Featured Artist Kristi Abbott

Artist Kristi Abbott creates intricate paper collages built with layers of texture, pattern and color. See more of her exciting and innovative work by visiting her website.

 

Mixed media paper collage of art figures by Kristi Abbott

“I Am Art from the I Am Series” Mixed Media Collage (Paper, Photographs, Metallic Thread, Book Pages, Enamel Charm and Paint) on Birch Panel, 48″ x 48″ x 2″

 

As a young girl, I always loved to play games that had something to do with finding and/or matching patterns, shapes and images. I would spend hours doing jigsaw puzzles, spot-the-difference games, and looking through Where’s Waldo books.

 

Mixed media paper collage of a man by Kristi Abbott


“I Am Imagination from the I Am Series” Mixed Media Collage (Paper, Photographs, Jig-saw Puzzle, Feathers, Brass Key, Gem Stones, Butterflies and Paint) on Birch Panel, 48″ x 48″ x 2″

 

My grandmother was an artist, and from a very young age I loved to spend time with her in her studio. She worked with all different types of materials. She made big beautiful bowls out of crushed and slumped glass, and elaborate costumes for porcelain dolls. And she painted colorful animals and landscapes with her array of acrylic and watercolor paints.

 

Mixed media paper collage of London icons by Kristi Abbott

“I Am Coming from the I Am Series” Mixed Media Collage (Paper, Photographs, Embroidered Lapels, Logos, Twisted Cord and Paint) on Birch Panel, 48″ x 48″ x 2″

 

Some of the earliest gifts I remember were paint-by-number kits. I would follow the keys to create my own masterpiece just like she made.

 

Mixed media paper collage of a female Asian warrior by Kristi Abbott

“Asian Female Warrior II from the 7 World Warrior Series” Mixed Media Collage (Paper, Photographs, Ink Drawing, Gem Stones and Paint) on Birch Panel, 36″ x 36″ x 2″

 

All of these memories and experiences shape my art today.

 

Mixed media paper collage of a North American female warrior by Kristi Abbott

“North American Female Warrior II from the 7 World Warrior Series” Mixed Media Collage (Paper, Photographs, Ink Drawing, Rope and Paint) on Birch Panel, 36″ x 36″ x 2″

 

My studio is filled with multiple tiers of drawers. They are stocked full of papers from all over the globe; some are vintage, and some handmade. Jars of crushed glass line my shelves. Drawers of fabrics, beads and ribbons wait patiently for the right piece of art to require their use.

 

Mixed media paper collage of a male Asian warrior by Kristi Abbott

“Asian Male Warrior from the 7 World Warrior Series” Mixed Media Collage (Paper, Photographs, Ink Drawing, Metallic Foil and Paint) on Birch Panel, 36″ x 36″ x 2″

 

Every creation has a series of phases. I can spend weeks researching my subject. I select tens to hundreds of images that tell the story of the main character.

 

Mixed media paper collage of a New York girl by Kristi Abbott

“New York Badass from the Urban Badass Series” Mixed Media Collage (Paper, Photographs, Postcards, Maps, Chain and Paint) on Birch Panel, 30″ x 40″ x 1.5″

 

After an initial digital mock-up, I explore the colors, textures and integration of the hidden images. Finding just the right papers is a time consuming but exciting part of this stage. Images may appear in flesh tones, clothing, background shapes or any other part of the artwork.

 

Mixed media paper collage of a Minnesota girl by Kristi Abbott

“Minnesota Badass from the Urban Badass Series” Mixed Media Collage (Paper, Photographs, Shoe Laces and Paint) on Birch Panel, 30″ x 40″ x 1.5″

 

After transferring my master image to specially made birch wood panels, the real intricate work begins. Using mainly a tiny finger blade, I precisely cut hundreds if not thousands of pieces of paper. Then I begin the layering process, which creates the sense of depth to each piece. Papers are positioned with perfect precision. Some are as small as a dot in the eye, and everything is hand cut.

 

Paper collage of pop culture personalities by Kristi Abbott

“27 Club from the Pop Icon Series” Mixed Media Collage (Paper, Photographs, Shoe Laces and Paint) on Birch Panel, 18″ x 24″ x 1.5″

 

I love to work in series, as it allows me to explore a theme in detail. My work draws from popular culture, history, geography, fashion and life, and tells one or many stories. There isn’t a day that I don’t wake up with new ideas of collage artworks that I wish to create.

 

Mixed media paper collage of Prince by Kristi Abbott

“Prince I – 80’s Version from the Pop Icon Series” Mixed Media Collage (Paper, Photographs, Logos, Album Covers, Lace and Paint) on Birch Panel, 30″ x 40″ x 2″

 

Now the challenge is simply in finding the time to make them all and finding the best homes for them to be enjoyed!

 

Artist Kristi Abbott invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

 

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YES PLEASE!

Comments

  1. Lloyd Crow says

    Hey Wild Woman,… rip it!

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