Prompt = Repeat
On creating patterns and considering motifs
Welcome to this week’s collage prompt!
REPEAT
From simple circles to more complex imagery, I often find meaning, solace, and joy in the simple act of repeating elements in my art to create a pattern or as a continuing motif.
The Art of the Repeat
Pattern
There are many ways to create a patterned design - whether it’s for a background or part of the overall composition. As the prompt suggests, you can make a pattern by simply choosing an art element (line, shape, color, texture, form, space) to use multiple times.
Background Texture: The pattern in image one is created by repeatedly stamping a design (a single organic image, as shown above) across the paper. This patterned background, stamped with acrylic paint on Yupo paper, also provides a nice textural element on which to build thin layers of collage papers and paint.
Line: The reflective pattern in image two is created by cutting curved strips of painted paper and re-ordering them in opposing directions onto a neutral background.
Shape: The third image uses a blanket stitch embroidered in a circular shape repeated across the paper.
Form: The last image uses subject matter (the chickadee) to create a flow of repeating imagery across the branches of a tree.
Motif
You may have noticed an ongoing eye motif if you've followed my work for a long time.
Eyes fascinate me—they are windows to other worlds, storytellers, and emotional harbingers. They ask the viewer to look closer yet away. They seek understanding while playing conscience. From the “elk eye” in image one to the altered “eye of Horus” tattoo, these various eye forms keep watch as an ongoing personal motif in my work while also providing an opportunity as a repeating element.
Motif = A recurring element, theme, or symbol. It can be in regard to a single piece of art or the body of an artist’s work.
Patterns are created by repeating an element, and motifs are recurring elements, themes, or symbols - as with this recent collage, “The Seeker.”
A time traveler
seeks out your one true nature
to align the spirit
in preparation for the
long flight ahead.
This piece combines my paper and embroidered collage eye in the center with four eyes gifted to me for my collage practice. They are part of a large collection of eye drawings made by one of my amazing children, Carson Lommers, for an animation project. For this collage, I also embellished the eyes with embroidery thread.
In this instance, the eye image is repeated, but rather than creating a pattern, the imagery enhances the story - becoming a motif of this piece.
Prompt #6
Prompt = REPEAT
Repeat an element (e.g., shape, line, color, texture) or create a motif to enhance the background of your collage or add to the design or story.
Admittedly, when I am at a loss for where to start a piece - whether a tiny collage or a large painting - I find the rhythm of creating a repeating element can jump-start my creativity. I hope you find the same!
Happy collaging!
Jennifer
Skills Challange
For a simple repeating pattern - carve a stamp! For quick and easy stamp-making, I prefer Speedy-Carve products. Instructions are available from Speedball HERE.
Find some of my hand-carved stamps here: JenniferLommers.com/Printmaking