AWAITING AUDIENCE 18 X24” 2019
I create collages both in the most classic sense of using just two dimensional printed matter and glue, and in recombining these materials, juxtaposing them with a painted foundation for another level of perception to come forth as a mixed media collage.
On my website, I have four series of topics done as collages in the classic way:
Idylls, Poetry, Challenge, and Change, described below. Following them is a detail of my mixed media collage, “Aphrodite: Ready for Love” in process, and completed.
CLASSIC COLLAGE:
IDYLLS SERIES
Allowing myself to dream wildly after waking each day to search for a home.
ELEMENTAL EDEN-A breezy, tropical, ocean-side room, is ready for the evening’s fires..
EQUINOX ALTAR-Preparations are made for a group’s planned celebration of Spring’s arrival.
AWAITING AUDIENCE-A bridge over a moat welcomes a gathering of the weary to safely rest.
POETRY SERIES
Being with myself in my vulnerabilities.
COMPOSURE-The aging self amidst references and remnants of youthful sexuality.
SWEET SLEEP-To be held softly in a lullaby towards a renewing nap, perhaps to be reborn.
WORD GARDEN-To gather one’s thoughts within the peace of a tranquil, sunny garden.
CHALLENGE SERIES
Exercising courage as I free myself from limitations.
WINNING AT CHESS-Growing beyond the strategizing previously perceived as necessary for survival.
MARS COORDINATES-Aware and prepared to communicate within the parameters of a hostile environment.
VIEWPOINT-The confrontational gaze that is the light of truth among the darkness of lies.
CHANGE SERIES
Accepting the gifts that are gained through courage.
PROMISED OFFERING-Rewards of friendships symbolized by fancy sweets and bubbly drinks.
NEXT STEPS-On the threshold, and standing within, a new realm of joyous possibilities.
VACATION RENTAL-The world and its wonders, with so many places to inhabit.
FAVORITE SOURCE BOOKS:
MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE:
APHRODITE: READY FOR LOVE-
Above, the original page from The Horizon Book of Ancient Greece, American Heritage Publishing Co, 1965
Below, detail of “APHRODITE: Ready for Love” mixed media collage, MJCD, 2020
A pure and beautiful moment between the great Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, rising from her bath and assisted by one of her attendants. I restore the broken section of the frieze by painting in the information I feel is missing, to reconnect their gazes and give a glimpse of the higher being that the attendant embodies, all in warm white. The green then represents the flow of love, from above, through the center of the overall work, then pooling evenly below this exchange.
MJ Connors Davison is a lifelong mixed artist based in Portland, OR, originally from the Midwest. She expresses her love of nature and its magical realms primarily through collage, in both works on paper and with fabrics.
Quick Bio: MJCD is an internationally collected mixed media artist specializing in collage.