. I never tire of it.
Often, I go back to the basics; drawing and painting outdoors, portraits and interiors and still life,

but this is just for refreshing enjoyment and learning.

Over the past few years I have greatly enjoyed teaching. My students brought me so much joy

and I miss them since my move to Guelph. Our weekly painting, drawing and portrait classes
were so great. I have had fun teaching 'young artists' here in Guelph on Saturday mornings at

The Guelph School of Art, and still with my 'Scientists/Artists' with my Scientists in School programs

that I do around Wellington county, entitled; 21st Century Renaissance - The Power of Science

and Art.

I can often be found at the Barber Gallery helping out in the gallery/exhibition space or up in the workshop.

As an artist, I feel so grateful for all the support I receive from my family and friends.
It gets a bit crazy around here, especially right before a show! I never plan on stopping though.
I canít, it is what I do, collage.


Toby MacPhee March 2005