What Would Happen If...

“What would happen if…” – Daniel Keyes

 Have you ever wondered "what would happen if"…and if you did, where did your thoughts take you?

As PBS has launched the Great American Read, I decided to revisit my favourite book, Daniel Keyes’ “Flowers for Algernon” a tale of what would happen if intelligence could be altered through surgery. I am captivated by the creative process. I enjoy seeing the preliminary drafts of a work as much as the final piece. Keyes’ “Algernon, Charlie and I – A Writer’s Journey” not only described his method of fiction writing but the inspiration for “Flowers”. I was in bibliophile paradise!

Motivated by my stack of hardback book covers I decided to choose a light coloured cover for my next Artistcellar Design Team project. Inspired by the story I made my own inkblot on tissue paper. Once glued to the board the rest of the elements fell into place. The bottom image transfer was copied from a 1950’s post card. Bit and pieces of paper were added building up the layers. I glued dried hydrangea petals across the composition.

Artistcellar stencils have a great selection of designs in their collection. I chose one from the Labyrinth Series. The Chartres stencil was a perfect fit. The maze like pattern not only added an interesting design, but enhanced a key component of the story.

To brighten the composition I added acrylics using only a portion of the Infra stencil. Again, with just a bit of painter’s tape as a mask you can achieve the look you are after. However you chose to use them, they are never damaged and clean-up is a snap….the essential quality I look for in stencils.

Hopefully my collage will give you a hint of what “Flowers for Algernon” is all about without giving too much away. If you aren’t familiar with the story perhaps this post will spark your interest. With a bit of luck it will also inspire you to explore your passions and journey to what would happen if…

 MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR STENCILS: QUASICRYSTALS (Infra), LABYRINTH SERIES (Chartres)
• HANDCUT DIAMOND STENCIL
• HIGGINS BLACK MAGIC DRAWING INK
• DECOART: Blue Harbor
• DYLUSIONS PAINT: Crushed Grape, Squeezed Orange, Bubblegum Pink
• DYLUSIONS SPRAY: Bubblegum Pink
• REEVES: Bronze, Gold
• LIQUITEX MATTE MEDIUM
• NATURAL SPONGE
• PAINTER’S TAPE
• TISSUE PAPER
• WAX INFUSED PAPER
• LASER PHOTOCOPY  
• FLOWER PETALS
• HARDBACK BOOK COVER

Oh for that Sweet Madness!

“It’s what we call a dolce pazzia…a sweet madness. Once you feel it, you will never want to leave”. – "Juliet" by Anne Fortier

Travel and romance. To me the words are synonymous. I have wanted to use the photo of the woman with the dreamy expression from my collection of Victorian postcards in a project. At last I found a place she might call home.

I will soon be facilitating a collage workshop at a local library. We will use discarded book covers as a substrate.  I was given a deep blue cover to see how it would inspire my work. The map of the romantic city of Venice from the Old World Maps series was perfect for what I had in mind. I started my Design Team project by stenciling in a subdued colour palette of blues and aqua to allow the rest of the collage elements to pop. This is another reason why I love the Artistcellar collection of stencils. They can be bold and the focal point of your work. Or they can be subtle, but just as vital to your art. The inside book cover was smooth and didn’t drink up the acrylics. As I had hoped, there was very little shift in colour.

I have been experimenting lately with transfers on various types of paper. This time I transferred the photocopy of the woman and added it to a blank shipping tag covered with a layer of gesso. I was pleased with the finish and the way the colour complimented the background. I surrounded the tag with textured paper I received from the Netherlands in a paper swap. The gold foil was reclaimed from greeting cards. Cherry tree twigs blown into the yard with the last storm, wrapped in tea stained gauze, became part of the collage. It’s great that with this type of work trash can become a real treasure!

I usually have tiny jewelry tags on my table when I am working. They are a great place to try techniques or to deposit left over paint. I chose a few from this collection. After masking out parts of the Playful Pods and Quasicrystals stencils, I added glittering dots of colour to the design.

I am captivated by the woman’s wistful smile. Could she be thinking of a journey in the making? Or is she returning to her dolce pazzia…the sweet madness of a certain time and place?

We are fortunate that creating Art allows us the freedom to follow our inspiration wherever it may lead. The door is open just waiting for our ideas to burst through. Who is your muse today?

MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR STENCILS: PLAYFUL PODS SERIES (Bodacious Pods), OLD WORLD MAPS SERIES (Venice), QUAISCRYSTALS SERIES (Infra)
• LIQUITEX GESSO
• LIQUITEX MATTE MEDIUM
• PLAID ACRYLICS: Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Pure Orange, Blue Sapphire, Amethyst
• DECOART: Splendid Gold, Blue Harbor, Peacock Pearl, Sea Glass
• DYLUSIONS PAINT: Vibrant Turquoise, Cut Grass, Fresh Lime, London Blue, Crushed Grape, Squeezed Orange, Bubblegum Pink, Postbox Red
• DYLUSIONS INK SPRAY: Bubblegum Pink
• REEVES: Bronze, Gold
• VIVA INKA Gold
• MEMENTO INK DYE: Tuxedo Black
• RUBBER STAMPS
• NATURAL SPONGE
• PAINTER’S TAPE
• TISSUE PAPER
• GOLD FOIL
• TEA BAGS
• STAINED GAUZE
• ORGANDY RIBBON
• CHERRY TREE TWIGS
• JEWELRY & SHIPPING TAGS
• VINTAGE PHOTO POSTCARD
• DISCARDED LIBRARY BOOK COVER

What Makes You Glad?

“Stay close to anything that makes you glad you are alive.”- Hafiz of Shiraz

It’s been cold, snowy and in my humble opinion, a dreadfully extended winter. On this first day of Spring we are once again under a Weather Advisory with snow is in the forecast. I keep reminding myself that, at last, March is here. I am more than ready for longer and warmer days. The first day of spring, for me, is forever linked with the Persian New Year festival of Nowruz. Starting on the day of the vernal equinox and literally meaning "new day", Nowruz celebrations continue for two weeks ending with an outdoor picnic. Inspired by the holiday, I couldn’t wait to start my next Artistcellar Design Team project.

Although too cold in many parts of the country for a picnic, I wanted to send some warmth through the mail. Junk mail is a plethora of inspiration for mixed media artists. Digging through my collection of envelopes, I decided to recycle one with a window. I masked out the cellophane opening with surgical tape and started my background with a textured natural sponge and Dylusion Paints. Once the background was dry, I started stenciling.

The Artistcellar stencil range is known for its diversity.  You will always find just the right stencil to create inspired work. This time I wanted to feature the flying dragonflies and cherry blossoms of the Traditional Japanese series. I used the Playful Pods as a hint of what the envelope would hold. The stencils effortlessly conveyed the spirit of all things fresh and new.

Recently I have been experimenting with used tea bags. I have been exploring different techniques…trying to get a feel of what works and what doesn’t. I chose two of my bags to use as seed packets. Keeping with tradition, I filled one with wheatgrass. I packed the other with forget-me-not seeds. They will show through the window when I get them ready to mail. An added bonus…my surgical tape mask is now washi tape for use with another project.

It’s been difficult getting through the dark days of winter. But with the first day of spring and the celebration of Nowruz I now have a good excuse to fill the house with hyacinths and tulips. And here is my wish for you: I hope you surround yourself with all that makes you glad to be creative and alive. Happy Spring!

MATERIALS USED

• ARTISTCELLAR STENCILS: PLAYFUL PODS SERIES, QUASICRYSTALS SERIES, TRADITIONAL JAPANESE SERIES 
• HANDCUT STENCILS 
• RUBBER STAMP ALPHABET 
• PLAID ACRYLICS: Sunflower, Royal Gold 
• DECOART: Blue Harbor 
• DINA WAKLEY MEDIA ACRYLIC: Blushing 
• DYLUSIONS PAINT: Vibrant Turquoise, Fresh Lime, Crushed Grape, Squeezed Orange, Bubblegum Pink 
• SURGICAL TAPE 
• NATURAL SPONGE 
• COSMETIC SPONGE 
• JUNK MAIL ENVELOPE 
• TEA BAGS

Fall In Love with You!

“As I began to love myself, I found that anguish and emotional suffering are only warning signs that I was living against my own truth. Today, I know, this is AUTHENTICITY.” – Charlie Chaplin

Valentine’s Day has arrived, flinging open the door to love. But when jotting down names on your Valentine card list, did you add yourself?

An article published in a local holistic magazine titled “Self-Love” caught my eye. Drawn from the wisdom of Charlie Chaplin, the article was inspiring as well as thought provoking. So often we think of others and their needs before our own. Shouldn’t self-love, or if you prefer to call it self-care, be part of our daily nurturing practise? Isn’t getting to know our authentic selves the best gift we can give to others? What is wrong with falling in love with ourselves?

I have once again decided to study Tarot. I have added Tarot to my “when I have the time” list over and over again. Taking the lead from the article, I decided to make a journal as a gift…and maybe a physical prompt…for myself.

I really love the small journals currently on sale. This little book is manufactured by C.R. Gibson and is similar to others I have altered and perfect for my next Artistcellar Design Team project. For me, journaling is more about note taking, list making and snippet saving. Similar to the other journals, the book has small folder attached to the back cover. It’s perfect for hiding away little bits of ephemera.

The cover is dusky blue faux leather. I lightly sanded it and the applied a thin coat of gesso. When dried I attached a piece of rubber stamped tea stained paper with matte medium. I have been experimenting with a variety of stamp inks, dyes and paper. I decided against using the paper covered in wax as I wanted to try hand colouring the image.

My choice of stencils was an easy one. I masked out part of Steampunk Lace stencil. It fit perfectly at the corner of the cover. Echoing the Tarot card, The Wheel of Fortune, it will be a constant reminder of karma and the fluidity of life. I built the colour with layers of Dylusions Paints and Spray using brushes, a sponge and paper towels.

Surrounding the stencil and stamped image with swabbed and splattered paint, I was nearly finished. I added the words “Carpe Diem” created from the same paper as the woman’s face. I coloured the woman’s eye and lips with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and a brush, giving the image a bit of shine.

This Valentine’s Day…and every day of the year…be kind and loving to yourself. It’s the best way to share and honor your own truth and live authentically. Simply fall in love with you! 

MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR: STEAMPUNK SERIES (Steampunk Lace), HALFTONE DOTS (Highlight, Midtone, Midtone 2, Shadow)
• LIQUITEX GESSO
• LIQUITEX MATTE MEDIUM
• PLAID ACRYLICS: Sunflower
• DECOART: Splendid Gold, Blue Harbor
• DINA WAKLEY MEDIA ACRYLIC: Blushing
• DYLUSIONS PAINT: Vibrant Turquoise, Cut Grass, Fresh Lime, London Blue, Crushed Grape, Squeezed Orange, Bubblegum Pink
• DYLUSIONS INK SPRAY: Bubblegum Pink
• TATTERED ANGELS GLIMMER MIST: Rouge, Pumpkin Spice, Dragonfly
• REEVES: Bronze, Gold
• MEMENTO INK DYE: Tuxedo Black
• RUBBER STAMPS
• NATURAL SPONGE
• PAPER TOWELS
• WATERCOLOUR BRUSH
• SANDING BLOCK
• PAINTER’S TAPE
• R. GIBSON JOURNAL: Markings 3.5” x 5.5”

Life is a Minestrone...

"Life is a minestrone

Served up with Parmesan cheese

Death is a cold Lasagna

Suspended in deep freeze."

"Life is a Minestrone" - 10cc – Eric Stewart, Lol Creme

Who doesn’t like soup? Warm, comforting, encouraging you to release your creativity with each new recipe, it is just the thing to lift my spirits. As we trudge through more cold and snowy winter weather, the smiling woman in the vintage magazine ad carrying home her paper bag of Campbell’s soup and an article in a local magazine inspired me.

I have taken part in a particular charity postcard exchange for the last several years. For this submission, my mind was set on the image I wanted to use. I then needed to decide on how to create the design I had in mind. If you are like me, you know when an art supply is “just right”. The incredible range of Artistcellar stencils always help me find precisely what I am looking for in minutes. Spreading out my stencils, my eye was drawn to the Quasicrystals and Blocks Series. Yes…they were “just right”.

The card came together fairly quickly. I lightly coated a postcard size piece of cover stock with gesso. Choosing my sponge with the most texture, I applied several shades of Dylusion Paint. Working wet on wet I sponged the wonderful Bubble Gum Dylusion Ink Spray to build the background. I wanted to create a sensation of warmth and happiness. Using Dylusion products never disappoint. The colours are as rich and vibrant dry as they are wet. Again…they were “just right”.

Cutting out the image of the woman from the ad, I glued it to the card. A local monthly magazine runs the most amazing food column. The recipes are carefully thought out which makes them easy to successfully replicate. This month paid homage to a rich and robust Minestrone, one of my all-time favourites. Reading through the ingredients, an old song came to mind…"Life is a Minestrone". I cut out sections of the recipe to surround our shopper. I completed the postcard with a spray of colour in the shape of Quasicrystals Infra. Adding balance to the design, I stencilled Open Work Blocks in metallic gold.

Returning to my inspiration, I believe our lives always revolve around choosing a little bit of this, maybe a tad of that. We make the best of mixing what we have on hand. But I am convinced that with a dollop of creativity and a dash of invention our lives can be as truly nourishing as a simmering Minestrone.

MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR STENCILS: QUASICRYSTALS (Infra), BLOCKS (Open Work)
• LIQUITEX WHITE ACRYLIC GESSO
• LIQUITEX MATTE MEDIUM
• SCOTCH SCRAPBOOKERS GLUE
• DYLUSION PAINT: Squeezed Orange, Bubble Gum, Vibrant Turquoise, Fresh Lime
• DYLUSION INK SPRAY: Bubble Gum
• DINA WAKLEY MEDIA: Blushing
• PLAID: Sunflower
• DECO ART: Blue Harbor
• REEVES: Gold                                                                        
• PRO ART BRUSH: 1” Bristle
• NATURAL SPONGE
• 130 LB COVER STOCK
• VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENT IMAGE
• RECIPE FROM A MAGAZINE

The Magical Sparkle of "Thank You"

“If the only prayer you ever say is ‘Thank You’ that will be enough.” – Eckhart Tolle

 
Looking out over our frost kissed lawn has been a not so gentle reminder that Winter is on the way. But rather than curse the cold, I embraced the sparkle and shine as inspiration for my next Artistcellar Design Team project.

Working with my favourite substrate, Illustration Board, I covered the surface with a smooth coat of gesso. The next layer added was an article about the Dada Movement printed on slightly yellowed newsprint paper. There was a little bit of bleed when I covered the print with Matte Medium. I liked the way the ink became bolder in certain areas as it dried. Looking for a bit of texture, I mopped on white gesso with a rough natural sponge. My board took on a white, frosty appearance … exactly as I had hoped it would. Slow to dry completely, I left it out overnight and in the morning I was ready to begin.

I wanted the look of lace for my background. Artistcellar’s Quasicrystal stencil Quasi, was perfect. I applied the pattern with Champagne metallic acrylic. Combined with the white gesso, it gave me the nostalgic effect I was after.

I’ve had the image of the two women kicking around my scrap box for some time, and I knew this was the perfect setting for them. I only wish I knew who they were and the reason for the photo. They do look happy to be sharing time together. Perhaps I could create an interesting history for them with the elements I had at hand.

I have been winterising the flower beds around the house and salvaged a few dried hydrangea blossoms. The colour was perfect and the petals held up well when glued to the board. My finishing touch was the series of jewelry tags, covered in liquid acrylic and a few Halftone Dots.

As the seasons blend one into the other, I know I am guilty of allowing the daily mechanics of existence to dull the sparkle and shine of living life mindfully. With the celebration of Thanksgiving I am reminded that a simple “Thank You” has the all the magical sparkle we need.

MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR STENCILS: QUASICRYSTALS (Quasi & Infra), HALFTONE DOTS
• INKADINKADO RUBBER STAMP: Moth
• LIQUITEX WHITE ACRYLIC GESSO
• LIQUITEX MATTE MEDIUM
• MEMENTO DYE INK: Tuxedo Black
• DYLUSION PAINT: Squeezed Orange
• PLAID: Champagne, Sahara Gold                                      
• DALER-ROMNEY: Acrylic Ink Velvet Violet
• DALER-ROMNEY: Liquid Acrylic Galactic Blue
• NATURAL SPONGE
• JEWELRY TAGS
• BEES WAX INFUSED BROWN, ART PAPER, & DOILY
• COFFEE STAINED GAUZE
• SURGICAL TAPE
• DRIED HYDRANGEA PETALS
• STORE TRADING STAMP
• VINTAGE IMAGE
• ILLUSTRATION BOARD

Finding The Right One

“Words matter, and the right words matter most of all. In the end they’re all that remain of us.”  – John Birmingham

I relish layering in artwork…colour on texture on paper on ink on paint. You never know what the outcome will be, but the journey can be enough. And as much as I love surprises in the visual arts, I also love words. They too can carry you on an elaborate voyage of discovery…with twists and turns as you search for just the right word for the right moment.

For my next Artistcellar Design Team project I primed illustration board with gesso and attached an old dictionary page. When dry, I covered the center with a mixture of Splendid Gold acrylic that I thinned with glazing liquid. I surrounded the gold with Bubble Gum Dylusion Spray. Rather than use the pump spray, I brushed it on. The spray colours are great and hold their hue regardless of the surface they are painted on, or how they are applied. I wouldn’t be without them. My next step was to add rubber stamp images. I chose both a typewriter and calligraphic stamp and a dye ink to minimise bleed.

Some time ago I added Quentin Matsys’ painting “The Money Changer and His Wife” to my collection of paper bits and pieces. It was printed in a newspaper and I really liked the saturated colour on the newsprint. I chose to use only the woman and her open book in the collage.

With such a variety of designs it is can be a challenge to choose just one Artistcellar stencil. I decided to start with the Quilt. This stencil comes in two sizes, which allows so much freedom when planning your work. The Pocket Stencil was the perfect size for my collage, and what a wonderful foil for Quasicrystal Infra. Large or small, Artistcellar stencils are instrumental when you are looking to give your work a unique edge. You’ll always find just the right one for your project. I continued layering the stencils, with the final image as you see here, surrounding the woman with letters and words. Will she find the right ones to narrate her story? I wonder...

Finding just the “right one”…be it an image, a colour, or a word can be perplexing. But what a marvellous feeling of accomplishment when you do! And sharing the right word layered with the right sentiment is an incredible way to immortalise the sweet story of our lives.

MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR STENCILS: Pocket Stencils Mini Quilt, Quasicrystals
• RUBBER STAMPS: Calligraphy & Typewriter Text
• HAND CUT STENCIL: Diamonds
• ALPHABET STENCIL
• LIQUITEX WHITE ACRYLIC GESSO
• LIQUITEX GLAZING LIQUID
• MEMENTO DYE INK: Tuxedo Black
• DECOART: Splendid Gold, Sea Glass, Sunflower
• DINA WAKLEY: Lemon, Ruby, Blushing
• DYLUSION SPRAY: Bubble Gum           
• DYLUSION PAINT: Squeezed Orange, Vibrant Turquoise, London Blue
• NATURAL SPONGE
• NEWSPAPER CLIPPING IMAGE
• VINTAGE DICTIONARY PAGE
• ILLUSTRATION BOARD

Restoring Sanity & Reviving Creativity

“Letter writing is an excellent way of slowing down this lunatic helter-skelter universe long enough to gather one’s thoughts.” – Nick Bantock

If you are like me, you are not averse to peeking into a trash can now and again…without shame! Collage and mixed-media artists all know the unsung wastepaper basket can be an absolute treasure trove. It was in a receptacle of wonder that I found the discarded interoffice envelope I used as the heart of my next Artistcellar Design Team project.

The envelope was still intact. Originally used to communicate between workplace departments, with a bit of creativity I could turn it into a place to hold new notes and letters. And so the work began by brushing Ruby, Blushing and Lemon Dina Wakley Acrylics directly on to the envelope. To keep the colours transparent I mixed the paint with glazing liquid. It is wonderful to add to your paint, allowing you to get just the right amount of transparency for your art.

I covered a shipping tag with Vibrant Orange Dylusion Paint. When dry I stamped on a Gibson Girl image with dye ink. It was now ready to place. I hooked the cord around the red tab at the top and glued the tag in place. The pen nibs at the bottom of the envelope were added with stamp pad ink…just the image for the new purpose of this envelope.

I decided to try my hand at making Washi Tape. Laying a few lengths of first aid surgical tape to wax and freezer paper, I wanted to see which would be a better substrate when I started my stencilling. Both worked well. So if you are out of one or the other, you can still create your own tape. Using the Artistcellar Open Work Block I stencilled in various shades of Dina Wakley acrylics, highlighting with touches of gold. The colours held true and dried quickly. Tearing the tape was easy and gave me the finished look I was after.

I continued adding elements as they came to hand…more Artistcellar stencils (of course!), crayon scribbles, printed paper, and even a pencilled inscription. I threaded ribbon though the already drilled holes. Tied at the back, it secures my new enclosures with a bit of inspiration.

Slowing down is always a good idea. I agree that we do have a helter-skelter universe, now more than ever. But taking time to see the wonders of the world around you restores sanity and revives creativity. And aren’t these a fantastic qualities to share through the written word?

 MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR STENCILS: Block Series, Halftone Dots Series
• TIM HOLTZ VISUAL ARTISTRY CURIOUS POSSIBILITY Rubber Stamps
• GIBSON GIRL RUBBER STAMP
• HAND CUT STENCIL: Diamonds
• ALPHABET STENCIL
• LIQUITEX WHITE ACRYLIC GESSO
• LIQUITEX GLAZING LIQUID
• MEMENTO DYE INK: Tuxedo Black
• OFFICE MAX STAMP PAD
• WAX PAPER
• FREEZER PAPER
• DECOART: Splendid Gold, Sea Glass
• REEVES: Rose Red
• DINA WAKLEY: Lemon, Ruby Blushing
• DYLUSION SPRAY: Bubble Gum           
• DYLUSION PAINT: Squeezed Orange, Vibrant Turquoise, London Blue
• NATURAL SPONGE
• TIM HOLTZ DISTRESS CRAYONS
• INTEROFFICE ENVELOPE
• SHIPPING TAG
• PRINTED RIBBON & TISSUE PAPER
• FIRST AID SURGICAL TAPE

What Are The Colours of Your Soul?

“Mere colour, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.” ― Oscar Wilde

Colour surrounds us. It can lift our spirits, enhance a mood, or simply help us to express a feeling without words. For my next Artistcellar project, I decided to use a limited palette of colours I find comforting and see where it would lead me.

I began by covering the illustration board with a light coat of gesso. Once dried, I mixed the Dylusion Squeezed Orange Paint with an equal part of Glazing Liquid leaving the acrylic semi-transparent. I wasn’t very careful when painting over the gesso and let the brush strokes overlap. I was pleased with the texture left behind.

While the board was drying I looked through my collection of ephemera. I have an assortment of old magazines, as I am sure most mixed-media artists do. I ripped out a page from “True Story” published in the 1920’s. The charming text read similar to most of the romances of the period, peppered with lots of “Darlings…” and “longing looks”. I liked the fragility of the vintage paper and the way it was so easy, although not very predictable, to tear.

Next I chose a scrap of Joss Paper. Burned in traditional Chinese ceremonies during special holidays and funerals, the bamboo paper is just delicate enough to hold a layer of foil. I love seeing it in collage work. It really adds a bit of luster and texture. I glued it, and the magazine clipping, to the board with my gloss medium. I also had a few scraps of the yellow round Joss Paper and added it to the design.

Some time ago I experimented with beeswax and a selection of different types of paper. The image I chose for the top of my work was from this session. I’m sure you know this woman’s face well, as it has been added to projects by an array of artists. With her silent gaze I liked the way it mirrored the text. The beeswax gave my stamped paper just the right amount of translucency and a torn edge with a bit of roughness.

I finished the work with my Artistcellar Quasicrystals Stencils. They were perfect in size and design, as I have come to expect from all Artistcellar products. No matter what the project, Artistcellar never lets you down. You will always find just the right stencil to allow your creative spirit to fly. I first stenciled Quasi in gold and then added Infra in a selection of other warm colours from the Dylusion Paint series.

We artists use colour as a language. What part of the spectrum speaks to you…and how do you communicate the poetry of your soul?

MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR: QUASICRYSTALS SERIES (Quasi, Infra)
• ILLUSTRATION BOARD
• JOSS PAPER
• BROWN WRAPPING PAPER
• BEESWAX
• RUBBER STAMP
• MEMENTO DYE INK: Tuxedo Black
• GOLDEN ACRYLIC GLAZING LIQUID
• LIQUITEX GESSO
• LIQUITEX: Gloss Medium & Varnish
• NATURAL SPONGE       
• DYLUSION PAINTS: Squeezed Orange, Vibrant Turquoise
• DYLUSIONS: Bubblegum Pink Spray
• PLAID ACRYLICS: Pure Gold
• DINA WAKLEY: Ruby, Blushing
• VINTAGE MAGAZINE PAGE: True Story Magazine

Don't Let Anyone Burst Your Bubble!

“Don’t let anyone burst your bubble!”

I enjoy trading art. It’s great to see what is currently motivating other artists to create. Our Artistcellar Design Team inspiration this time is the Kylie Fowler Faces Series. There are four distinct views of a face, each one different enough to use in a variety of designs. My choice of the four was an easy one for me. Something about the expression in her eyes and the cheerful cheek circles made me think of the blissful feeling we experience when seeing a floating cluster of soap bubbles. I decided to expand on this concept. Wanting to share some happiness, I made my choice the Joy stencil. She became the focal point of my Mail Art project.

The only requirement for the current Mail Art challenge is to recycle a paper bag into an envelope. I decided to use a standard heavy paper bag I received from my favourite Chinese restaurant.
I have never used stamp pad ink through a stencil so I decided to give it a go. The results were even better than I expected, and a pleasant surprise. The face has a slightly rough appearance similar to graffiti art. This is a technique I will use on future projects as well. I am also happy to say the stencil cleaned up in seconds and remains in perfect condition, not at all unusual for Artistcellar products.

I masked off a single dot on each of the Halftone Dots stencils. Choosing an assortment of acrylic colours I added the dots with no particular pattern in mind. What formed was just a swirl of bubbly shapes and colour, leaving just enough room for the address.

We are artists. With each new work we share a part of ourselves. My hope is that as my envelope leaves me and starts its journey to France it brings a smile to everyone who sees it. And with her knowing grin, I am sure Joy would never let anyone burst her bubble!

 MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR: FOLWER FACES SERIES STENCIL (Joy), HALFTONE DOTS (Highlight, Midtone, Midtone 2, Shadow)
• STANDARD PAPER BAG
• OFFICE MAX FELT STAMP PAD – BLACK INK
• NATURAL SPONGE         
• DYLUSION PAINTS: Squeezed Orange, Fresh Lime, Vibrant Turquoise, London Blue
• PLAID ACRYLICS: Amethyst, Pure Orange, Sunflower, Pure Gold, Blue Topaz, Blue Pearl, Champagne
• DECOART: Splendid Gold, Sea Glass
• DINA WAKLEY: Ruby, Sky, Blushing, Lemon, Ocean
• REEVES: Bronze, Rose Re

Being Awake To Dream...

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. 

Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” -  C. G. Jung

Working my way through my Prayer Flag series is a journey of looking within and without. And best of all, the meditative quality of producing the art has permitted me to stop and savor the moment. To be truly mindful. There is no better way to do this than to delve into the first sound to come from silence: Om.

The final stencil of the Tibet Series is the Tibetan Om. There are many reasons why I use Artistcellar stencils in my designs. I like to think of them as the vehicle giving flight to my creativity. The artistic journey is always supported by their excellent quality and ease of use, which is so important to me. So with a selection of stencils in hand I was ready to begin.

As I was so pleased with the last flag, I again decided to use the heavier cotton duck fabric as the base. I placed the Om image at the top. My colour choice was red in various hues as it is the colour favored by Tibetan culture to designate sacred areas. I wanted the space flying this flag to have the sensation of preservation, life, protection, warmth and comfort…all the positive qualities the colour red represent.

Continuing the theme, I needed a symbol to underscore the belief that Om is the sound vibration of universal creation. And suddenly I had it. A circle. The circle is the ancient symbol of harmony, timelessness, eternity, as well as the source of the goddess within. The Artistcellar Halftone Dots and Seafoam stencils were the perfect choice. Complimentary shades of red, violet, green, yellow, and gold completed the bottom of the flag.

I am now at the end of the prayer flag series. I have discovered through this journey that the art of creation is just the first step to fully appreciating the images gently changing shape and colour as they fly in the breeze. And as the metamorphosis takes place without, the clarity of vision evolves within. Only when we are fully awake can we realize our dreams.

 MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR: TIBET SERIES STENCIL (Tibetan Om), HALFTONE DOTS (Highlight, Midtone, Midtone 2, Shadow), SEAFOAM
• BLEACHED 7 OZ. 100% COTTON DUCK FABRIC – WHITE
• BEST TEST REPOSITIONAL ADHESIVE        
• CARDBOARD
• PLAID ACRYLICS: Bright Red, Metallic Rose, Rose Shimmer, Sahara Gold, Amethyst, Pure Orange, Sunflower
• DECOART: Splendid Gold, Sea Glass, Desert Turquoise, Vivid Violet, Peacock Pearl
• DINA WAKLEY: Ruby, Lime, Blushing, Lemon
• REEVES: Gold, Bronze, Rose Red

Who Are Your Stars?

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” - Marcus Aurelius

Returning to my prayer flag series seems especially timely. Viewing the events of the last few days has been emotionally exhausting. But a quiet place to reflect and dwell on the beauty around us is always found when I begin any art project. For my next flag I selected the Eternal Knot from the Artistcellar Tibet Series.

The interlacing design of the knot is found in many cultures. It represents the concept of duality and the search for the interweaving of qualities of wisdom and empathy, as well as femininity and masculinity. The ultimate objective is to acquire the necessary stability to allow us a clearer path to enlightenment knowing that in this life we are all connected.

I couldn’t wait to start the project. This time I decided to use a heavier 100% cotton duck fabric. I wasn’t sure if the acrylics would work, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the results. The colours are vibrant and blend as I intended. The heavier weight also made the flag easier to adhere to the card I sprayed with adhesive.

To compliment the Knot I selected the Shooting Stars and Celestial stencils from the Artistcellar Arabian Nights series. What could be more inspiring than observing the sky at night? Working with various shades of blue and green, colours traditionally representing unity and balance, I enveloped the shooting stars with a grand cosmic blanket. The flag was finished with a selection of multicoloured Halftone Dots and Diamonds. As in life, it’s the compliment of colours that unites and enhances the entire composition.

I, as well as many of my friends, have experienced great dismay at the world events surrounding us. Sometimes we opt to step back as a way to make sense of the insanity. But there are moments when we need to make our voices heard. Beauty in life includes thoughts and actions. I choose to focus on the people who in my mind are the stars. They are the brave that shine. They speak their mind with wisdom and empathy. They are the stars I aspire to run with.

MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR: TIBET SERIES STENCIL (Eternal Knot), HALFTONE DOTS (Highlight, Midtone, Midtone 2, Shadow), ARABIAN NIGHTS SERIES STENCILS (Celestial, Shooting Stars)
• HAND CUT STENCIL: Diamonds
• BLEACHED 7 OZ. 100% COTTON DUCK FABRIC – WHITE
• BEST TEST REPOSITIONAL ADHESIVE                                                                
• CARDBOARD
• PLAID ACRYLICS: Blue Sapphire, Amethyst, Blue Pearl, Pure Orange, Sunflower, Aquamarine, Plum, Bright Red
• DECOART: Splendid Gold, Sea Glass, Teal, Desert Turquoise
• DINA WAKLEY: Lime, Lapis, Ocean, Sky, Blushing, Ruby, Cheddar
• REEVES: Gold, Bronze, Rose Red

In The Realm of the Unconventional

“Knowledge is ultimately available to everyone. Only true intuition, jumping from knowledge to an idea, is yours and yours alone.” – Bill Bernbach

As artists are we naturally drawn to unconventional conduct? Are we guided by intuition to a life without limits? Are we passionate to share our experiences? Is there something in our makeup that emboldens us to reach further than we thought we ever could?

I started my collage with a photo. I have been looking for a place in my work for the image of the women reading. As a fellow bibliophile I recognise the bliss of total absorption in a book. For a background I flipped through a vintage book in my collection. After tearing out a couple of pages from the index I saw the words “Unconventional conduct”. Could the women be reading a work that would change their destiny? Why not?

My substrate is illustration board. I primed it with a coat of gesso. When dried I attached the book pages using matte medium and added one final coat of tinted Mod Podge. I gave the board twenty-four hours of drying time as the pages were especially thick and absorbent.

After framing the work with Rose Red acrylics, still embracing my messy side, I began the stencilling process with one of my favourites, the Halftone Dots series. The layers quickly built as I added a variety of stencil patterns to the collage finishing with the map of one of the most unconventional cities on the planet, Paris, from Artistcellar’s Old World Maps series. Although the stencil has many fine cut outs representing the meandering streets, clean up was easy with no damage at all, ready for many future projects.

To read, to seek, to know...this is the stuff that drives our creative spirit. And as an artist isn’t our calling to follow our intuition whenever it may lead? The realm of the unconventional is where our souls bloom. How will you release the magic of your imagination?

MATERIALS USED

• ARTISTCELLAR STENCILS: HALFTONE DOTS (Highlight, Midtone, Midtone 2, Shadow), BLOCKS SERIES (Open Work), OLD WORLD MAPS (Paris)
• STENCILGIRL PRODUCTS: Seth Apter Number Drips
• HAND CUT STENCIL: Diamonds
• PUNCHINELLA
• ILLUSTRATION BOARD
• MASKING TAPE
• LIQUITEX GESSO
• LIQUITEX MATTE MEDIUM
• VINTAGE BOOK PAGES AND PHOTO
• REEVES: Rose Red, Bronze
• PLAID ACRYLICS: Blue Sapphire, Pure Orange, Sunflower, Bright Red, Pure Gold
• DECOART: Splendid Gold, Peacock Pearl, Desert Turquoise
• DINA WAKLEY PAINTS: Lime
• DYLUSION SPRAY: Bubble Gum
• MOD PODGE: Sheer Orange

Are You A Work in Progress?

“There is a distinct kind of Magic in the iridescence of a Dragonfly’s wing.”

The Dog Days of Summer are already here. I can’t help but feel as the mercurial sizzling days slip through our fingers it is a gentle reminder to be mindful and savor every moment.

A few months ago I created a prayer flag inspired by the new Artistcellar Tibet Series Stencils. As luck would have it I purchased enough chiffon to make four flags. This is the second in my series and I decided to feature the Lotus.

Once again I began by spraying a light coat of repositionable adhesive to a large piece of cardboard. I rested the chiffon with as few wrinkles as I could manage to the sticky surface. I was then ready to start stenciling. Keeping the colours to shades of pink and cream I wanted my lotus to embody the qualities of devotion and purity.

To me the Dragonfly is not only a perfect match for the Lotus, but symbolises the exquisiteness of the season. I have loved Dragonflies endlessly. Not only are they a wonder to witness in the air, but my thoughts drift back to peaceful childhood summer mornings spent at a local creek with a friend.

Dragonflies represent transformation. They guide our spiritual and emotional quest of self-realisation. To see a dragonfly in flight is to grasp the magical possibilities of freedom. But to be truly free, we need to accept our unique selves. And I suppose that makes us all works in progress.

The Artistcellar stencils provide a great array of options. I selected the Petite Pods from the Playful Pods series to add to the flag. The image was perfect and continued the theme. I have long been fascinated by the iridescent colour released from dragonfly wings. So inspired I completed the design with dots of glimmering acrylics. It now flies next to the Buddha Eyes flag on the pergola.

Artistcellar stencils are inspirational. I am always discovering something new when I begin to work. The images allow me to explore and express my creativity. They encourage me to design with the same freedom we feel when seeing the shimmering flight of a dragonfly. By permitting my creativity to unfold my desire is to delve deeper, discover my unique self, always knowing I will forever be a work in progress.

MATERIALS USED:

• ARTISTCELLAR: TIBET SERIES STENCIL (Lotus)
• ARTISTCELLAR HALFTONE DOTS (Highlight, Midtone, Midtone 2, Shadow)
• ARTISTCELLAR TRADITIONAL JAPANESE SERIES (Dragonfly, Cherry Blossom)
• CHRIS COZEN PLAYFUL PODS (Petite Pods)
• HAND CUT STENCIL: Diamonds
• PUNCHINELLA
• CHIFFON FABRIC – White
• BEST TEST REPOSITIONAL ADHESIVE
• CARDBOARD
• PLAID ACRYLICS: Blue Sapphire, Amethyst, Blue Pearl, Pure Orange, Perfect Purple. Violet Pansy, Sunflower, Metallic Rose, Bright Red, Aquamarine, Royal Gold, Plum
• DECOART: Splendid Gold
• DINA WAKLEY: Lime
• ACE NYLON TWINE
• DARICE CRAFTWOOD BALL & DOWEL