Combinatory Play
Collage collection, 2020-2021
FACE / OFF, Bernadette Cay 2020
BRIGHT IDEA, Bernadette Cay 2020
ROOM OF MY OWN, Bernadette Cay 2020
Unfurl, Bernadette Cay 2020
Combinatory play is the process of taking unrelated ideas and putting them together to generate new ones.
A classic example: the scientific ideas that came during Einstein's violin breaks.
In my studio practice, I work across different materials and techniques. Sometimes I like to try new ones to stretch myself in different directions. Cross-training, if you will. One way I do this is through the workshops led by Carole Silverstein.
MATERNA, Bernadette Cay 2021
Quick, playful, light
For inspiration flowing, Carole starts each workshop with a short presentation of the day’s theme as expressed by different artists and cultures across time periods.
Then, Carole leads us through different prompts – journaling, drawing, working in the medium of your choice. In these workshops, I work in collage. Quick, playful, and light.
A chance to reflect
These workshops have been a meaningful source of connection and nourishment throughout the pandemic. I am truly grateful to have participated in this community.
This past year has shown us that issues that impact the collective necessitate an interdisciplinary approach. As an individual, what does interdisciplinary thinking and combinatory play look like for you?
Collage of Collages, Bernadette Cay 2020