Paul and Kathryn Kramer-Waters
Paul and Kathryn have what they call a 'Living Studio'. Their studio, living room, dining room, art library, and kitchen are all in one 'L' shaped open space. They make artwork throughout. Guests are encouraged to explore, walk through, look around, or pull out one of the 1000 art books from the library in the dining room.
Throughout each day the artists will demonstrate their unique collaborative collage process. They begin by sitting across from one another with their sketchbooks open to blank pages. Cutting and placing elements for the ground layer sets the tone, suggests a palette and begins to divide up negative space. Layer by layer, they pass the two sketchbooks back and forth, adding elements, all the while conversing with visitors about the considerations that go into the making of a successful collage (e.g. scale, color, juxtaposition of lights and darks, dynamic negative space) and the particular complexity of collaboration. There is often a look of surprise on the faces of visitors as they watch the artists exchange the sketchbooks the first time. Guests are invited to contribute their ideas and questions as the work unfolds.
For those interested in trying out the process for themselves there will be a variety of collage tools and materials on hand and for sale.
Their book 'Pass Across' which shows examples of the sequential steps along with images of completed collages, will be available for review and sale.
COLLECT
We collect from thriftshops, sidewalks, and recycling bins, everywhere we go - usually the more degraded the better.
STORE
Our basement is overflowing. Our closets don't have any more room, and the studio is full of what other people might call trash.
We use it as inspiration
We use it as door stops
We use it for art
We just use it
COMPOSE
We take old, cast-off things and find beauty in them and in their combination with whatever else is on the pile.
COLLABORATION AS A WAY OF LIFE
Art collaboration is a way of life for Kathryn and Paul. They've been open to each other's artistic brainstorms since they met in a Sculpture Class in 1984.
Address: 2648 NW Westover Rd Portland OR 97210
Collage|Mixed Media|Paper|Paper Cutting
Community: NW Portland
Studio Number: 84
Email: paulkwaters@hotmail.com
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