about-digitalcollage

3-D Mixed Media, Digital Collage

Catherine specializes in creating mixed media, 3-D collages using old books, magazines, photographs and the computer as her medium. Beginning with an intriguing central figure (usually a female image), she searches for a new background that provides the foundation for a spiritual message being revealed to her through a process that she describes as watching a dream emerge while she is awake. From there, hundreds of additional images are collected, cut out, and scanned into the computer. The individual pieces are then continuously arranged and rearranged on the computer screen until the meaning of the collage is clear. Once all the final pieces are in place, each is printed on archival paper with pigmented inks (rated to maintain their original color from 120 to 200 years), cut out again, mounted on watercolor paper, and enhanced with ink, acrylic, and glitter. Finally, individual pieces are raised with foam or silicone, and reassembled into the final collage, creating a 3-D effect. From beginning to end, each collage takes an average of one year to complete.

Since the "original" for each collage exists in the computer, Catherine's work is sold in small "unique editions". Although every collage within the edition will have the same overall design, each has unique differences created through the time consuming process of hand cutting, painting and lifting individual images. Thus, each collage within the edition is an original and unique piece of art. Collages can be purchased in two sizes. The larger one has every element cut and raised in 3-D dimension, whereas the smaller version looks the same, but has fewer elements raised in 3-D, and thus costs less. For more information about purchasing 3-d originals, contact Catherine directly.

"Flat" reproducions are also available featuring a detailed view of a central element from the collage, and while not the entire design, they still maintain the overall feeling an meaning of the original.

Welcome to the fine art web site of Catherine Rains, who specializes in creating mixed media, 3-D (sculptural), digital collages using old books, magazines, photographs and the computer as her medium. Her work conveys a universal spiritual message that encourages others to pursue their highest good and fondest dream, which could include riding a harley! Collages are sold as original pieces of art in "unique editions", as well as reproduction prints, and greeting cards.

Unauthorized copying or use of images is prohibited.

803-370-0082