A Journey Through Collage

I've been reflecting on how collage has consistently provided a safe haven for me. I started with magazine cutouts, meticulously layering pieces of cutouts, handmade textured paper, and found objects. There was something truly enchanting about assembling these fragments, as if each one held its own story, forming something new.

For me, art is about forming connections. It's about linking to a profound narrative that influences us, connecting with myself, others, the surrounding world, and my nighttime visions.

Dreams.

Many of my collages draw inspiration from dreams or life stories.

An unexpected loss or a surprising joy.

In my collages, I aim to create a space for reflection, inviting people to view the world and themselves in a new light. It's not just about what you see in the layers; it's about what you feel.

Mixed Media Collage 2004 "Corazonada"

After experimenting with mixed media collages, I started making digital collages. It felt like entering a portal to a new world full of possibilities. Nowadays, I include AI-generated images in my collages, and sometimes I draw images, upload them to AI to generate new ones, and then animate them in Luma Dream.

I also enjoy using my daughter's face to craft new images. This piece was created in Viola.

I absolutely adore collages. They bring immense joy and tranquility to my life. Through collage, the world begins to make sense to me.

Fragments of movements and moments come together, merging beautifully. They create a melody. I enjoy layering textures, blending images, and transforming ordinary things into something extraordinary with simple materials.

Collages hold a deeply personal aspect.

They possess a voice.

Themes of transformation, connection, and identity emerge. Each piece feels like a conversation, with the layers interacting with each other. Emotions intensify.

I utilize various tools that aid me in crafting dreamlike, surreal images. Then, I animate them. I love when they move like a film, telling a story. The apps I use act as my collaborators, supporting my creative boundaries and helping me remain true to my soul’s vision.

This mixed media collage "Baby Loss" reflects my personal experience. I remember it vividly. I also made some handmade books about the loss, featuring images of the start of life followed by silence. Baby Loss was a handmade collage. I tore pieces from magazines and gift paper, gluing them together first with acrylic matte and then adding a gloss with gold pebbles. This collage enabled me to express my grief.

An unforgettable sorrow.

For me, creating art has always been more than just an outlet; it's how I make sense of my existence.

Life can be complex and overwhelming. The loss, the grief, and the sorrow. The transitions and the joys.

What’s your collage journey? Feel free to share it with me.

With palms together,

—Annecy Báez

I am an educator, psychotherapist, mixed media collage artist, and the author of "My Daughter’s Eyes and Other Stories." As a facilitator for SoulCollage® and Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA), I integrate energy healing, dreamwork, and writing to promote growth and connection. My work with individuals and groups is focused on empowering people to embrace their unique stories and tap into the healing power of creativity and self-expression.

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