“Inspired by the extraordinary energy, diversity and complexity of nature, my collages transform cotton fabrics into colorful playful artworks. Creating them is like surveying and mapping unexplored worlds.”
— Bob Payton
About the Collages
My abstract fabric collages are a great way to enliven homes, work spaces and even children’s rooms. Creating them is an intuitive and playful process, like improvising music. There is always the opportunity for new and unexpected surprises which adds to the final design!
Using non-descriptive titles, viewers of all ages can explore their own interpretations of each work. They often elicit imaginative responses and conversation!
Design
Making a collage starts with a cloth base pinned to an easel. I cut and affix fabric pieces to the base using fusible web, building up layers of shapes, lines and colors while keeping an eye on balance and motion. At a certain point, I choose a border to frame and accent the interior.
After the design is complete, I arrange a back layer of fabric, lay a middle layer of cotton batting over this, and place the final design layer on top. All three layers are sewn together, then the border strips attached and corners mitered. Finally, everything is strategically stitched (quilted) to create depth and a finished artwork.
Hanging and Care
Each collage has a sleeve sewn on the back, enclosing a wooden stick with a screw eye on each end for hanging. Use monofilament fishing line, twine, picture hooks or tiny nails. For public spaces, they have been framed by professional framers.
For cleaning lightly vacuum or shake. Gently hand wash in cold water. Air dry. Wrinkles can be spritzed with cold water. Avoid rolling up to ship or store but keep flat. Avoid hanging in direct sunlight as colors will fade, but this is also a normal weathering process which adds character.
About Bob Payton
I'm a visual artist and musician based in West St. Paul, Minnesota who creates joyful and vibrant Fabric Collages inspired by music and the awesomeness and cosmic energy of nature!
In 2023 I started the the Tiny Wildlife Observation Project to invite people to participate in citizen science, to observe beneficial pollinator insects and other small creatures, and upload their observations to iNaturalist.
I'm also a folk musician who plays the Celtic harp, and a retired therapeutic recreation specialist who worked with older adults. Past music recordings include sixteen Talking About Aging Songs with questions for self-reflection and discussion.