Collage portraits are always so interesting, it's fun to see how people approach them (and usually seem very complicated to me). These collage drawings by B.A. Lampman are a great combination--I love the ghostly white outlines on patterned paper. They remind me in atmosphere of Teri Donovan's collage paintings, which makes me like them even more.

B.A. Lampman
www.balampman.blogspot.com, also www.inflatableeye.com
Victoria, BC, Canada

Describe your work in 10 words or less.

Tells a story, though no-one's sure what it's about.

What do you like to work with (magazines, photographs, vintage)? Be specific!

I like to work primarily with magazines and illustrated books from the 50's, 60's, and 70's. I use whatever appeals to me--it could be people, or background stuff, or patterns.

How long have you been creating collages and what made you start?

In art school I was painting more than anything else, and during my last year there I was painting on un-stretched (loose) canvas that had pieces of canvas "collaged" on top (I would collage first and then paint on top of all the layers). I have no memory of what prompted me to start doing that. At the same time I started doing collage in my sketchbook--again, I have no memory of what prompted it (this would be about 20 years ago). I do think that what cemented my relationship with collage a couple of years later was having limited space and a toddler to deal with--I could find a little space at the kitchen table to cut & paste, but painting large canvases was something else entirely.

Are you solely an artist, or do you work in another profession?

I have worked for many years at an art supply store. For the last few years I have been their "educational salesperson", selling art supplies to teachers and schools. I am also the mail order person, plus I answer all email queries to do with art supplies, et cetera.

Do you have any formal art training?

I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts (with Distinction) from Concordia University in Montreal.

Explain your favourite techniques.

I have amassed quite a number of the above-mentioned magazines and illustrated books, and my favourite part of the process is leafing through them to find something that piques my interest (I don't normally start with any particular idea in mind, unless I am doing a CD cover or something like that). As I go along I'll find things that I think will look good together, or better yet that make me laugh when they're put together. I always say I'm going to try and work more quickly and loosely, but I rarely do. I usually end up spending a long time carefully constructing a scene that seems to have a strong narrative, whether I intend it to or not. Having said that, my last batch were all faces--I started combining collage and painting, and I think I've opened a can of worms that is far from exhausted (if you can exhaust a can of worms. I bet you can).

Describe your favourite piece ever created.

I honestly don't have one favourite. I have opinions on which pieces are better and which are weaker, but no absolute favourites.

What other artists do you admire?

I'm sure there are many, but the three that are springing to mind right now are Peter Doig, Shary Boyle, and Wayne White.

Thanks B.A.!