Two Upcycled collage pieces "Information Overload"and "Politicians Talk"

"Information Overload"

(I meant to finish this in time for the contest however the drying time took too long. I cannot find any community rules so I hope it is ok if I just post)

I am fascinated by the beautiful waste generated by the purchase of electronic goods, so I have started to raid my roommates recycling to create collages and assemblages. My friend told me this is referred to as "Upcycling"

The other day I received two of these beautiful foam pieces from my brother; and images appeared in my head immediately.

The first piece I created "Information Overload" was inspired by my fixation with the coronavirus and the strange, dizzying feelings it engenders. I began it by printing out an article on Covid-19, curring it in pieces and placing it in the foam.

Then I pasted some newspaper clippings and fine tissue paper over it. I want a little obfuscation to suggest confusion, but not so much so you cannot see the words.

Then I poured a thick layer of medium on top to give it that resin-like finish I envisioned.

Here are the results of the first piece; it looks better every day as the medium dries and becomes less opaque.

The next piece is called "Politicians Talk"

I began it in a similar fashion; this time cutting up flyers canvassers left in our mailbox.

Next I placed over it a slightly thicker layer of tissue

Then I drew and painted some pictures in the corners.

Then on with the pouring medium.

This piece is unfinished; I will step back from it a while and see how I should proceed.

I a considering using actual resin and other mediums in the future; I am just unsure how environmentally friendly it is and how they will interact with the foam. I will have to figure out a professional way to hang these pieces. A fellow artist says I could get wood pieces from the hardware store so I will give that a try.