Time lapse of Saint John of Maywood — John Prine.
What’s a “Mollage”?
Mosaic + Collage = “Mollage” — My method is something of a hybrid of these two. The best way to explain it is to show you…
The process begins with researching the subject, reading and learning about their story, then gathering photo reference. I build the compositions in Photoshop by cobbling together parts and pieces of photos from a variety of sources. Once I’m satisfied with the layout of the image, I enlarge it and transfer it to my final surface, 140lb acid-free watercolor paper.
At this point, the process of gluing the individual pieces can begin. Sometimes, I mix custom colors for a piece, but usually I can find what I need in my bin of pre-mixed/painted “palette” of colors, which I periodically replenish. This is acrylic on acid-free drawing paper.
Each piece is individually cut, torn and glued to the surface one piece at a time. So it’s rigidly linear and forces me to be intentional about my choices. Typically, I put the background in first and try to establish the lightest value (often the halo). After the background is mostly complete, I move to the face. It’s important that I’m happy with the likeness before I proceed with the rest of the piece. I’ve learned this the hard way!
Even though I liken this process to mosaic, what makes it a collage, is that sometimes the pieces overlap and in some areas there is layering. But my aim is to try and make it work with one layer, like complex, custom pieces of an intricate puzzle.
Time lapse of Saint Dolly of Sevierville, No. 2 — Dolly Parton
These finished pieces usually take 10 days - to two weeks from research to completion, so it requires a faith in the process. I don’t do an intricate sketch to reproduce in the final… I try and let the piece evolve as naturally as possible and be open to its challenges and surprises along the way.
And when the frenzy of cutting and pasting has ended, this is what’s left…
