Just what is assemblage art?

I was not sure what to call my art when I first started out. I began calling my work collages or mixed media, but upon doing research my art did not really fit those categories. I was lucky enough to stumble upon the Wikipedia page that describes assemblage art.

Assemblage is an artistic process in which a three-dimensional artistic composition is made from putting together found objects. William C Seitz, an art curator, described assemblages as being made up of "preformed natural or manufactured materials, objects, or fragments not intended as art materials."

This is exactly what I do - I use natural and found objects, along with some manufactured materials not intended as art materials to create unique pieces that are compositions. I am so glad to really have a word now to describe it exactly. For more info. from Wikipedia on assemblage art go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assemblage_art

Item #2008-0040

This is a clock that I made for myself with an original acrylic painting by me.

Item #2008-0039

Another 20 year plaque for Karin's 20th year sober. The three colors of Tiger Eye represent strength. This one is for home, the other one (2008-0001) went to work with her.

Item #2008-0034

This is a plaque I made with a Buddha hand carved in Lamphoon Thailand. It was a gift to my friends Gina and Sue who went to Thailand forseveral months this past year. It is great to share my art with loved ones.

Item #2008-0038

Assemblage art nativity created as a gift for a friend. Made of ceramic and river rock.

Item #2008-0037

Buddha that I made and love so much I don't want to sell it! It is made with handpainted wood beads from Asia, a cutting board and soapstone "dish" (I don't know what else to call it!)

Item #2008-0036

Plaque I made with a resin Buddha, river rocks, beads and a woven basket "plate." This is for sale on my etsy storefront, but has not sold yet http://studio38.etsy.com/

Item #2008-0033

Assemblage art/mixed media that I created with one of my photographs and items of significance to myself so that I could showcase them.

Item #2008-0032

This was the first time that anyone commissioned me to make a piece for them. It was an awesome experience because I got to know the person, see their house to determine their style and what they liked and then created away. My very first income from my art! It is made with a pewter-like soap dish with a hummingbird and flowers, beads and glass.