Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

My name is Randel Plowman. I am an artist currently working and living in Madison WI. I have been working in the medium of collage for nearly thirty years. In 2006 I started a blog called, A Collage A Day. Since I started my art blog I have written and curated two books about collage, Masters: Collage and more recently, The Collage Workbook: How To Get Started And Stay Inspired, both published by Lark Crafts.

Tell us a bit about the book?

There are over 50 projects or exercises included in the book, from creating a series of 5 minute
collages to working with image transfers. Most of the projects in the book are to help the reader
get started thinking creatively while using collage.

What was the inspiration behind it?

The idea for the book came after years of creating daily art for my blog. Along the way
I discovered many different techniques and ways of working with collage. Since starting my
blog I have created nearly 2500 collages. That gave me plenty of examples to use in The
Collage Workbook.

Which is your favourite project?

I have many that are included in the book, but one of my favorites is the 5 minute collage.
Those always turn out to be the best ones at the workshops that I give. It is a good way to loosen
up. Some people have a tendency to over think everything. This helps with that.

What is your craft space like?

I am fortunate to have two studio spaces to work in right now. Most of the material that I
collect are kept in small plastic storage bins. I have nearly 100 of them. There is no order
to any of them. I start by digging through a few of the bins before I start working. I also have
a scanner, computer and printer in my studio space.

Have you always been creative?

Yes, for as long as I can remember. I always enjoyed making things as a child.

When did you first start crafting?

I have been doing creative things most of my live, making jewelry, collage, art journals and
printmaking.

Who are your crafty heroes?

I like so many people's work. That is a hard one to answer. Mostly the ones that I have yet to
discover. It is a thrill to discover someone new.

Where do you find inspiration?

I look everywhere, flea markets, museums, the internet, the library, other people's work and in the
plastic bins where I store my found ephemera in.

What's next for you?

Right now I am finishing up graduate school where I will earn an MFA in printmaking.
After that I plan on teaching art at a college level.