In art class, we have been working on our final unit, “Paper Cuts”. The unit question is, “How do we visually communicate a concept or theme?” The significant concept is, “Collage/cut paper can be used to create and express meaning, statement, memory or story.”

At the start of this unit, we had some practice time making a collage. During this time, I learned and used some different techniques. I used some different types of techniques in my practice drawing that was on the book I read about collages. For example, using small bits of paper, big bits of paper and also some strips of paper. I used 2 techniques (small bits of paper and strips of paper) in my final work. I think by looking at some different examples, I learnt a lot of techniques and it is important because I can use the technique in my collage.

This is one of my practice collage (The Hunger Games) :

I think I have made a lot of progress in my collage. At the start of making this final project, I took around 2 double periods of class (1.5hrs x 2) to make 2 buildings in my collage. I wasn’t off task the whole time but I used little bits of paper that really took time. Also my working pace was a little bit too slow. But I think by using small bits of paper, I was able to make my collage detailed, realistic and neat. I worked very hard at the last 1~2 weeks before the due date. I don’t think this was a good idea but I think my work really turned out good. I spent my whole Sunday to focus on my drawing. As a result I made a huge improvement and effort. I changed things around a couple of times to make it better and better. For example, I changed the mountain on the left to make it a darker colour like the mountain on the right so it gradually gets lighter. Also I changed my boat quite a few times because before, I used the same colours too much that it looked like there was just a light yellow blob in my collage.

I think I need to improve on my boat in the foreground because I kind of rushed through it and it didn’t turn out good as I thought it would. Maybe I should of made the dark parts more darker so the viewer can see where the bright side is and where the shadow is. Also I think I should cover some white spaces in my collage. One of my friends gave me a feedback on this so I tried my best to cover the big white spaces during our art class to finish the collage. Also maybe I should of researched some different techniques for collages on the internet more to find some interesting techniques to use in my collage.

Overall, I am very impressed with myself because I really spent a lot of time on it during the weekends. I should of fixed some parts and I should’ve took more time on it but I think I did my best and I am proud of it.

Thankyou!