Michael Toti

Artist Statement

Color, texture, pattern and illusion of depth and humor all play a part in my work.
That seems to be the only constant as my work continues to explore different collage and multi media techniques.
Cut paper is still the main element that I use for imagery but it is often combined with image transfer and paint or pastels.

One of the things I like about collage is the process of combining images and developing a new interpretation of the original form.
For me, the process is about searching, looking at image after image and trying to find the connections between one image and the other.
Sometimes there is an epiphany but most times it simply involves time and work to find the right parts to fulfill the vision in my head, sometime there is no vision and I am just letting the images lead the way.

I am always striving for some interaction between the elements in the composition, whether it is an imaginary dialog or story or a play off of the forms.
I always hope that the viewer is part of the mix and sees somethingin the story beyond my original intent.