In These Times

October 2020 Exhibit

“In These Times” I struggle with finding motivation to work in my studio. Yet I know, for my personal sanity, that I need a creative outlet. Hence this project: Cut up a cover of The New Yorker magazine into one-inch squares and produce a collage from these pieces no larger than 6 x 6 inches. The freedom to experiment within a clear structure has turned out to be a great antidote to despair, and rearranging known images to create something new has become a metaphor for rearranging my old life to meet the challenges of these times. I have now completed over 40 collages and am still excited about producing more. Each collage has challenged me with a puzzle that has no “right” answer, only unlimited possibilities. As an extra bonus, I have become familiar with many talented artists who design for The New Yorker. For more information about my work, please contact me via my email address: kristin.otwell@gmail.com.

Garden Fantasy

Collage

6 x 6 inches

This was my first cover collage done in late March of 2020. The pandemic was suddenly very real and I felt frightened and confused. I chose the cover by Loveis Wise because it was so nurturing and beautiful. I wanted to submerge myself in her garden.

Mardi Gras

Collage

6 x 6 inches

This collage was just pure fun.

Righteous Anger

Collage

6 x 6 inches

A baseball cover became a shout out to the Black Lives Matter movement.

When Things Fall Down

Collage

6 x 6 inches

So much of what we love has come apart.

Aretha!

Collage

6 x 6 inches

It’s nearly impossible to be depressed when you listen to Aretha Franklin.

Water Under the Bridge?

Collage

6 x 6 inches

The original cover, “Nine,” was a comment on the 2015 massacre of nine black churchgoers in Charleston. My hope is that this tragedy will not be forgotten or become just “water under the bridge”.