Luana Kaufmann's collages begin life as compilations of found images, created with scissors, paper and glue. They are discoveries of believable fantasy and impossibly-grounded dream. Next, they transform into a new generation of "old paper", as they are scanned and meticulously printed to become (sprayed ink) giclees. The incorporation of the print medium creates the ultimate cohesion of once-disparate parts, and the exquisite quality of the archival inks and paper renders the pieces gallery collectibles.

2nd-generation offspring, borne of the collages, are the talismans, one-of-a-kind hangings comprised of collage print fragments and beads.
The smaller ones may be worn, hung, or functionally applied (i.e. fan-pulls). The longer UltraTalismans may inhabit a variety of interior spaces. Whatever the size, they offer healing energy and good fortune.

Other derivative genres that Luana has produced and would like to explore further are cloth hangings, shadow boxes, and a collage-illustrated fable. She is very happy to have completed a meditation card deck and companion journal and intends to have it available for sale by early - mid 2009.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Luana Kaufmann grew up in the Greater Washington area. She attended and graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, having focused on cultural histories, literature, and modern dance. She lived in Manhattan for three years, relocated to Baltimore in 1983 and has resided there ever since. Luana enjoyed compiling multi-media dance-theatre elements for over a decade, and as she felt compelled to leave that medium, was thrilled to discover the possibilities of fusing found imagery. That fascination began in 1992 and continues to thrive. In retrospect, her kinetic-theatrical beginnings have been one of the informing forces in her collage work.

In describing the experience of creating collages, Luana says, "A couple of images gravitate to each other and suddenly state the impending theme. What was unknown and spontaneous metamorphoses into the known and deliberate. Allowing the components to have that initial free rein offers a mystery, a conceptual palette of infinite range, and access to the grand land of the psyche. And then, as pseudo-architect, -jeweller, -social director, -interior designer, -florist, -landscape designer, -milliner, and -chef, I do enjoy a little tyranny with my commands of placement. I guess it's a waltz of chaos and order. Or preferably, a samba."

Luana has exhibited and sold collage giclees and talismans in many festivals and shows in the Baltimore/Washington area, as well as a few beyond. Some of the more notable venues are Artscape, Surtex, Nordstrom, and the American Visionary Art Museum Store and Holiday Market. And always open is www.galeriecollagia.com, Luana's online gallery, where a large selection of giclee prints are available for viewing and purchase.