Collaboration? or maybe not, another investigation into the process of making.

I have always wondered about what constitutes collaboration, from the traditions of the atelier to the contracting of an other to produce work under one's name.  The question really formulated when i saw an Francesco Clemente show sometime back where he had commissioned/contracted Indian miniaturists to paint the backgrounds on a series of his drawings.   I do not recall any attribution to the painter he had employed.  There is an historical tradition to this.

I decided to investigate this myself.  I am lucky enough to work with an artist group, or rather work for this artist group documenting their work.

Ateam artist group

I have embarked on painting small portraits of each of them on piece of  primed luan 1/4" ply, leaving the surrounding area primed for their 'response'.   I have attempted to compose the image to give them a lot of latitude with the approach they could take.  I pay them a 20.00USD down payment, give them the portrait with the only instructions to finish the painting with no time limit to completion.  They have questioned what I wanted, my only response is that it is up to them.  Upon returning the piece, I pay them 50.00USD.

I gave 3 portraits out today.  Two immediately began work on them, Charles got diverted by a couple other pieces he was finishing up.