Hi, this is Janice McDonald

 

This series of works is about exploring the edges... I had wondered what it would be like to work on more casual pieces with random edges, pushing collage beyond the boundaries of straight edged boards/supports. One day I realized I had a lot to work with in my own home!

 

Because as I deconstruct and flatten boxes for recycling, I’m often struck by the elegance of these common materials. The packages have surprising perimeters that are revealed once taken apart, and unexpected details in their construction. Each box brings its own history of purpose, content, transport and consumption. 

 

The unfolded boxes become platforms and integral parts of my collage compositions, where I can explore ideas of transformation and ruminate on interior spaces that are now exposed. I’m also forced to confront the incredible amount of discarded material that is generated every day. 

 

I’m responding to their varied shapes and scored fold lines with found and recycled papers. The hard edges of the diecut boxes provide a counterpoint to the ripped paper elements that I use in these collages. An unexpected and added bonus: I love the shadows they make when hung.

 

To see more of this work, visit www.janicemcdonald.com. Thanks for listening.