sara gagan

My animals begin with a basic line drawing on a wood panel. I then search serendipitously through materials such as handmade paper, old art books, junk mail, etc., with an eye for texture, notes of color, or symbolism that might resonate with my concept, and move torn bits around until I have a sense of how the painting might evolve. Once the pieces are assembled and glued in place, the entire board is sealed with clear gesso. Only then does the actual painting begin. As the piece progresses I decide whether, and how much, to leave, alter, enhance, or paint over the sealed collage elements.