Sorry for the little lapse, Notpaper is based out of Canada again!

First post of the new year is Daniel Zender, whose collages immediately caught my eye. Abstract collages can be a challenge I find, but Daniel seems to see things this way easily. While most of us look to the subject of a photograph, Daniel sees the background and shapes of the negative space... and he creates some wonderfully fluid collages with them.

Daniel Zender
http://danielzender.com/index.php?/random/artworks/
Springfield, MO

Describe your work in 10 words or less.

My collage work is: surreal, colorful, spontaneous, fun, stimulating, weird, um....

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

I find photographs, and use the blocks of colors in the backgrounds of them for the majority of my work. Sometimes I use construction paper or halftone textures from photocopies, and recently letraset typography for some poster work.

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

Not until very recently did I start dabbling in collages. I was looking for a way to play outside of my conceptual, client based design and illustration work.

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

I also teach a design class at Missouri State University and work at a coffeehouse occasionally.

Do you have any formal art training?

I have my BFA from MSU.

Explain your favourite techniques.

Sketching, then silkscreen, cutting and pasting, inking, and experimenting always.

Describe your favourite piece ever created.

The one that comes to mind first is an image I made of Little Red Riding Hood, which I created first using cut paper, and colored digitally. It takes everyone a second to see the wolf, which is why I love it so much. Also, I have gotten some freelance work out of it, so that is nice too.

What other artists do you admire?

Too many to name, and not enough related to collage to really mention... recently I have been really digging Fortunato Depero.

Thanks Daniel!