Found at an estate sale, this striking vintage 18" x 22" mixed media collage by California artist Christine Tarpey's (1952-) is entitled "Sun Kite". Information about the artist and the collage are on the back. It's described as "57/200 unframed mixed media limited edition, signed and numbered. Silver foil on rose, burgundy, and taupe with marbled paper." The original price was $115. I find this collage particularly arresting in the evening when light catches the silver diamond.

As is unfortunately all too often the case at estate sales, I wasn't able to learn anything about the age or history of this marvelous collage, which I'd guess to be around 40 years old. A framed copy, No. 79/200, is in the Turner print collection of the Janet Turner Print Museum of the California State University at Chico, where it's described as "Chincolle / embossed". Some of Christine Tarpey's other mixed media collages are available online through the Robyn Buntin gallery of Honolulu.

This collage was never framed but evidently was not always stored properly because the paper has unfortunately become a little rumpled. This is most evident in the photo of the back. Since taking the photos I've put a sheet of archival drawing paper behind it to give it a little support. This collage has been stored in a Mylar envelope but the envelope was evidently opened at some point and the collage removed and replaced because the paper has acquired some minor damage. This includes a 1" tear high on the left edge and some shallow creases and indentations near the right edge (see photos). The photos were taken without removing the collage from the Mylar envelope to avoid further damage so there are some reflections.

To me these flaws detract less from this collage than one might think because I find my eye is drawn to the silver diamond. In fact some might say that they give it character. It's not entirely surprising, it seems to me, that a Sun Kite might be a little battered by the elements.

This signed limited edition collage will be shipped flat to prevent damage to the silver foil.

If you're dissatisfied with this signed collage in any way, you can return it in the same condition in which you received it within 30 days for a full refund.  Washington state residents pay 9.6% state and local sales tax.  Choice of shipping by USPS Parcel Select or Priority Mail with no extra handling charge in either case.