Artist's Statement
I have worked in collage for over twenty years.
I think of my work as collage paintings and studies in color. They are created from painted paper and typography. I paint my own paper and rarely use traditional collage elements like found objects, photos and precious papers because I am not interested in the use of specific materials - I am interested in the interplay of color and design.
Abstract art allows an artist to ignore subject matter, so my challenge, as I see it, is to create a structure and strategy that gives my compositions a convincing form that delivers a satisfying experience.
Most of my pieces begin with an underlying geometric pattern of color panes that slowly become more complex. I start with an idea, but as I apply color and other elements, it’s similar to adding notes to a song or words to a story - the piece begins to take a direction of its own. The process becomes increasingly intuitive, but it is never spontaneous. I am a cerebral artist and this is a measured, disciplined and controlled process. I carefully create and shape every element and labor over the decision of where to place it. A composition may appear spontaneous - but it isn’t.
My focus is on color, pattern, repetition, line and typography and how they collaborate to create texture, depth and complex counterpoints that work to balance even asymmetrically appearing work. I use typography for its shape and style and to create areas of interest, as well as to direct the eye around the work and act as a counterpoint to other elements. I use it as though it was another color.
Ultimately each piece of my artwork is a pursuit to create an intimate and intelligent composition combining a variety of elements and invention that invite the eye into an ongoing experience; to explore and linger, and return to discover new details previously missed.
I hope you enjoy in my work. - Graham
For more information and prices: Email me here or at graham@grahamsaleart.com..
About me: Biography
Graham Sale is a prolific artist and writer best known for his humorous illustrations and cartoons appearing in newspapers, magazines, and books; on greeting cards, clothing, and licensed products around the world. He is the creator of Club Crib infant/children’s clothing; Boneless Chuck, the beloved toy/character, as well as the cartoon strips Max Kelly and Mr. Man. Graham is also an author.
Graham began selling his art at age twelve going door-to-door, in his home town of Elmira, NY, drawing pen and ink illustrations of neighbor’s homes. He attended the College of Wooster, in Wooster, Ohio, where he studied sociology and political science. Later, Graham was awarded a scholarship from Parsons School of Design and moved to NYC to study art.
"At Parsons, I focused on commercial art but created an illustration/cartoon portfolio and on weekends sold my work on the streets in Soho. After a lot of hard work I finally received illustration jobs from newspapers, editors and art directors and was in business. I didn't think things could get any better until a friend asked me to create a party invitation and a week later called to say party-goers wanted to purchase my design on a poster or tee shirt. As I filled several dozen orders I had an idea. I worked day and night to create a new portfolio and hit the streets visiting every tee shirt store in the city. The response was amazing. I received hundreds of dozens of orders. The next thing I knew, I formed a company, 90 Degree Angle, and was selling my artwork on t-shirts and licensed products around the world. It was great.”
Why collage?
“I discovered collage while studying the Dada movement in art school. I immediately loved the construction aspect of it; the tactile nature of moving elements around and creating with them. I find it intellectually stimulating and a constant creative process that engages my mind with choices and decisions. I love color and have wanted to paint but I have no patience for the process. I like sculpture but have never had the space. I never intended to work in advertising but I always liked the challenge and inventiveness of designing within a limited space and holding a viewer’s attention. The comparative immediacy of collage and the ability to change a piece without having to begin again appeals to me as well. Over the years collage has met many of my creative needs and so I continue to experiment in it. To learn more about my creative approach please read my Artist’s Statement.” - Graham
