Sylvia Escaping
Years ago I enrolled in a collage class through the Anthenaeum. The instructor told us our work for that semester needed to be text-based. I was really stumped, but then realized I was writing and had lots and lots of text to choose from. Searching through my drafts I pulled out a few of the most dramatic lines from a story I was working on about Sylvia, a 1960s San Francisco heiress. I looked through old postcards, vintage magazines and even found objects that correlated with her story.
Creating these art pieces was so much fun!
Leaving Engagement Party at the St. Francis
The materials became visual stimulants for me and helped deepen the details of my writing. Soon I was prompted to compose a scene where Anne, a present day artist, sees a photo of Sylvia in a vintage Life magazine wearing a coat that looked just like the one Anne had bought in a thrift shop. There was the connection between my two characters! This discovery inspired Anne to make collages as she followed her desire to find out the mystery of what happened to the young heiress.
Lucky Strike
Top of the Mark
Can’t Marry
Does art ever inspire your writing or visa versa?
When I started writing my first novel…many, many years ago…I cut out photos from magazines to help me define my characters and places for my story. I haven’t done that for my current novels, but your blog has inspired me to consider doing it. I think it would be fun! Thanks for sharing your journey ~
Yes, Indy, There’s nothing like collage to help define characters and settings! Hope you find time to use magazines again in your busy life. Good luck with your novel publication!
Jill, I just love finding out all the behind-the-scenes stuff with your book. It makes my reading and enjoyment of the book richer and it sounds like making all these incredible pieces of art inspired you as well.
Thanks, Leslie! I loved reading your memoir too and hearing about what inspired you to write it.
Jill, I loved revisiting these collages, which brought back to mind the scenes in your book. This is such an excellent way to go deeper into the story and the characters–text and visual images. Thanks for another great post, sharing your inspirations and your creations.
Judy, And thank you. We’ll need to take some time to make collages together again someday soon!
So fun Jill. I love your ability to combine all of your creative pursuits! I can see how the collages inspired you to visualize your story.
Thanks, Carol!