Assemblage is an art form that involves transforming everyday objects into art through non-traditional techniques. The presentation provided examples of assemblages created by various artists like Joseph Cornell, Michael DeMeng, and Lynne Whipple that incorporated found objects like photographs, dolls, bottles, and maps. Students were encouraged to be inspired by the examples but develop their own visions, and to collect materials with permission for their own assemblage focusing on possible themes of mythology, relationships, self-portraits, or memories.

1. Assemblage
The ultimate in recycling :)

2. Assemblage
Pronounced {a-SAM-blaj}
Assemblage is an artistic process in which a
three-dimensional object has been transformed
into a work of art through the use of both
traditional and non-traditional techniques.
Doesn’t require traditional fine art skills such as
drawing, painting or sculpting but if you have
those skills it can be utilized and add your own
unique touch!

3. Model Examples
In the following slides, you’ll see many
approaches to this art form. You should
not try to copy any one assemblage, but
by all means allow them to inspire your
own vision.
As slides are shown, take note of the
materials used and write down at least
three different kinds of materials you can
identify from each.

4. Materials?
Take notes outlining the kind of objects
you see.
As you write, put stars next to objects you
think you might be able to collect and use
in your own piece…

5. Joseph Cornell
December 24, 1903-
December 29, 1972
One of the first artists
known for the art
form.
Hotel Eden: Joseph Cornell

6. Joseph Cornell
Soap Bubble
Set
List 3 Objects
you see…

7. Joseph Cornell
Mlle Farretti (one of
his many ballerina
boxes)
List 3 Objects you
see…

8. Michael DeMeng
Currently living,
working and teaching
around the US and
the world…
From Missoula
Missouri
Often finds inspiration
in fables and
mythologies
Leviathan: is a sea monster referred to
in the Tanakh and the Bible. In
Demonology, Leviathan is one of the
seven princes of Hell and its gatekeeper
(see Hellmouth). The word leviathan
has become synonymous with any large
sea monster or creature.

9. In Islamic traditions, it is
said that four angels were
sent to gather dust from the
four corners of the world,
but only Israfel succeeded;
it was from this dust that
Adam was
created. According to
legend he waits century
after century prepared to
blow his trumpet to
announce the Last
Judgment. -Michael
DeMeng

10. Lonely Heart Sally
What kind of objects
do you see here??

11. Lonely Heart Tom: Shrine Piece
Shrine: a case, box, or receptacle; especially : one in which sacred
relics (as the bones of a saint) are deposited

12. Saint Michael:
archangel in Jewish,
Christian, and Islamic
tradition. He is viewed
as the field commander
of the Army of God
DeMeng claims this is
one of his favorites…

13. Lynne Whipple
Born and raised in Winter
Park FL
Says: Anything can spark
an idea for a piece. Ideas
come from materials,
photos, music, drawings,
conversations, deadlines,
dreams, found objects,
nature, writing, accidents,
traveling or just playing
around in her studio.

14. Flowers

15. Bird

16. Boy

17. Becki Smith
 At the heart of my activity as an assemblage artist is the appeal of
recycling things to inspire new insights, reflecting the alchemy that
occurs as spirituality and humor are invoked and combined with
different words, choices and perspectives. What I find appealing
about using a mixed media palette are the infinite possibilities for
expression and combination. Based on observation & reflection, I
meticulously compose three dimensional commentaries on human
nature, examining stereotypes, gender roles, quotes and clichés. My
own values and beliefs distill and clarify during the process. Healing
is a theme I return to again and again. Other themes that recur and
overlap throughout my work are values, choices, spirituality,
relationships, politics, the environment, domesticity, sexuality and
humor. My visual language has evolved as marks and objects are
used in many ways: functionally, decoratively and symbolically

18. Bottle Top

19. Life Goes On

20. Half Full or Half
Empty

21. Jennifer Gillooly Cahoon ;)
Your Art Teacher.
She likes Assemblage.
Frozen
“Frozen" The idea behind this piece is
the occasional desire to sometimes
freeze time and hold your children in
one special moment... The
photographs I used in this piece were
taken last spring on a particularly nice
NE day... It was one of those
aforementioned days. ♥ To represent
Ryan and Kayleigh, I used both
photographic representations and
antique dolls to which I applied metallic
paint and a patina, turning them into
"monuments".

22. Frozen: Different Views…

23. Curly.
Based on memories of my
Grandfather. Includes
photocopied pictures of him
and a letter he wrote to my
Grandmother.

24. Circle of Life

25. Original Photograph: Printed on postcard paper, glued in, painted and sealed.

26. Ode to the Little One Lost

28. Details. Printed text (painted)
Small bottles and corks, fiber,
gears, old film slide.

29. Where will you get your ideas?
Possible Themes:
Mythology/Religion
Relationships
Self Portrait
Memory (Good or Bad)
Humor
Choices
Values

30. What will you use for materials?
Cigar boxes and some objects will be provided
to help get you started…
Possible items to collect (WITH PERMISSION)
Old photographs (can be copied)
Souveniers, maps etc from travel
Old dolls
Coins
Fabric
Items no longer in use discarded in junk drawers
Cards, dice, items for games and play…
ENDLESS POSSIBLITIES….