Stuck for Ideas? Try Collage...

There comes a time for many of us when inspiration fails to strike, or when we want to break out of our comfort zone. I always used to simply swap mediums, but recently I have found something even more inspirational - Collage.

I have taught mixed media and collage workshops for a while and studied many mixed-media artists during my time at university, but never quite understood the appeal until this piece (above). Sure, it might not seem that inspiring to you, but this is far from any of the other work I have created so far (which shows you should always try something new - a few times) letting the 'found medium' of collage take the lead makes for some unexpected results.

Sifting through piles of donated magazines and old clippings sparked my imagination and helped me create something completely new. Alongside me, a class full of students were carrying out the same experimentation with their own, often unexpected results.

So maybe next time the dreaded painting block hits, reach for your scissors and glue...