1. sculptor, collector, filmmaker
Joseph Cornell
sculptor, collector, filmmaker

2. Biography
Born 1903 in Nyack, New York to mother, father, two sisters and brother
Father died of Leukemia when Cornell was only thirteen
Cornell was known to be extremely shy and insecure, and seemed to be overly fearful of many things. He once confided in his sister Elizabeth how frightened he was at the concept of infinity. Considered a recluse, preferred to spend his time alone or with his family.
Moved to Queens, NY in 1929, with his family and lived there for the rest of his life
Educated himself by reading books and looking at other art, no formal art education
Began creating collages, moved to create shadow boxes, which he would become famous for
Worked along many of Surrealist artists, Colorfield painters, filmmakers and performance artists in NYC
His legacy continues today: credited for inspiring art movements like Pop Art, and the concept of Installation Art

3. Inspired by Marcel Duchamp's "readymades," Cornell elevated the found object to the center of his artistic focus and introduced this new idea of artist as collector and archivist.

4. Often purchased on Cornell's frequent visits to New York secondhand shops or cut out from magazines, these objects comprise the primary materials of his art

6. “Shadow boxes become poetic theater or settings wherein are metamorphosed the elements of a childhood pastime”- Joseph Cornell

7. References:

8. Your own shadow box
You will use your poems to inspire a Shadow Box, a “poetic theatre” to capture what it feels like to be a refugee
Materials: Collage, found objects, oil pastels and Encaustics
Today: Fold boxes and brainstorm objects/materials to bring in for collage
Feb 23: Collage collected materials onto/into box
Feb 24: Add Encaustics to finish the box and add found objects.

9. What kinds of things can go in a collage?
Photos
Maps
Text- poems, old book pages, letters (typed, written or found)
Drawings
Found Objects
Evidence, Susan McCarrel

10. When collecting, revert back to your poem and think:
What will capture the feeling of your poem?
Who is this person? Their interests, curiosities, beliefs?
What did they bring with them?
What do they miss?
What do they want to remember?
How can objects and images together convey a poetic message?