Vedauwoo #64 Collage by Chris Wheeler

Collage: Acrylic, Paper on Paper, Wood.

The series Vedauwoo is based on a region located in Cheyanne Wyoming, 30 miles north of our home in Fort Collins, CO. The rocky outcrop of large stacked rock granite formations rocks are the inspiration behind the cut paper shapes. The geometric shapes with rounded edges of the collage mimic the stacked rock formations.

The artwork is done with handmade paper made of cotton, mulberry and straw that is stretched on large 4x8 boards. Medium body acrylics are used to texture the surface. Each shape is then cut freehand giving the piece’s crisp edges as well as organic character. Wheat paste that is shipped from Japan in a powder form, is boiled down with water and then pushed through a horse hair strainer to remove all fine lumps. The glue is then applied with a wide brush to the back of each piece and placed on the artwork making sure that all excess glue and bubbles are removed between each application. This technique is only known by a handful of artisans in the United States and traditionally used to restore antique shoji screens and scrolls. The artwork is then coated with a gel varnish that has a UV as well as moisture barrier.