ABRACADABRA! The Magic in You!

“I am a great admirer of mystery and magic. Look at this life. All mystery and magic.” - Houdini

Do you believe in magic? Are you intrigued as I am by stage magicians? Even if I know the secret to the trick, I still relish the performance. Mystery and magic. I can’t get enough of it.

For my next Artistcellar Design Team project I wanted to experiment with a supply I haven’t used in a long time. I have always enjoyed adding embossing powders to my art. There is something about the magical transformation from powder to a liquid metal effect that I find sublime. I recently purchased a set of Seth Apter’s Baked Texture Embossing powders. With delicious names like Chunky Rust, and Vintage Beeswax I couldn’t wait to create with them.

My other recent obsession is image transfers. I have been attaching images to an array of papers. Although they widely vary, it's interesting to see the final results. When they work, it’s like holding a bit of magic in your hand. Most of my transfers have been produced from photocopies of engravings. The line work holds well to the substrate. I wanted to try a halftone photo. I decided to try my luck with a photo of a woman in a top hat I saw in a book. Because I wanted a transparent finish I transferred the photo to a tea bag. After a bit of soaking and rubbing, I was pleased with the results.Her magnificent tuxedo and top hat sparked my curiosity. I could imagine her backstage, ready to share an evening of illusion and misdirection to an enraptured audience.

Using an old library book cover for the substrate I began the collage. I glued a piece of joss paper to the cover and layered the image transfer on top. While it was drying, I covered a selection of papers with embossing ink using my Open Work stencil from the Blocks series. I especially liked the colour and texture I got from the Ancient Amber powder on the tea bag.

I also tried the powders on a piece of parchment paper. As the powder set, they lifted from the paper and I glued them to the design as free standing jewels. I liked the old carnival poster effect of the piece. I completed the work with tissue paper from my last project, a bit of French newspaper I covered with Vintage Beeswax powder, and papers infused with real beeswax.

Every time I create I dive into all that is magical and mysterious. The magic has been the discovery of a new way to use a supply. The mystery often times is just the process of creation. My hope is that you follow your inspired heart. It can guide you to places and people who will forever enchant your life.

 MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR STENCILS: HALFTONE DOTS, BLOCK SERIES (Open Work)
• HANDCUT DIAMOND STENCIL
• PLAID ACRYLICS: Sunflower, Inca Gold
• DECOART: Sunny Day, Blue Harbor, Sea Glass, Desert Turquoise
• DYLUSIONS PAINT: Vibrant Turquoise, Cut Grass, Fresh Lime, London Blue, Crushed Grape, Squeezed Orange, Bubblegum Pink, Postbox Red
• DINA WAKLEY ACRYLICS: Blushing
• REEVES: Bronze, Gold
• SETH APTER - EMERALD CREEK EMBOSSING POWDER (Ancient Amber, Chunky Rust, Vintage Beeswax, Patina Oxide)
• STAMPENDOUS CLEAR EMBOSSING INK
• LIQUITEX MATTE MEDIUM
• NATURAL SPONGE
• PAINTER’S TAPE
• HEAT GUN
• TISSUE PAPER
• JOSS PAPER
• WAX INFUSED PAPER
• VINTAGE FRENCH NEWSPAPER
• LASER PHOTOCOPY  
• HARDBACK BOOK COVER

The Reunion of Broken Parts

“Aspire, Advance, Achieve” - Society of Women Engineers

Math. Just hearing the word still sends shivers down my spine, even with years as a cushion between my high schools classes and the present day. But the least scary for me of this abstract science of numbers, quantity, and space was Algebra. As a person who struggled dismally with geometry, for some bizarre reason, the algebraic symbols made sense. Although I won’t say I was enamoured by my Algebra classes, at least I didn’t thoroughly dread them. There was something satisfying in solving the simple equations of elementary algebra.

Recently I decided to review my collection of instructional DVDs. Like going back to school for a refresher course, I began with Seth Apter’s “Easy Mixed Media Techniques for the Art Journal”. There are so many DVDs on the market, but in my opinion, Seth’s instruction is truly one of the best. His relaxed step-by-step style and proclivity for using “low tech” materials make his projects fun and a great learning experience. By encouraging you to “make it your own” surprising and unique results are always a possibility. So with supplies at the ready my project began.

Inspired by Seth’s instructions, I attached a page from an old Algebra book to a sheet of watercolour paper in my Strathmore Visual Journal using matte medium. When dry, I masked off a few equations on the page with torn Post It notes. I then framed the page with Waterfall Green pearlescent liquid acrylics, leaving the center free for a transparent wash of Brilliant Orange mixing acrylics with an equal amount of glazing fluid.

A technique I haven’t used in ages, but is always fun, is “inking” the rough side of corrugated board. At Seth’s suggestion, my packing box discards produced the most interesting series of lines when infused with white gesso.

Some time ago I was gifted with a lovely vintage photo of four Victorian women. With the layers of texture and colour taking shape, I knew this would be a special background just for them. I like to think of the women as engineers, creatively collaborating on a project. And their inspiration absolutely had to be the Artistcellar stencil Metatron’s Cube form the Sacred Geometry 2 Series. Incorporating every shape in the Universe, this certainly could be all the motivation they would need. To help them along, I surrounded the women with a series of rubber stamped numbers…the tools of their trade.

The word Algebra derives from the Arabic al-jabr, meaning "The reunion of broken parts". Journaling is a wonderful way to reunite fractured thoughts and feelings. Taking a new class or reviewing an inspiring DVD is equally rewarding. And there is nothing better than sharing new techniques and discoveries.

I suppose the spirit of Algebra, even if not the practice, is still with me...and perhaps all of us... as we aspire to find the balance hidden within our broken parts.

MATERIALS USED

• Sacred Geometry 2 Series 
• Matte Medium
• Mod Podge – Sheer Orange
• Golden Glazing Fluid
• Gesso
• Daler Rowney FW Pearlescent Liquid Acrylic Waterfall Green
• Plaid Brilliant Orange
• DecoArt Desert Turquoise
• Reeves Metallic Copper
• Post It Notes
• Rubber Stamps
• Stamp Pad
• Natural Sponge
• Paper Towels
• Corrugated Board
• Strathmore Mixed Media Journal Watercolour
• Vintage Paper and Images

The Echoes We Find Within...

#artistsforempathy #artistsforlove

“Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself.” – Mohsin Hamid

An artist whose work I respect, Seth Apter, recently shared a heartfelt post on his Blog. Seth described a project initiated by several artists, all using the same motto, with the objective of bringing a sense of peace and unity to what has been an extremely chaotic time. By celebrating our diversity through creative endeavours, the #artistforlove movement called for the creation of art as a way to start a conversation and begin collectively healing. Through his work Seth is participating in the process for the restoration of support, acceptance, respect, and love by creating and sharing a lovely poster.

Inspired by the movement and the contributing artists, I decided to take part. As much as I find #artistsforlove an honourable undertaking, I’d like to go one step further. For me, finding a path back to acceptance, respect and a sense of normality begins with a single word: Empathy.

We are different, our outlook molded by our unique life experiences. But rather than the celebration of our unique gifts, our diversity has been manipulated to divide us. This is something I will not tolerate.

It is true that our reaction to what has played out before us has often become heated. But then again, isn’t this to be expected when discussing something about which we are passionate? Empathy encourages us to step back, calm down, and see the other point of view…to find another echoed within ourselves.

One thing I do know for sure, through travel and living in a variety of cities in the US and abroad, one thing is constant. We all want the same thing. We all want meaningful work that provides a good life for ourselves and our families. We all want a peaceful environment in which to thrive.  And together we can work towards making this a reality. Working at odds in counterproductive and will not benefit anyone.  I stand by our Nation’s motto E Pluribus Unum - "out of many, one". I am proud of the rich tapestry of traditions that make us who we are as Americans.

I began the collage with calligraphy enhanced with Twinkling H20s from the Summer Fun collection. The colours are luminous and rich. They went on smoothly using my Koi Water Brush – another of my now “go to” supplies.

The stencils used are the Artistcellar Traditional Japanese Series. I layered Dina Wakley Media Heavy Body Acrylic paint in Lapis, Ocean, Sky, and Elephant. I wondered how the stencil would perform during clean-up since each layer of acrylic was completely dry between applications. Of course, they worked perfectly…clean and back to pristine condition in a matter of minutes! As the work is my invitation to others to participate I pulled all my elements together and built the final art using a postcard as substrate.

Our world is changing. There is no doubt about it. Will you reach out through your work with the #artistsforlove and #artistsforempathy movements?  We all need to take that first step… to begin the conversation, to throw open the door to Empathy… to search for, and find the echo of another person within ourselves. It is only then that we can rediscover our common ground.

MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR TRADITIONAL JAPANESE STENCIL
• ARTISTCELLAR HALFTONE DOTS SERIES STENCILS
• STRATHMORE MIXED-MEDIA VISUAL JOURNAL 300 SERIES- 5.5" X 8.5"
• TWINKLING H20S SUMMER FUN COLLECTION
• ROYAL LANGNICKEL WATERCOLOURS – FLAT & PEARLESCENT
• DINA WAKLEY: MEDIA HEAVY BODY ACRYLIC PAINT : LAPIS, OCEAN, SKY, AND ELEPHANT 
• NATURAL SPONGE
• KOI WATER BRUSH
• CONVENTIONAL AND DIGITAL EPHEMERA

Want To Get Your Creative Pulse Racing?

Although it's not quite Summer, a hint of quiet anticipation is stirring in the air. The joy of longer days stretching ahead promise time for activities we planned to do "when we get around" to them. Mentally we prepare for the elusive three R's: Rest, Relaxation and Rejuvenation. And what better way to begin the journey than by taking your Pulse?

Mixed Media Artist, Designer, Instructor, and Author Seth Apter has embarked on the sixth edition “The Pulse”. Published each Wednesday, the collaborative project is a showcase designed to "introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, further your own artistic expression, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals."*

The question posed this time was: What is the one technique or tool that you cannot live without? 

My response focused on technique. I am delighted to say my collage of woven paper "Pulp" is included in the collection. For me, it's all about the story and the process of weaving the paper is not only meditative. I find just as our unique family histories interlace to form something new, so does this technique.

So as Spring transforms into Summer why not start your own tradition of Rest, Relaxation and Rejuvenation by visiting Seth’s Blog, The Altered Page? Reintroduce the spirit of creativity into your work not only with “The Pulse” but with Seth’s posts on a variety of topics and techniques. They will certainly get your creative pulse racing!

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*Quote taken directly from "The Pulse"

Buried Treasure...Adding Our Voices To Art History!

HUGO'S SOUND POEM - ATC

There is nothing as intriguing as going on a treasure hunt! The anticipation of what you might find is palatable. And what a treat when you finally make your discovery!

Below you will find my post as part of  Seth Apters's Buried Treasure project. I encourage you to visit his Blog, The Altered Page, to view Seth's and other Bloggers posts from the past. I enjoyed visiting each link. It was great to revisit posts and terrific finding new Blogs I can follow in the future.

I chose my Saturday, 11 October 2014 post because Art History is truly a treasure hunt for me. When I lack inspiration, I look to the past for comforting encouragement and a way to reconnect with my Muse. 

So...are you willing to join the hunt? After all, aren't we all adding our voices to the joyful chorus of Art History?

Saturday 11 October 2014 - Finding My Way Through XYZ...

A call for art from The Carlisle Arts Learning Center in Carlisle Pennsylvania intrigued me. "XYZ" was the unconventional theme for an Artist Trading Card exhibit sponsored by the Gallery.
 
XYZ..XYZ... The letters rolled around my mind...What do those final three letters of the alphabet mean to me?
 
I admit, I have been struggling lately. Feeling uninspired,  I know my Muse hasn't abandoned me, at least not completely, but we just don't seem to be connecting. Projects started are in my studio, half completed, if they had the good fortune to even get that far.
 
And it saddens me. I miss the rush, the passionate excitement of new ideas, of experiments successful...and perhaps not quite so. I miss the joy of creating. But how can I get on track and open the lines of communication fully with my Muse?
 
Waiting for an appointment I pulled a small book on Dada from my handbag. The book fell open to a page with a photo of Hugo Ball dressed in costume and ready to recite a poem. A Sound Poem. My Muse reaching out? Synchronicity? It was perfect. I could feel the spark of excitement starting again.
 
Dadaism as an art movement was founded in Zürich Switzerland on February 5, 1916. Artists are poets rejected the conventional methods of Art and started something new. The Cabaret Voltaire hosted performance art and sound poetry. Hugo Ball wanted to return to "the most intimate alchemy of the word, and even to go beyond it in order to preserve for poetry its most sacred domain".
 
XYZ...over and over...with a rhythm going to the source not only of the poem I could hear, but the uninspired place in my soul.
 
The substrate for the ATC is illustration board. I photocopied the photo of Hugo in his shaman's hat and Cubist costume. Finding the letters X,Y, and Z seemed to just fall into place, gleaned from various magazines. I finished with metallic acrylic paint sponged on to the card. At the end of the exhibit the cards will be traded.
 
Although I'm still finding my way through, returning to Art History certainly has started opening up the lines of communication for me. How do you rekindle your relationship with your Muse?