Linda Popp

Narrative Found Object Assemblage Artist

"I feel it is important to continue to take risks in order to grow as an artist."

Describe yourself as a maker/artist/creative

I’m a narrative found object assemblage artist living in the Baltimore area. I use artifacts and symbolic objects to convey stories about relationships with family, place, love, faith, nature, self (female), and other themes. Reflection on personal narratives in order to better understand self and others is a very powerful experience that continues to draw me to the studio and my work.

What are you currently working on?

Currently I am working on two pieces that I consider “collage” in preparation for an “Art on Paper” exhibit. I often use the theme or criteria for an up-coming exhibit as a way to challenge myself to try different ideas/materials/techniques. I feel it is important to continue to take risks in order to grow as an artist. I’m also working on a piece in my Relationship with Nature Series inspired by things I’ve been collecting on my morning jog during this change of season.

Has your work shifted in response to the pandemic? How?

As most of us, I have been sheltered at home more during the pandemic which has given me more studio time and really allowed me to think about my work very deeply. I know I have used my artmaking to respond to current events during these times: “We Should Believe In Each Other’s Dreams” and “They Need A Sheltered Nest” are two complex sculptures. I’ve also used my art to escape from the news at times: “JOMO” (the Joy Of Missing Out). With the gym closed, I have switched to jogging for exercise and have developed a keener appreciation for the beauty in nature around me each day. I collect things on these morning jogs and have created a whole series of small relief sculptures housed in mint tins.

In your opinion, what role does the creative process play in helping us confront our “new” reality?

I see that many people have taken this quieter, slower time to connect with their creative self ... baking bread, sewing, drawing, writing, etc. Some are using their creative problem solving to tackle some of the issues of the day ... feeding the hungry, outreach to struggling families, helping an elder neighbor, free concerts for communities, etc. My hope is that as we return to “normal” we all continue to stay in touch with our creativity to improve our lives and the lives of others.

Anything else you'd like to share?

As a retired art teacher, I was asked to make a video about working with “Collections” for Baltimore County Public Schools as the Visual Arts Office was developing distance learning lessons for elementary students using materials they might have at home. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my process to help students tell their personal stories. I have since created several videos and even have my own YouTube page. So, if you’d like to explore creating assemblage art with me, here’s a resource for you. Enjoy!