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Artist Statement
My work is inspired by the world around me. Impressionistic collages of landscapes obviously get their cues from nature. Others pieces, while more abstract, are still influenced by the patterns and color combinations I observe in everyday life. The vibrant shades of pink and purple in a sunset; the glowing red, orange and yellow leaves of an autumnal tree; the majestic green and golden hills of Northern California; or even the pulsating turquoise and violet lights of a rock concert — they all serve as a starting point — inspiration for my imagination.
The collages utilize a wide variety of papers. Most are handmade, rich with plant fibers and interesting textures; some are iridescent — changing colors depending on the viewing angle or lighting; marbleized and metallic ones that sparkle and serve as highlights; and color-bleeding and translucent ones that transform other papers around them. Although the palette may initially seem limited to the colors of the papers themselves, these papers often combine in incredible ways to create something completely unique and unexpected.
While I often have a fairly clear idea of what I’m trying to achieve when I begin a new piece, each collage changes over a number of sessions — sometimes quite drastically. Layers upon layers of paper are added, influencing the ones below, and those yet to come. Some papers are placed quite meticulously, with a specific appearance in mind. Others are placed more spontaneously, in an effort to capture a particular feeling. The final results can come as a surprise — as it's sometimes a challenge to predict just how the colors and fibers will interact with one another when the canvas is awash in wet paper and glue. This process of layering continues until I am completely satisfied with the colors and composition of the piece. Ultimately, it's my I hope that every collage evokes emotions in the observer, and continues to delight and reveal something new — with every subsequent viewing.
Bio
David Popino graduated with a degree in graphic design from the Rochester Institute of Technology, in New York. He worked full-time for over thirty years as an advertising art director in San Francisco, CA, for various auto makers, banks, fast-food restaurants, hotels, software companies and more (to pay the bills). All the while, doing collage in his spare time (for the thrills). He now works out of his studio in Richmond, CA, and is so thankful he’ll never again have to make the logo bigger.
dp@davepopino.com
925-323-4795