Seeing is Believing
Seeing is believing is a collection of collages that I have been working on since 2009. As a challenge to my creativity, I have set myself a couple of simple rules while working on them. Firstly, they are made using real, physical tools only; nothing is scanned, copied or manipulated on a computer. Secondly, I try to make them look as close to a real photograph as I can, with matching perspective, colours and shadows, despite the restrictions created by the first rule. Thirdly, I take all images from the same source, National Geographic, which limits my available source material even though they have in truth published an enormous amount of beautiful images. As a result of these rules, I cannot approach this work with a fixed idea already in my head. Even if I tried to, it would be almost impossible to find all the right image elements I would need for a specific idea. Instead I have to start work with an open mind, leafing through my stacks of old NGs and picking out images that speak to me, until suddenly an unexpected combination jumps out at me and demands to be put together.
Each collage in this series is handmade, with scalpel and glue. There is only one original made of every collage, no copies and no edition. They are mounted in simple black frames with a black card edging. On the card, I write a kind of caption. This is not a title, but rather a sentence that comes into my mind as I assemble the selected elements into an image. Often, the meaning of the image surprises myself as much as anyone else, one reason why I love this challenging way of working. I believe that setting up these limitations have made me hit upon ideas that were buried deep in my subconscious mind, instead of favouring those floating around on the top of my head.
The purest of white marble, and then fresh wings straight from the freezer, makes all the difference in the best of Angel Factories.
Radio telescopes bloom only once every 20 or 30 years, but when it happens it's an event of such extraordinary richness that it attracts pollinators from very far away.
Around Christmas time, gangs of homeless Gnomes swarm the beaches, sucking the brains out of unsuspecting sunbathers.
Once castrated, teddy bears make great childminders, just don't expect them to get your kids to school in time.
Your dress is fine, stop worrying. Just flap your arms and squeak a lot when she comes, and keep that torch out of sight will you!
Rejoice beloved! They have promised us eternal life.
On the upper reaches of the Hudson, you can still find cannibalism practiced by some of the old folk, just like in the days of the pioneers.
Due to their insatiable appetite for raw materials, Americans will frequently get into conflicts with beasts and monsters in any new domains they enter.
We were lucky the lions of Mars were so helpful.
The unappetizing tail of the North Texan Maggot Mouse is an effective defence against predators, but can be a real turn off during courting rituals if bandied about carelessly.
Instead of spinning a web, the Minoan Tourist Spider will plant an elaborate garden labyrinth around a scenic castle or other popular attraction.
Every mystery has a natural explanation.
Attention boys. Posture! Confidence!
It is not known whether the infamous "shark jumps" of the Galapagos Penguins are part of some elaborate mating ritual, or if they are just very, very stupid.
Supposedly, giants are not allowed to cross the Great Dividing Range. Most caravans however, would find it prudent to stay well clear off the troubled border.
Hey partner, didn't I just tell you to stop bugging me while I'm eating!
Zombie girls are like any other teenagers. You can't just feed and shelter them, they also want to feel pretty.