Shelly has some great pieces, I especially love some of her recent work, like the "Colour Burst" series (below set of images). She's having her first gallery show in July, and she deserves one. Congratulations Shelly!
Name (Real or Screename): Shelly DeVous, heartlandart
URL (Blog, Website): www.flickr.com/photos/heartlandart/
Location (Where are you from?): St. Louis, Missouri (Heartland of America)
Q: Describe your work in 10 words or less.
A: Colourful, abstract, vibrant, universal, fun, engaging.
Q: What do you like to work with (magazines, photographs, vintage)? Be specific!
A: I work with vintage magazines from the 1950's and 60's. The density of color in these magazines is unlike printed pieces we see today. I love incorporating text in my collages.
Q: How long have you been creating collages and what made you start?
A: I've been creating collages for eight years. I've experimented with all sorts of mediums and found that I love collage work the best. I started painting on canvas and evolved into mixed media, incorporating clippings into my paintings. Eventually, I evolved into collage work solely.
Q: Are you solely an artist, or do you work in another profession?
A: I do not have another profession. Years ago I worked in marketing. Today, I do some freelance writing for blogs, but art is my primary devotion. I will have my first gallery show in July, 2008, in St. Louis, MO.
Q: Do you have any formal art training?
A: My education is in art and communications.
Q: Explain your favourite techniques.
A: My technique is primarily cut and paste. I look for bright colors, interesting fonts and patterns. I love reconfiguring paper from its original source and creating something new with it; using pieces out of context. I also like to create collages on found papers or board. I've used cardboard, pizza boxes, bags, note paper. I even use card stock from direct mail (junk mail) I receive. Matte medium is the adhesive I use. Adhesive and vintage magazines are the only "supplies" I purchase. Everything else is found or recycled.
Q: Describe your favourite piece ever created.
A: My favorite piece(s) is my current series, "Color Burst." The total abstract nature of these collages focus on color and pattern. Made entirely of clippings from vintage magazines, this series shows how we can create exciting art from what some consider trash. I love the contemporary feel achieved from vintage sources. It is transformative.
Q: What other artists do you admire?
A: Robert Motherwell, Jen Stark, Corita Kent, Thomas Campbell, Ken Done.
Thanks Shelly!
![](http://www.notpaper.net/images/masters1.JPG")
Thank you so much for the great feature. I appreciate the time you have taken to write about my work. Your effort is greatly appreciated.
No problem Shelly, Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the great profile of Shelly DeVous. Her work is really great!