Surrendering to Nature

I've had an idea for an art project in my mind for a while now.  As I look around I am constantly reminded of the force of nature on the world around us.  I started photographing images of this last year.  Images of weeds taking over fences, trees and walls.  Peeling paint damaged on walls from
years of weathering and all kinds of deteriorated objects due to water and sun. 

Finally, I felt like doing something with some of my images.  A friend of mine showed me an accordion book she was working on and a new binding technique she learned of from Catherine Anderson.  Using obliterated photos I tinted as a background, my accordion book came together.  The idea of recycling old photos as the base for my book resonated with me and my accordion book was born.

binding

Surrendering to Nature

playing catch up ~ part 1

What is a girl to do when school is on break and there are no classes to teach?  Play catch up on projects lying around the studio!

My first project was inspired by Carla Sonheim's Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals.  I started this project back in October and finished it yesterday.  I created the junk mail book using the directions found in Carla's book.  

The idea is to make a book so that each drawing interacts with the next.

cover of 'westerly migration'

back cover

 I had so much fun creating the creatures in this book.  I've actually started another.  Thanks for the inspiration Carla!

Hardbound by the Colorful Covers and Scrumptious Spines!

I was recently invited to a private book arts class.  It was held in the most gorgeous apartment on the east side with spectacular views:

view of 59th st bridge

It was a rainy spring day in NYC and I was so looking forward to a day creating art with some of my Art friends.  

Our teacher was Andrew Borloz.  He ran this class as a 'test' to iron out any kinks before starting to teach it nationally.  

Andrew Borloz holding one of his class samples

Using stencils designed by Andrew, we first painted our bookcloth.  There were so many colors and patterns to choose from it became a bit overwhelming.  I just wanted to make so many different combinations!

one of the stencils designed by Andrew

Andrew showed us how to stencil on cloth.  He has lots of tips and hints for sucessful stencilling on fabric. We quickly learned which brand of paints we preferred based on viscosity and coverage!

 Everyone's color combinations came out so beautiful and unique!

 these are mine!

   

After a fabulous lunch, it was time to start assembling the books.  And this is when I stopped taking lots of photos!  We used just about every minute absorbing the process, because for the second book we were on our own.  Of course, Andrew was there to help us, but it was sort of our final exam to see what we had learned!

gluing the spine

gluing the book boards

gluing gluing gluing burnishing burnishing burnishing

busy beavers hard at work

The end result are these gorgeous books!

I highly recommend taking this class. If you are interested, Andrew is offering it at Create in NJ in July and out in Petaluma CA in September.  You will leave with 2 beautiful handpainted, handbound cloth covered books!  Click here for info.

p.s. my books are so pretty, I don't want to write in them!

last week to register FOR THE ART OF FOOD!!!!

How would you like to spend some time with fun, intelligent, loving, welcoming, creative and inspirational people?  Then sign up for a class at ART IS YOU...Stamford!  Even better, sign up for a fun class with yours truly and my friend, loretta!  

We will entice you with our food (yes, there will be free food in our class) and of course a wealth of knowledge between us!  you will learn some background painting techniques, chalk marker lettering, collage, easy ways to use watercolor and more!  no artistic experience necessary...if you can cut and paste, you can do this class!!!  so sign up today!!!

It's almost time...

It seems like I made this book so long ago.  First it was just an idea Loretta (here's a link to more info about this class) and I were tossing around, then it became a class we are co-teaching.  There are so many ways this food memoir can be made.  One could create a 'favorite take-out menu' book, a 'wines I can't live without' book, or 'menus only a child can love' type of book. How about a 'special family recipes for the bride to be' book?  The more I think about it, it DOES seem like there are endless possibilities. Whatever your preference, it can be made into a wonderful book.

NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE AN ARTIST OR A WRITER TO MAKE A BOOK UNIQUE TO YOU.  IF YOU CAN CUT AND PASTE, YOU CAN DO THIS CLASS.

Our class will involve some writing, some painting, some collage and shhhhhh....don't tell anyone, but samples of food too! We also have a terrific kit put together to minimize dragging a suitcase of supplies to class!   From me, you will create backgrounds, learn some fun paper engineering and bookbinding.  Loretta will teach us some writing prompts and exercises.  So join Loretta and I as we spend two great days together in Stamford, CT at ART-IS...YOU art retreat COME...have some fun with us!  Sign ups are until September 25, 2013.

here's a little eye candy to tempt you...never before seen pages ~

ok, i lied, you've seen this one before, but not with the writing added!

I know you want to come to NASHVILLE!

Art-Is-You Art Retreats is coming to Nashville! 

 I am so excited to be one of the faculty teaching at this event.  My good friend and art sister, loretta benedetto marvel is co-teaching a very special class with me.  Together, we make The Poet and The Painter Sisters and our class is called the Art of Food. 

 Join us in making a mixed media book of food memories.  

It can be a cookbook with recipes, a memoir of your childhood favorites or simply a food journal.  You are only limited to your imagination!!  We will play with painting backgrounds, collaging, learn how to do an image transfer, make hidden pocket pull-outs and even learn how to create a double sliding mechanism which will all be bound with a super simple binding technique. 

 Oh, and don't forget about playing with words, washi tape and all kinds of embellishments!  And as a bonus, there will definitely be chocolate!! So start gathering up your recipes, memories and photos....it's going to be a foot-stompin' kicking up our heels kinda fun (and i'll wear my new cowboy boots)!!! Registration is open..sign up now...ART IS...NASHVILLE