Objects Lost and Found by Robert

Just about one hundred years ago, Picasso began to incorporate unexpected new materials into his drawings, pasting them directly onto the paper.  Columns of type and newspaper headlines became abstract elements in his compositions. Capital letters in headlines were used for their shapes rather than for their original meaning.  The technique became known as Collage, from the French word “coller,” to paste.

Picasso also added areas of wallpaper, veneers, and other materials for texture and color.  Later, in his very original sculptures, pieces of wood, metals, even a toy car which could stand in for an animal’s head. Such preexisting elements came to be known as Found Objects.

Since then, it has become accepted practice to incorporate found materials into art works. Pieces of driftwood have been used in sculpture for their curved forms; fabric pieces for their colors and textures, various papers, plastics and many more. 

I find it exciting to use a wide range of found objects in my own works (sculptures and collages).  Recently discovering some old corrugated cardboard, I used it for its interesting grooves and textures.  Tiny wooden balls, ropes, seashells and parts of old clamps have found their way into some of my three-dimensional works.

This freedom to include found objects is so general that it has been used in school art classes from early grades to adult levels.  Hobbyists also choose materials from a wide variety of sources. 

Hooray for found objects!