Discovering the Purposeful Paper Collection: Exploring Painted Papers.
Art: “The Purposeful Paper,” 5 × 7 inch acrylic, watercolour, and collage artwork on 140 lb, 100% cotton paper.
Abstract , Watercolour, Acrylic, Paper Collage by Allison Dawrant
My latest collection, Purposeful Paper, is a series of ten colourful, textured, semi-abstract collages. These works were created primarily from hand-painted papers that capture my love for repurposing and creating intuitively in the moment. Each piece showcases my favourite colours, textures, and mark-making, assembled like patchwork without the stitching (that would be a great future addition, though!). They are a combination of watercolour, acrylic, ink and a variety of papers, all secured to watercolour paper that was once a large work in progress that became an art journal, and now new collection of smaller works.
Creating with Purpose: Art is the “soundtrack” to my life.
Before thinking of myself an artist, my journey with art was grounded in a simple yet powerful concept: everything I make is on purpose. When I first started painting, it was my “creator therapy”—a space to play and explore without rules, much like the uninhibited creativity of youth. It wasn’t about the outcome but about the journey, which sparked joy, along with a sense of relaxation, and freedom.
As my work evolved and I’d started selling my pieces, I started questioning my purpose on a deeper level. Am I still creating for myself? How can I make a difference through my art? What is my artist “why”? My husband often reminded me of the value in creating for the process and sharing beauty with the world. Yet, when doubt crept in, I would need to remind myself: This is for me. This phrase has become an anchor of sorts, a reminder that my art does serve a purpose. Art is a visual reminder to stay present in the moment and appreciate the beauty that holds the power of connection and evoking change. My artist “why” suddenly became very clear. Art is my form of meditation and calm. In a world with so much noise and heaviness, creating is my quiet place.
The Art of Repurposing: Bringing new ideas to earlier works.
Repurposing is a necessity for me. I have always worked in quantity and often up to 6 or more works at a time. Working is quantity keeps me out of my head and I produce more authentic work. It was after painting over one hundred small works on paper that ultimately helped me find one of my styles. My studio continues to be surrounded with loads of beautiful papers that hold history and call out to be incorporated into a final piece. My art changes with the seasons, and this was the perfect project over the summer as I could step into the studio for just 10 or 20 minutes and assemble my composition or add some paint. It was so relaxing and freeing. Each piece evolved intuitively, using layers and exploring new compositions.
The Purposeful Paper collection holds history. Each piece of paper reminds me of how far I have evolved as an artist and where I want to go as a creator. Some pieces make me nostalgic and hold memories of the day I would have created them and how I was feeling. All of them had served some purpose for me whether it was calming colours and repeating patterns, or textures that made me feel something.
Collection Details: Purposeful Papers Brought to Life
Each 5 x 7” artwork in Purposeful Paper is created on thick, 140 lb watercolor paper, lending a grounded quality to each piece. I’ve left the natural, torn edges intact as a nod to the paper’s history.
Giving Back: Art with a Purpose
Supporting causes close to my he”art” is an essential part of my creative journey. I will donate 25% of the proceeds from this collection to the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS), a local organization dedicated to animal welfare.
A little inspiration I’ve enjoyed lately:
· "How to Be More Tree" Illustrated by Annie Davidson.
· “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin”, 2024, film.
