Collage Lab: Experiments, Investigations, and Exploratory Projects

by Bee Shay

Collage Lab offers artists and crafters a fun and experimental approach to making art. The book is organized into 52 different labs which may, but don't need to be, explored on a weekly basis. The labs can be worked in any order, so that readers can flip around to learn a new mixed-media technique or be inspired by a particular collage theme or application. The underlying message of this book is that artists can and should learn and gain expertise through experimentation and play. There is no right or wrong result for a given exercise, yet readers will gain skills and confidence in collage techniques, allowing them to take their work to a new level.

Collage Lab is illustrated with brilliant full-color images and multiple examples of each exercise, offers a visual, non-linear approach to learning art techniques, and reinforces a fun and fearless approach to making art.

Genres: Art, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Pretty much what it says on the tin! I liked the examples of the various experiments - I'll definitely refer back to this one when I want to do a photo transfer using gel medium, for example. What I didn't like was the tacit art knowledge that seemed to be required throughout the book.
Reread: OMG, why not put the instructions in the same place for every lab?!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for someone wanting to dive into collage. It covers many methods. I like that it focuses on techniques. Instead of showing a step-by-step in how to recreate a specific set of collages, it shows the methods only. For this reason I would consider it a course in collage rather than a crafty how-to book. Each lesson has questions or concepts to ponder based on the techniques, but the author doesn't supply the answers, leaving conclusions open to the reader. The author is also about the tasks at hand - without a "be like me" or "do it like me" vibe, and I liked that. "Lab" is the perfect word to describe the book because of it's focus on the reader doing the work and finding what works for them. A beginning collagist would gain lots of knowledge from this lab course.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guide to experiementing with all kinds of collage, drawing attention to a wide range of textures and colours to create interesting effects. Out of the hundreds of images shown, two very small images use the stylised impression of a female form as part of a collage, which may prevent it being suitable for younger students in a classroom situation. In the context of the artwork of the book (and much classical art in general), however, it is not offensive.

www.GoodReadingGuide.com

[DianeM · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a bit of an outlier as I did not like or enjoy this book in any shape or form. The layout while compact was too busy with tiny font and lots of cramming of information and pictures, the technical information was too basic and lacking in places - with too many generalisations, and visually it was just dull. Overall, for me, it was a very uninspiring book on collage techniques.

[Korie Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This might be my artistic bias. I liked Drawing Lab better.

[Julie Akeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really love this book and should be a part of any artists library.

[Soc Page]

alexandria

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Sonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book and am still working my way through; it is a solid instructional guide but not as pleasurable as the Drawing Lab. I wanted to see new ideas and what people are doing in collage the book does cover some of that but some of the techniques, and projects felt a little advanced and pricey. I still enjoy thumbing through and working some of the exercises and I would recommend.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book - so many exciting exercises and various twists to what I (erroneously) thought was a simple process. I'm viewing collage from a far more creative angle and an looking forward to trying a number of the lessons in my journal.

[Terrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Structured in the same way as the Drawing Lab book, it presents 52 techniques and learning opportunities complete with suggestions for further exploration. It didn't have as many new-to-me techniques as I'd hoped, but will be a place to return for inspiration now and then.

[Galen G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I referred to this book for a recent collage project. It provides many ideas using a variety of media for picking and choosing what fits a particular work of art. The instructions are clear and concise.

[Kim A Paper Addict]

Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Meikoningin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keywords :
projects
inspirational ideas
clean, studybook-like layout
well worth the money

[Carolswallowcliffs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun but pretty basic information.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have perused this book before. I recommend this book for people who enjoy the art of collage.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting experiments but you have to have an awful lot of stuff to "experiment" with...paints, mediums, etc. I don't want to spend a fortune and find out I don't like something.

[Darby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of techniques with good instructions. Each lab has several variations of the technique. Think it would be a good book to have around to get ideas and inspire ones collage work.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the play and experiment suggestions with each lab. This is an art book I want to purchase. I believe that no matter how stuck you feel, this book can jump start your creativity.

[CharityJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good basic intro to collage art with photos, easy to follow tutorials, and examples of artists' work for those of us who wish to create our own art.

[Marianne Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great idea book for art, collage, and mixed media. Easy to read and follow.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually finished *reading* it already, but now I'm going through and doing some of the exercises.