Sherry Trachtman

Journal Page, 2024

Mixed media collage and assemblage

I've worked in 3D Assemblage, making both wall- hung and free- standing sculptural pieces for over 20 years. Using mixed media offers me endless expressive possibilities, and challenges me to find out-of-the-box ways to communicate. I am often sparked by specific objects, like floppy discs and their cases, or cardboard spools, and by broad ideas such as the role of magic in various cultures, and the changes in a place over time. I work in series to explore my ideas in as many ways as I possibly can. Sometimes I can stick with it for 2 to 3 years. I want to tell stories, so my work is generally narrative, but sometimes I am so intrigued by the geometry and design of the objects I am using, the pieces become visual statements without a deeper meaning.

In 2024, I've begun making art journals. Made of about 80 little collages in book form, journals enable me to continue exploring meaningful themes using the techniques I have developed, while at the same time, challenging me to learn new skills such as bookbinding, and the hand dying of paper and fabric with natural substances such as avocados and rust!