Have You Heard of THE CONVERSATION?

It's new, it's different, its debut starts now..... 

     As many of you are aware, Seth Apter from the Altered Page had a call for 5"x 5" artworks as part of an ongoing project to his Pulse of Mixed Media Book.  Somerset Studio  showed tremendous interest in the project and as a result, Seth sent all 110 artworks he received to them for possible publication. What resulted was acceptance of 18 of those submitted. In addition to the terrific excitement for those artists and the works that were chosen, there were lots of great conversations initiated on questions of what it means to have your art published- both personally and professionally.

     As a result, I created  The Conversation, an email listing open to all who have expressed the desire in having informal discussions on a variety of topics. The idea is to have more intimate exploration of thoughts that will NOT be published on the Internet. They will be conversation via old fashioned emails- different from twitter that has a limited number of characters, facebook or Linked-In where membership is required. This email list is easy and spontaneous to use by just hitting "reply all" to the last email written. I hope that  The Conversation (currently composed of 16 members) serves as one more venue of positive expression for all genres of the art community.  There are  just a few parameters to stay within.

1) This is a positive conversation for support, ideas, philosophies and questions on one's artwork for suggestions- but not for oohs and aahs of artwork- that's for Blogland! :)

2) Anyone can follow up individually with one another to pursue more in depth conversations that may not be appropriate for the list serve.

3)Subjects are open and flexible!

4) There is to be no direct criticism of anyone's art or person. Requested constructive advice seems appropriate. 

    

      I can't wait to get my copy of Somerset Studio to see the 18  published artworks from the Pulse Project. Though mine was not included, I believe that's part of "the art of art", the subjective nature of judging an artwork which includes the specifics of what the editors are looking for.  Perhaps there are 25 equally great selections for 10 spots, how does an editor decide? Is it luck of the draw, hit or miss, or are there other criteria in place? I have been blessed to have several works published, but have also had a couple of submissions that I never heard back on.  I always wonder what is the appropriate waiting period to submit this work to another magazine.   Have you had experience with this? Feel like talking about it- feel free to contact me or better yet, join in on The Conversation!

A Crescendoh Spotlight!

I'm so excited to have my TIME post spotlighted in CRESCENDOH today-

Hosted by guest curator  Seth Apter from The Altered Page.  

It's great  to share in the honorable mentions with the talented

 Tracie Lyn Huskamp

 from The Red Door. 

 Hard to believe, but coincidentally, Tracie's current posting of June 20, 2012  is also on Time. I love that she included the following quote in her post!

  

"Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we lived." - Jean Luc Picard

As the expression goes,

Live Like you Mean It!

Hope you will try to capture what's in front of you today-

And Seize the moment.

Featuring ... FEATURING Part 2!

Marit Barentsen's new international Art Magazine FEATURING is such an inspiration for every creative spirit. 

 (Photo provided by Marit Barentsen of the presses rolling!)

Here are some additional pages from my Art and Poetry Collaboration
 with Seth Apter titled
The Gift  that was published in  Featuring's  inaugural edition!

.... Dedicated
 And
 In Honor of my Mother.

******

And the Winner is.......

And the lucky winner is Carol Cantrell  from Wamberal, NSW Australia.

Seth Apter's 31/31 has ended and as a spot light artist in his book, The Pulse of Mixed Media, Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed,  I was sponsoring a give away of  Elemental VII( seen below)  one of Seth's amazing art works. 

 The rules indicated that I would select a winner from all comment  received on my "Day  8" post here.

   Huge Congratulations Carol!!

 I had asked Seth to pick a number from 1-50, (the number of comments from my post- and he picked 28!)  The 28th comment was from Carol.  So, unbeknownst to him, Seth actually picked the winner of  his artwork!

Carol has two amazing blogs: 

 Barnacle Goose Paperworks and Book Art Object 

Per her profile, Carol is a book binder trained in Sydney and Auckland, and is currently interested in drawing, print making, and all aspects of the artist's book. Her life long passions have always revolved around books, both making them and reading them in addition to natural history.  From 1980 until 2004, she worked in the Research  Library of the Australian Museum and was privileged to work in the Rare Book Collection. She is currently working  on  a series of hand made books, featuring re-drawings of marine animals depicted in 16th and 17th century natural history books.  Carol lives in Wamberal, on  the  beautiful NSW Central coast- in easy reach of 7 beaches and lagoons.   

Below, you can see a  couple of pictures from Carol's blog Barnacle Goose Paperworks.  Run over and take a look. She has gorgeous work!!  From her  recent blog post, Carol says," This frangipani was taken using Paper Camera, then put through Tiny Panets to give it a swirl. She later used  "Angry Pants" in Photo Toaster to finish it off.

 

                   
                        Another one of Carol's photos using different digital art applications on her iPhone!

                                            A beautiful photograph of Carol's below from  her  blog!

            I've been so inpired by Carol's photos that my next post will be a few photos of my own!
                                                                 So very special thanks Carol!

                What inspired you today? 

             Where does your inspiration come from?



The Pulse of Mixed Media Continues---She Said- He Said And See What YOU Said!!

IT's TiME!!

In my last post- we turned the tables on Seth Apter and asked him two questions -much like he asked the participants in his The Pulse of Mixed Media book to answer:

 Now See what he said:

She SAID:  You've indicated that your meeting with Patricia Larsen was the cataclysmic event that started your life to become the artist an author that you are today. Looking back to that time, do you think  you'd have eneted the field of art if you hadn't seen her work and visited her gallery? If so, what other event or person do you think would have taken you into the world of art? And if your answer is no, do you think that there would have been another passion that you'd be engaged in now other than art?
   
 HE SAID:  It may seem like I am not answering your first question but truly I am. I think that my meeting with Patricia was meant to be. The right place at the perfect time. It almost feels as it were my destiny, so I cannot really even contemplate my entrance into the world of art as happening in any other way than the way it actually did. In fact, it is almost impossible to imagine art not being a part of me in this period of my life.

SHE SAID: Can you also tell us what triggered you to create your infamous The Altered Page blog?

HE SAID: My frame of reference for making art has been related to community since the very beginning.  In a sense, the mail art relationship that developed immediately with Patricia was social in nature. I belonged to several Yahoo art groups back in the early days where the art was always collaborative. And I was a blog reader long before I was a blogger myself. I believe that the creative energy that was and is always brewing in the blog world is a much needed part of me being an artist. It just seemed like the natural next step to start my own.

We're all wondering...

 And 

Here's what all of YOU have said to  this question- what inspired you to create your website or blog:

---I felt like a blog was a much more friendly way to post recent work (vs. a standard website) as it provided the invitation for readers to participate in the conversation. I've met so many wonderful people through this platform! 

---My blog started as a weightloss blog. After i lost the weight i wanted to show there was more to me than a number on the scale so i shared more of myself including my artwork.  

---The reason I started my blog was because I wanted to "play" in Seth's first Disco collaboration!! He has been an inspiration to me ever since. 

--- I've only recently joined this great party, & it's why I started my blog, to join the party & not stand outside,  finding friends & focus.  ;) 

--- why did I start my blog now 5+ years ago? my blog functions as a kind of studio - virtually mess-free- I live in a quiet natural environment and I wanted a way to be here, share my work and connect with a larger community...

----Started my blog back in January 2007, when some of the wonderful people I met at a Michael Demeng workshop in Italy were starting one. It was a great way to stay in touch.....be inspired and create new and lasting relationships with artists all over the world. 

--- I started my blog to keep my beginning weaving students informed and encouraged and to stay in touch with textile friends around the world - it has grown into so much more. I will be back. 

---As for the art of Blogging: my wonderful pal Michelle Ward gently tugged at my pant leg and "encouraged me" to start!...I was always sending her links and photos, so she offered to get me started as a birthday gift. I've found it a fabulous way to push out the Creative Energy into the World. Who knows if anyone's listening?...I'll just keep doing it.  

----I started my blog as a way of making me accountable to myself, as an artist... and taking myself seriously. I also see it as a way of keeping a record of my process and evolving style.

----As to what inspired my blog - I guess I was kind of lonely. I felt kind of let down after finishing my master's thesis. Even though I was with my a great art students, I was missing my own kind. I found them again online. And that inspired me to make my own community right where I was.

 ----I started blogging to get a 'web presence' for my art... but it has become so much more. Love the connection between artists worldwide and the chance to see their work and communicate with them. It's all good. 

----  I started my site about a year ago as a way to show what I create so I don't feel so much in a vacuum. I didn't know if anyone but me would read the blog or see what I create, but since I don't sell my creations yet, I felt the need to "put it out there". What I found was an amazingly supportive and encouraging community - I've learned SO much. 

     And...

To everyone who has been following Seth's fabulous Pulse of Mixed Media magical book extravaganza, who previously knew of me or just learned about me from the 31/31 tour or perhaps from your copy of the book- please know I am humbled and honored to be a part of this wonderful blogging and mixed media

 art community. 

The Pulse of Mixed Media- Day 8 and a SUPER ARTWORK GIVE AWAY!

I'm thrilled and honored to be a part of Seth Apter's new book, The Pulse of Mixed Media, Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed.

(The Banner  above was created and affixed to my paintings  by the incredible artist- Michelle Ward.)

It's day 8 of the book's theatrical reveal -

To tell my story of its magical, magnetic, and dynamic  appeal.
 Containing heartfelt words, deep emotions and insightful thoughts-
With gorgeous original paintings and artwork so excitedly sought.
  It’s an artistic explosion- a collaboration of fun and finesse -
It's now time to celebrate
The Pulse of Mixed Media's grand success!!

   As a contributor, I was asked to create a self portrait  Here's a 

glimpse of my work titled "Essence of My Smile"!

Below is sneak peek of  "Creating Wonder from Within",   another mixed media artwork created for the book - filled with a tapestry of hidden and subtle secret meanings.    

It may be a surprise to some, but Seth and I go back a long way. In fact, I'm tremendously excited to announce that a special art and poetry collaborative project of ours titled  "The Gift" will be published this spring in the inaugural  edition of a new quarterly Art Magazine FEATURING,  founded by the amazing Marit Barentsen.

  In celebration of  The Pulse of Mixed Media, 

 And as part of the  kick off of the book-

 I'm  having  a  big GIVE AWAY!

One lucky winner will be able to say they are the very proud owner of 

 Elemental VII-a Seth Apter original work. 

 In Seth's own words,  "It is a  'one-of-a-kind'.. created on cold press watercolor paper, handmade in Montreal at the Papeterie Saint Armand."  Measuring 10" x 7 1/2", it's one of the largest pieces sold in his Etsy shop and can be seen below! This fabulous piece was originally highlighted and on exhibition at the Virtual TART site, an art website organized by artist Dale Copeland and based in New Zealand.

        All you need to do is leave a comment on this posting- and at the end of our 31/31  March book  party, I will choose one  lucky winner at random. Please make sure that I will be able to identify who you are so I can  make contact and send you this precious gift!

Seth: Now that I'm giving away one of your stunning pieces of artwork- I hope you will answer the following question for your readers:  You've indicated that your meeting with Patricia Larsen was  the cataclysmic event that started  your  life to become the artist and author that you are today. Looking back to that time, do you think you'd have entered the field of art if you hadn't seen her work and visited her gallery?  If so, what other event or person do you think would have  taken you into the world of art?  And, if  your answer is no, do you think that there would have been another passion that you'd  be engaged in now other than art.... Can you also please tell us what triggered you to create your infamous The Altered Page  blog? And for those reading this post, I would love to  hear     what inspired you to create your website or blog.

        

In conjunction with the book's release,  Seth has scheduled events across the country.  I am so excited to be part of the New York City book release  on March 31, 2012 from 10:00AM- 12:00 Noon  at the Ink Pad   along with other contributing artists including Michelle Ward, Leslie Marsh, Karen Cole, Roxanne Evans Stout and Julie Prichard!  We will be discussing our creative processes and contributions to the book, answer audience questions, show samples of our work, and sign copies of the book.  The event is free and open to the public but you must contact the Ink Pad in advance at (212) 463-9876 as seats are limited.

 With very special thanks and tremendous appreciation to everyone who has joined this amazing book tour! 

   

The Altered Page's Stacks Collaboration!

Seth Apter from The Altered Page is at it again.  He is hosting Paper Stacks, an on line collaboration of all kinds of stacks-  whether they are papers, books, journals, or anything of our liking.  Here are my stacks for the day:

  Books- Books- and...more Books!   

Hop on over to Seth's blog to see all of the imaginative posts on stacks today!

I think no matter what's around you, whether they are books, papers, plates. or even projects to do- if they are colorful and are stacked- they have a mesmerizing look and feel about them!

Revealing Thursdays- An Art Metamorphosis!

     After reading Seth Apter from The Altered Page's article  "Your Blog Your Way" in Create Mixed Media,  I've decided to try his suggestion of selecting a specific day of the week to post a work in progress (even if it's just for this week).  I've decided to change the theme just a drop today- to  Revealing Thursday's - An Art Metamorphosis!
     As those who follow my artwork may know, it's not unusual for me to either take apart works I've completed to create new ones or just rework an artwork I've already "completed".

Here's my "first version" of a mixed media artwork I created in June titled:

The Gift of Life based on the colors within the  color wheel.

Then, what usually happens is I get "this feeling" that my work needs something- I just don't  always know what it is.  So, I begin a new journey of discovering  what I want to convey and how to accomplish it.  I would guess that some artists would just create a new work- but as of now, I've been reworking my original artwork.
Below is a photo of my revised piece-replacing the words  that were on the original work to a dragonfly made with a very old  rusted nail for the spine and mesh for its wings:

And as in many of my works - I  have  included something from my mom. In this piece, it's the embroidered green leaf on the top right  corner.  

In art, as in life, it's always important to take risks, experiment, try new things, explore.  Sometimes I get it right, and at other times, my revised version just doesn't hit the mark that I had intended.  But regardless of the outcome- I'm always glad I tried.  It's the process of moving  from an idea to a work of art that's so important to me,  to learn what works, what doesn't, and hopefully- to feel great with what I've created!

What do you do when you feel an artwork of yours isn't quite how you want it to be?

 

Collections Fest-Come Feast Your Eyes!

Seth Apter of The Altered Page has been running a Sunday series of posts from his Collector's Edition - (the fifth installment) in which artists have shared their favorite collection or obsession.

(picture by Seth Apter)

Seth has put out a second invite to collaborate in his super series. I participated in Seth's first roll call - which can be seen here in his chapter 2 edition on his blog.

This next collection of mine to showcase will be on this post today, with a link to Seth's blog here.

It was difficult to think of a collection that I wanted to spotlight- that has meaning to me and is truly a collection of mine. The dictionary defines the word in the following way:

Col-lec-tion- Noun

1) the act of collecting

2)something that is collected; a group of objects or an amount of material collected in one location

3)the various holdings of an art museum

The following is a poem I wrote in response to the selection of my first collection for Seth's blog.

Collections

Can't get these collections out of my mind.

Are they singular items you just find?

Or are they calculated searches to acquire

The items of your heart's desire.

Can you collect and not have a collection?

Do you need to make a specific selection?

By calculation, is there a specific equation

To feel that amazing "drawn" in sensation?

Do you need a collection for a gratifying affection?

Are collections things you need to hold?

Never to allowing them to ever be sold?

Only for us to keep- sacred and blessed for us to behold.

Are collections always kept within our fold?

Must they be only special unique items- not made in a mold?

To warm the heart so we are never cold?

Collections- on reflection- they're our cherished items

For any purpose

We each define them for ourselves

They are our " priceless gold".

Here are a few of my collections- items that I have gathered to use in my art.

This case that holds these items is a collection now of

"one"- but hopefully, not for too long!!

It is an old Chinese medicine cabinet purchased last year to help organize some of my art books and supplies.

Well, even a cabinet of collections considered "priceless gold"

ironically holds some priceless gold!

While the "hunt" in looking for items for my collections is certainly fun, the greatest joy is in selecting just the right piece to incorporate into my mixed media artwork and seeing it within the context of my art.

Thanks so much for visiting my newest collections post- please go here to see all of the fabulous collections from other artists on Seth's blog!