Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Fragments of Self

For a cross section of the human brain, one might turn to a neurology textbook. Any cardiologist, likewise, could diagram the major valves and vessels of the heart in a few hasty sketches. For a picture of the way most of us actually think and feel, however, the closest we can come to capturing the strobe-like flashes of imagination and connection that play against the walls of our minds is to create a collage. It’s no wonder, then, that when someone as artistically inclined as Kathryn of Kitschy Hippo sets her mind to collage, the result is a work of art that sends splinters of memories and dreams through our consciousness, fusing the subliminal, as in On the Fence, with the sublime, as in Lightbulb Moment For a Bird or Cherry Tree. Considering the infinite variety of experiences we bring to the table, it’s a bit of mystery how such compositions can so consistently provoke contemplation among us, but they do, and the thoughts that emerge are often surprising.

Another obvious advantage of collage as an art form is that it writes its own rules. A piece like Sitting Pretty may represent exactly what the artist intends, but then again, it might inspire a flashback to something else: old schoolrooms, the ascetic environs of a factory, your mother’s years behind a secretary’s desk, perhaps. Three Little Birds might conjure the colorful reggae essence of the song that apparently inspired it, but on the other hand, it might just as well evoke the flora and fauna of a mythical world. To the question of meaning there is no wrong answer in collage, only a limitless number of honest answers. And if we are honest enough to admit that we find this art form just a bit irresistible, the following will be especially delightful news: Today's winner will receive the print Wishing For Paris to add to their collection. To qualify, visit Kitschy Hippo, then come back here to tell us about your favorite print. Tell us in a second post if you happen to subscribe to Wishing Willow, since our subscribers receive an extra entry in the contest. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 12/17/08.

**We have a winner! Marigold said, "As someone who's done the long distance relationship thing, I really love the "What If" print. It's gorgeous."**

167 comments:

Shelley K. said...

Winter Walk original ACEO is my favorite. I just LOVE this sort of art. Thanks for the referral.

tskrush (at) cox (dot) net

Shelley K. said...

I am a subscriber :)

Unknown said...

I love the Picture Perfect original ACEO! I'm a photographer at heart - or at least I like to think I am - and I love old cameras!

Unknown said...

I'm a subscriber too! =)

Jennifer said...

I adore the print, "Unsure" 8x10.

knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Jennifer said...

I am a subscriber.

knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

cathyhall said...

I loved the Cherry Tree prit, though they were all beautiful.

cathyhall said...

I am an email subscriber, thank you.

paryjeja said...

I like the Three Little Birds 8x10 print, very neat.

Christina said...

Christina - xristya@rock.com - I really love Three Little Birds and I'm sure my niece Sarah, who played in her high school band for years, would just LOVE Playing In The Band! Lightbulb Moment For A Bird is wonderful, too, very thought-provoking and visually stimulating!

Christina said...

Christina - xristya@rock.com - I'm also a proud subscriber to Wishing Willow, which has absolutely delightful giveaways daily and brings beauty into our lives!

Trish said...

You always find such cool stuff! I love this shop. My favorite is the "Sugar Rush" ACEO. Awesome!

Btw, I am a subscriber!

Qwill said...

I like the soda love

Maja said...

sugar rush

Maja said...

subscriber

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

fetch or hot dog mrs.mommyyatgmaildotcom

Keyo said...

i love the Kent Affair and Unsure prints. how fabulous!count me in. thanks

Keyo said...

i am a subscriber too!

Carolyn Sharkas said...

I love Soda Love2 and the Kent Affair. I love vintage art and these are fantastic.

thanks for sharing

ceashark at aol dot com

Carolyn Sharkas said...

I am a subscriber.

thanks again

ceashark at aol dot com

Unknown said...

As someone who's done the long distance relationship thing, I really love the "What If" print. It's gorgeous.

boldnessbe(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I subscribe.

boldnessbe(at)gmail(dot)com

judybrittle said...

I really like Reindeer Games. Very pretty! Thank you!

anr013 said...

I love the Wishing for Paris 8x10

37 Questions said...

I just love "Three Little Birds".

37 Questions said...

Am Ia subscriber? Why of course!

Digital Misfit said...

Gorgeous and unique art!
My favorite is the Three Little Birds - the colors are so vibrant and interesting.

heidig@gmail.com

Jeanne said...

I love "Queen for a Day" - it would be perfect for my daughter!

Joseph said...

My favorite Kitshy Hippo print is the What If 8x10 for $20.00

janeh said...

I love "Pondering"........

malleycc said...

I love the Cherry Tree 8x10. So cute.

MaggieM said...

My favorites are "I Wish.." (8 x 10) and "Wishing for Paris". I, too, do collage art but I was really impressed with 'Fragments of Self', such a cool name:)

maggie@mannwieler.com

MaggieM said...

I subscribe by email :)

maggie@mannwieler.com

Dani' said...

ha ha that is funny. I went to the link before I read what prize was being given away and like Wishing for Paris! All right here is another that is cute "Three Little Birds".

Annie1 said...

I love the Three Little Birds 5x7 print!

beautiful

Thanks

nancyrobster@gmail.com

Annie1 said...

I'm a subscriber!

Thanks

nancyrobster@gmail.com

mverno said...

the Cherry Tree prit is definitely my favorate

Anonymous said...

The Sugar Rush is hilarious! Love it.

Anonymous said...

Also, I subscribe! Thanks.

Simply Stacie said...

“Wishing for Paris” is my favourite.

stacie_vaughan@hotmail.com

Simply Stacie said...

I'm a subscriber.

stacie_vaughan@hotmail.com

Jenna said...

I really like the Sitting pretty 5x7 print. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I love the Winter Walk original ACEO.

Anonymous said...

There are so many cool prints to pick from, but my favorite is the Homesick 8x10 print.


greenyak [at] yahoo [dot] com

Anonymous said...

"Winter Walk" caught my eye immediately--reminds me of my childhood!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17648576

Thanks for the opportunity to win!
:)Kat

kjams1213@yahoo.com

Stephen Saunders said...

i like winter walk too!

Amber said...

Cherry Tree is my favorite - but I would love to win Wishing for Paris as well!

Thank you so much for the giveaway and please enter me!

hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Ciras Photography said...

This is cool- as a photographer, I think picture perfect is my fav.

Ciras Photography said...

I'm a subscriber!

Anonymous said...

Fetch
Jaleigh78[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Love the Kent Affair and 3 little Birds.

Anonymous said...

I subscribe!!

Jenn S. said...

I really like the Reindeer games original ACEO.

Anonymous said...

“On the Fence” is great!

Shooting Stars Mag said...

Winter Walk is just very sweet. I love it.

And please enter me, Wishing for Paris is great and my sister would love it b/c she's been there before!!!

-Lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

Shooting Stars Mag said...

I have now subscribed!!

-Lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

mogrill said...

I Really like ON THE FENCE!!

toughturtles said...

Happy Holidays set of 6 cards and envelopes

Anonymous said...

I really love the Kent Affair print...Sexy and Mysterious!!!:)

cyclona66@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I am a subscriber:)

cyclona66@aol.com

jenny said...

thay are all realy neet but the one i like a lot over there is children playing (childen painting oil with butterfly) i think its realy sweet and well it would look so nice in a kids bed room or play room .

valerie2350 said...

3 little birds!

valerie2350 said...

email subscriber

cltgrace said...

I really like the Homesick print as well as the Winter Walk. Lovely

cltgrace said...

I'm a subscriber

GiltTrip said...

I love Fetch ACEO. The art does bring back memories.

Leah said...

I love, love, love "Playing in the Band" 5x7 print. Perfect for my music playing sweetie! : )))

Thanks so much for this fabulous give~away! : )))

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Leah said...

You'll love that I'm a subscriber.

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

My favorite is the Reindeer games original ACEO.

ky2here said...

I like the Beach Ball 8X10'

Anonymous said...

I just love the On The Fence 5x7.

applez_55@yahoo.com

Sarah said...

My favorite is the Three Little Birds print.

Sarah said...

I'm a subscriber.

Anonymous said...

I love the "I wish" print!

writer.in.seattle at gmail dot com

Shari & Andrew said...

Beautiful work! I like "What if"

Shari & Andrew said...

I subscribe to your feed via Google reader

Kari said...

I love all of these, wow. The cherry tree, Unsure, and Three Little birds really stood out to me.

Kari said...

Im also a subscriber!!

RE said...

Cherry Tree would be great. What cool prints! Thanks for the giveaway!

bison61 said...

I like the Three Little Birds 8x10

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Lindsey said...

I think Lightbulb Moment for a Bird is my favorite - I am REALLY loving these prints! There's just something about them... and especially the old-fashioned look. Thanks for the giveaway!

ladyufshalott at yahoo.com

Lindsey said...

I'm a subscriber!

ladyufshalott at yahoo.com

The Giveaway Diva said...

i love the Three Little Birds print!!

nicolemarielum @gmail.com

Anonymous said...

i love the winter walk! i just love the snow!!!!

glittergurl04 At hotmail.com

Smooshy said...

i like the cherry tree!

Unknown said...

I absolutely adore the Three Little Birds 8x10! The 3 little bird remind me of my girls and me.

imanoptimisticbeauty(at)yahoo(dot)ca

Unknown said...

I subscribe!

imanoptimisticbeauty(at)yahoo(dot)ca

Sheila Hickmon said...

I like the Sugar Rush!

Unknown said...

Children Painting Oil Original ACEO is my favorite.

Jenn S. said...

I like the "Unsure" 8x10 print

janeh said...

Pondering is my favorite......

Twincere said...

I love the "Unsure" print!

twincere[at]hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I really like the Cat Scratch original ACEO.

Melissa Butler said...

Children Painting ~ is my fav

Brn2lisn said...

I really like the Three Little Birds 8x10

brn2lisn(at)gmail(dot)com

Mommy 2 Monkeys said...

On the Fence is my favorite.

Stephen Saunders said...

Unsure is neat.

Jen said...

The Three Little Birds 8X10 is my favorite.

footejennifer(at)hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love the Winter Walk original ACEO.

Anonymous said...

I subscribe with reader.

rosannepm said...

What If 8x10 is one of my favorites
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

I'm a subscriber
rosans4@comcast.net

Anonymous said...

My favorite is Soda Love 2 5x7.
-Terra
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I love the Winter Walk original ACEO. I so want to win this.

elenalecue said...

my favorite print is Body question - amazing!

elenalecue said...

i'm a subscriber via therethere at mail dot ru

idahomom said...

I really like the Unsure print. Thanks for the chance.

redron said...

Three Little Birds

Disneymum (Kristi) said...

Queen for a day is my favorite, my MIL would LOVE the Paris print should I be lucky to win she'll be getting it.

DePro said...

Nice prize. Count me in!

Anonymous said...

My fav is Three Little Birds". Thanks for the chance to win.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

Amber said...

I love the Picture Perfect ACEO as well!!

Please enter me and thanks for the amazing giveaway :)

hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I'm a subscriber.

susan wiener, swiener1[at]tampabay.rr.com

mogrill said...

Three little birds is great!!

Anonymous said...

I like "Wishing For New York" and "Three Little Birds".

galeogirl(at)comcast(dot)net

Sunnyvale said...

These are so charming.

Anonymous said...

Hillary - xxhillaryxx@hotmail.com

Well, if I had to choose one favorite it would be the Three Little Birds. So hard to choose though because they're all so wonderful, I'd love to own them all!

Xenia said...

My favorite is What If 8x10 because I feel like the longer I look at it the more I see something I hadn't seen before.

Thanks!
xpbloch(at)juno(dot)com

Xenia said...

I'm a subscriber!

xpbloch(at)juno(dot)com

danosor said...

I am a subscriber.

mverno said...

i think christmas is great for the little ones

Starla said...

I love "Three Little Birds". Also, "Wishing for Paris" would look great in my new houses living room!

jffryclough said...

going with 'fetch'

butrcup74 said...

On The Fence is my favorite. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

collage.

Anonymous said...

I like the Three Little Birds prints-lovely colors!

Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca

karmajnke said...

The Sugar Rush original is reaaly cute. I like the pops of color.

Kattzzz said...

"I wish" is a beauty.

AICORP said...

My choice would be Lightbulb Moment for a bird.

Melissa said...

Cherry Tree is awesome. It looks like my daughters.

Unknown said...

I like the on my mind this christmas.

snowmermaid said...

Lightbulb Moment For a Bird 8x8 is my favorite.

gdneumann said...

I love the Picture Perfect original ACEO! "Fragment of Self" is the best yet

HilLesha O'Nan said...

Very nice!

lilacbutterfly [at] earthlink.net

Lavendot said...

Pondering or Jetsetter.

Lavendot at gmail dot com

Lavendot said...

I'm a subscriber via google reader.

lavendot at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I like HOT DOG
Butchbarbee66[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

My favorite is Reindeer Games.

toughturtles said...

Soda Love

Roseann K. said...

I like Playing in the Band! Thanks!

Roseann K. said...

Winter Walk is beautiful!

jffryclough said...

three little birds, thanks.

okaat said...

Wishing for Paris is my favorite so please enter me in this drawing for the print. I was at the dentist office yesterday and saw a paris themed print on wall and wished i had something to remind me of my wonderful trip to Paris as a 21 year.

okaat said...

My favorite is wishing for paris, even though i visited the site and saw many i liked. I did like the winter walk too. I am dreaming of Paris..... so i would love to hang this print in my office.

tony said...

great looking picture

Anonymous said...

The Cherry Tree print is lovely, and I like the 3 Birds print very much as well.

kujoko at att dot net

masonsgranny59 said...

I heart the Three Little Birds 8x10 print:)

klp1965 said...

i love the Reindeer games original ACEO

checkers said...

s a hard choice for me, but after looking over all the prints I came up with the Happy Holidays set of 6 cards and envelopes. I like they come with red envelopes too and the vintage cards are swell. Thank you! skyxsky27(at)gmail.com

Tammy said...

I love Cherry tree it reminds when I was 8

checkers said...

The Winter Walk one, ...
skyxsky27(at)gmail.com

Carla said...

Cheery Tree and Winter Walk are beautiful.

dominican757 at gmail dot com

Carla said...

Playing in the Band is nice also

Anonymous said...

soda love
Butchbarbee66[at]aol[dot]com

ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

I am a subscriber

ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

Three Little Birds & On The Fence are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I like I Wish.

ladycat713@yahoo.com

DEBIJOT said...

Love the Reindeer games. Thank you.

cathirushing said...

neat sight

/\Heather/\ said...

I like Unsure. At least, I think I do. hee hee.

Anonymous said...

I like I Wish. Cause there are so many things I wish for.

ladycat713@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I like Winter Walk.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I am a subscriber.
donna444444@yahoo.com

chazvgo said...

I like the Children Painting Oil Original ACEO :)

lilyk said...

I love the Three Little Birds print!

lilyk said...

I subscribed to your blog.

Carol (Rene') said...

I Adore the "Child like Wonder" & amazing mixture of vintage images
in "The Cherry Tree" The whimsical playfulness in "I Wish" is another
favorite print. I could look for hours at Kitschy Hippo's Shop! What a wonderful Giveaway!