Seth Apter ~ The Art of the Collaboration

By Creative Contributor: Seth Apter

Each of the images Seth has shared are from some of the collaborative projects he has participated in.

 

A big part of my artistic life consists of collaborative art projects. In fact, at this very moment I am actively involved with 6 different collaborations. While these commitments do take away from my time to create my own artwork, I have found them to be very satisfying and a big part of my artistic identity. For me, there are so many benefits to being involved in collaborations.

 

First and foremost are the relationships that develop and strengthen as the project unfolds. Creating art can at times be quite an isolating activity. This of course is not a bad thing. Some of my best moments are when I completely lose myself in the creative process and have no idea that time is even passing. However, I am a firm believer in balance and too much art time alone is not a good thing for me. When I am involved in a collaboration, I can reach out to the other participants at any time. We talk about art and we talk about life. And in a funny way, I am never alone if I am working on a collaborative piece because the other artists are there speaking to me at all times through their artistic contribution.

A second benefit of collaboration is education. There is nothing more instructive in my mind then actually seeing artwork in person. The existence of the internet, websites, and blogs has completely changed my life in art. But nothing can replace being able to hold and touch an artwork. When you collaborate you repeatedly have this opportunity. You can see firsthand the materials used, the patina created, the colors chosen, and more. Each piece is like a mini workshop in and of itself.

Inspiration is a big part of collaborative projects as well. It starts from the moment you receive the package in the mail. There is always so much excitement and anticipation I feel when I first open the box. And that inspiration only grows as I explore the artwork itself. This is fuel for my creative fire and my mind immediately begins to create.

A further benefit is the creative stretch that comes from collaborations. Often the work that the other participants have made takes me in a direction that I would not have gone otherwise. In addition, there are times when the particular artwork created by another artist is in a format that you may not be familiar with. For example, when you are a paper artist and you have to work in fabric, your abilities are stretched and as a result, your artistic repertoire is extended.

I wish I could say that every collaboration I have worked on has been smooth. Life has a tendency to get in the way and there are always bumps in the road. As long as there is good communication and mutual respect amongst the participants, there is always a way to work out problems. There has only been one collaborative project I have worked on that ended badly, when my part of the project was never returned. That is an inherent risk but so rare in my experience that it should not deter the process.

So how do you begin? With an idea and a few emails. That is all it takes. What are you waiting for? Get to collaborating!

Seth Apter is a mixed-media artist from New York City, focused primarily on paper arts, book arts, and textural assemblage.  Using layers of paper, paint, ink, text, transfers, found metal, and other altered objects, he creates highly textured and distressed artworks. 

His work has been highlighted on multiple websites and published in national magazines, independent zines, and three books to be released in 2010.  His blog, The Altered Page, is a visual journal of his own artwork, photography, and collaborations, as well as a showcase for artists he admires and his creative experiences in NYC.

Blog:  The Altered Page  

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Comments

[mary helen fernandez stewart]

Seth you poetic guide to seeing the real in our world. Undelating (spelling is gone tonight) waves of revelation as the artist shares the intricacies and vulnerability of a human spirit. I love the first image...at least for right now...I feel as an artist I am experiencing the roughness around the edges striving to be free and honest. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

[Caroline @ Coastcard]

Some great encouragement for all those of us who enjoy stepping out of the poet's garret or artist's studio into the world of another artist (and I use that term in a broad sense), with an eye to colaboration - and occasionally perhaps - to the marketplace beyond.

Smart new frontage here. 'Blogskin' doesn't quite seem to fit, somehow!

P.S. Was desperately trying to read your elusive 'sea'|'see' verses...

[Caroline @ Coastcard]

... sorry, a typo: that should read 'collaboration'

[lyle baxter]

"new directions" to me is the best part. trying something different because one of your group led the way. Interesting article. thanks as always! ps lynne p. said" hi back to ya" lyle

[Marit]

Love how you put into words what collaboration is to you (and to a lot of people) and you know I adore your work Seth! Maybe collaborate one time?

[William Charlebois]

Your work is always stunning. I love the deepness of thought put into your collaborations. I've participated in many chunky book swaps, but your work is on such a different level. Wonderful. And I finally got to see what you look like! :o)

[Debbie Overton]

Seth, thank you once again for sharing with our readers a fantastic article and accompanying artwork. I know you have inspired many to join together and start their own collaborative project.

[Michelle]

Wow.. all of these looks so earthy! Maybe it's because of the colors or recycled materials, but I must say, it works!

[alicia]

thank you so much, seth and debbie, for this fantastic article. i agree wholeheartedly about collaboration. almost always, it ends up being a magical thing. (i want to do a collaboration with YOU one day, seth!) ;)