Each of my paintings begins with a layer of collage material fully covering the canvas, panel or page. The materials I use for this layer are typically vintage papers that were once used to educate, organize or keep records for the original owner (think: school workbooks, calendars, ledgers, etc.). I think often about how our everyday lives are built on a foundation of organized rules and expectations - on top of which the lovely chaos of real life sits. It makes sense to me to begin a piece with a nod to 'order', but this layer is typically completely covered by layers and layers of color and expressive marks. In the end you can only glimpse hints of that first layer, but it provides a steady base for me to play on top of.

- Jamie Jorndt