James Rapone

Artist Statement

In my work room are boxes and boxes of paper clipped from books or magazines or found items. Each collage begins with a scrap that catches my eye. I scatter other pieces around that complement or disturb it in either tone or contrast or line or color. I move pieces around a lot. Sometimes I just look at possibilities. If I am feeling confident or reckless I glue a few elements together. Occasionally I tear off or lift a piece that is not working, or sand it away, or cover it completely. I never know where I am being led. A composition slowly takes shape and a single element can alter its entire tenor. Results can be surprising. The final collages become what they are and speak for themselves. My only intention is that they speak directly and simply in their own language.