I made a collage using ephemera from the World War II era. Painted a canvas with blended blue and black paint, scuffed it up a bit. (Click on pictures to enlarge.)
I have a suitcase full of letters, pictures and all kinds of memorabilia from the family of Arthur Salve, from the 1940's and 50's. I built the piece around an Enlisted Man's Temporary Pass to visit NY City, made out to Arthur.
From that collection I included a letter written by Arthur's mother about the family farm stand, a typed recipe for peach butter, and a family photo (that may be the Salve's).
I added a map of Europe from an old encyclopedia, a NY City postcard, a ticket to a dance for service men, a lingerie ad and a clipping from a 1943 issue of Life Magazine. I didn't shellac the paper--I wanted it to have a rough feel, like a bulletin board. I have a lot of ephemera from this era and couldn't figure out what to do with it. I like the idea of creating vignettes with these bits of history, and am considering doing a series of them.
I'm heading to the Catskills tomorrow... Enjoy your weekend!
Jen
Hello Jen:
ReplyDeleteThis is a an absolutely fascinating and creative way of recording history and, especially so of a particular time. It is also a most imaginative way of displaying wartime memorabilia. We certainly like your idea of extending this into a whole series of collages based on a similar theme.
We were so sad to read in an earlier post that you had decided to give up the Catskills store at the end of the year. From the pictures we have seen we thought it to be so full of interest and containing such attractive items for sale. You have worked so hard to establish it, but we can appreciate the problems associated with running a business at such a great distance from home.
that is a cool idea ..I love that era in history...simpler times, some people would say..maybe in some ways but I don't know..life is never simple.
ReplyDeletegreat idea to do these!
Thank you for your visits to my blog and your understanding words..it does help me.
Hugs
KAT
Love it! It gives a 'snapshot' of that time and place so nicely and really does pique interest more than seeing individual items.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I love the handwriting.
ReplyDeleteJen,
ReplyDeleteI love it! What a clever idea. That time in history is so nostalgic, all the things you added, so perfect! Sorry to hear you are closing your store, but sometimes we just have to make that decision, coming from one who has done just that. You always have the best stuff, if I had been closer, I would have been a steady customer, love your taste! My BF and I have 2 spaces in 2 different malls on a mo to mo basis, hope you can find something to keep your passion for the hunt alive! Will be interested to see what you come up with!
Rebecca
Many things are more convenient than in that era, though it is useful for us to look back with affection like you do.
ReplyDeleteThe collage looks nostalgic and also quite modern.
I hope you had very good time at Catskills.
A lovely collage, and a good example of creating a whole that is more than the sum of its parts. Very nicely done. I hope you come up with an exciting new project instead of the store - you clearly have such an affinity with decoration and design.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea Jen.
ReplyDeleteI love the collage.♥
Enjoy your weekend at Catskills.
I love reading through old ephemera. Interesting to have a collection from one person, offering you a window into their life. Love the collage. M x
ReplyDelete