Creation Quotation Thursday

THE QUOTE: “Creativity makes a leap, then looks to see where it is.” - Mason Cooley

THE IDEA: To give yourself a limited amount of time to create something in order to take that flying leap.

THE ART: I had this wonderful piece of bubble paper I made in the summer and had been hoarding it. I also had this wonderful stamp sent to me by Janice at Papier Valise, that is a Lost Aussie design put the two together et voila! 20 minutes and I have art! YAY! You can't really tell from the photo, but the sailor boys have been added on top of the original image and are raised so the collage is more 3D.

If you are interested in joining in Creation Quotation Thursday or getting more information, you can click here OR the lovely CQT button on the right will take you there! Happy creating!

The cover of my calendar for the MMCA RR. I made it from pieces of a vintage quilt and appliqued the faerie on and added primitive stitchery. The cover is a sleeve so it can come off if other artists want to work with paint. 

January Faerie. 

I love the way the wings came out on this one. 

Calendar RR

I am doing an Altered Calendar Round Robin with other members of MMCA. Above I have posted some of the pages I did. More are on my Flicker, which you can see by clicking on the Flicker badge on the right had side of my blog. (The pictures are dark because it's stormy here today. It's been raining for about 5 weeks straight and it's gloomy!!)

I have it all packaged up and ready to go out this afternoon. I won't see it now till this time next year! WOW! Meanwhile I am waiting for Katie Kendrick's calendar to arrive so I can work on it! Should be an interesting project!

All & Sundry

Just a quick update on a number of things going on in my little corner of the world.

First of all, I have added some new blog links to my list at the left of this posting. I had meant to do it sooner, but I have been so busy the last 2 weeks I just couldn't find the time. Do check them out though-lots of interesting artsy folk to visit with!

I am also struggling with deadlines. I have come to the conclusion that while art is in large part a joy, it can also be painful. I am finding it so with a deadline that is looming and zero inspiration for this project. I had alot initially, but then I had an accident and ruined all the work I did and had to start over. It was at that point I lost my enthusiasm. I am plugging away though and hope to have it off my plate tomorrow so I can go on to another project that I am excited about starting. (More on that later!)

On a happy note, while I was away in Halfmoon Bay teaching this past weekend, my friend Nadine, who is a bookbinder (and owner of Art Escape Studio) taught me to do single needle coptic stitch binding. I have been wanting to learn this for just about forever because 1. I LOVE handmade journals and 2. coptic lies perfectly flat, which is something I appreciate in a journal. I managed to make TWO journals in a few short hours and according to Nadine, did a pretty good job of it. I love the sewing part-it's so relaxing and once I learned the formula, it was easy to remember what to do. I have already bought more paper so I can make more journals! Can't wait!!

When I get a spare moment, I want to post some pics of goodies I have received in the mail from friends lately. It's so lovely to get a packet in the mail almost every week with a note, a trinket, some token of friendship or art (or both!) sent "just because". I really do have the best friends in the world. They are all such amazing human beings and so very kind and sweet to me. I am very blessed.

Also of note are two new toys, one of which I have already added to my collection and the other that's on its way. I bought myself an electronice Dymo labler. I love it. It prints out these nifty little tags that I can use to organize my unmounted rubber stamp boxes and things like that. I also have a Rubicoil on its way. I decided that it was worth it for me to buy one, since I do enough collaboratives to make it necessary. I love TOYS!! Tools, gizmos, art supplies! FUN!!

And the countdown to Artfest continues. Only 57 more sleeps!! Speaking of which, if I head off now, that's one more crossed off the calender! G'night!

Published!

Paper Artsy has just come out with their new catalogue and guess what? Some of my art has been published in it! I have two 3D slide mount pins on the Wings page and my Think Happy Thoughts bottlecap pin is on the Buttons page both under my nickname, Faith.

It's hard to show the real beauty of this catalogue in these pictures but let me tell you, the whole thing is gorgeous. The catalogue is a work of art itsself-it's an interesting size, the paper lovely tactile feel to it and the way the products are presented in really unique. It's like nothing I have ever seen before and I think Leandra and her crew have done an amazing job!

I have been working on Paper Artsy's design team since July 2004 and I really love this company. Their products are top knotch and they are an absolute pleasure to work with. It's really great to see them growing. If you haven't visited their site in awhile, go have a peek-there are many many new sheets of rubber to tempt you! Happy oogling!

In Loving Memory

Mail Art Call!!

Hi Gang, I got this in my email tonight. Gail is someone I know online who lives in the small town of Trail in the BC interior. She has been working hard to promote mixed media/ altered art/ATCs in her town. It's really exciting that she has managed to generate enough enthusiasm that there will now be a show!

I know it would really mean alot to her to have support on this project so if you would like to do a Random Act of Kindness, or just want to participate because it interests you, please consider creating art for this show and sending it in. I would really love to see this show be successful for her just because she is a lovely person and when you live in a small town, something like this is a big deal.

Here is all the info and please note that this project has a long lead time-the deadline for submission is not till AUGUST so for you busy folks, there is LOTS of time to create something!

Any questions, please email Gail directly. I am sure she will be happy to hear from you! Thanks everyone and please let me know if you are participating-I would love to know!

***************************************************

VISAC (Community Gallery & Art Centre), (Trail, British Columbia, Canada) invites you to participate in the Kootenay Region's 1st International Mail Art Exhibit:

SHADOW & EVIL IN FAIRYTALES
Artist Gail D. Whitter, coordinator.

All visual/verbal forms of Correspondence/Mail Art welcome, including: letters; concrete/visual poetry; postcards; artwork; add & pass; collages; recycled mail art; photographs; music; newsletters; artist books, project invitations; rubberstamps; artist stamps & Artist Trading Cards.

Create in any media.
Maximum Size: A4 (8.5 inches x 11 inches)
Works may be 2-D or 3-D.
Include name & email address.
No jury. No entry fee. No returns.
Documentation to all participants.
Deadline: August 25th, 2006

Exhibit will run October 13th-31st in VISAC, which reserves the right not to display any art that is pornographic or violent. (School children will visit the exhibit).

*Artist Trading Card Artists: Original cards only. If you wish to have us complete a trade for you at the close of the exhibit, you must send an SASE (or IRC) with sufficient return postage. Send entries in a 9-up sheet with name & contact info on the back of each card.

Send entries to:

Shadow & Evil in Fairytales
Gail D. Whitter
c/o VISAC
1501 Cedar Avenue
Trail, B.C.,
Canada V1R 4C7

For more info: gahlil2006@hotmail.com

Please pass this information on to any artists that might be interested.

Alphabetica

I went to my library and picked up Alphabetica. I am still waiting for my copy to show up but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have a sneak peek. I am telling you, this book made me want to run straight home and MAKE ART! It's phenomenal! If you are looking for a book that will inspire you over and over again, this is it!

The pictures are beautiful, the artwork is gorgeous and you will find yourself pouring over each page to take in the tiniest of details. There are also really great instructions and ideas shared throughout. I know when I get my copy, I am going to be tabbing it and making notes and all that artsy good stuff.

Lynn Perrella, wherever you are, I adore you! You write the most amazing books and I am so incredibly glad you do! My new rule is that if it has your name on it, I am buying it!

RUN, don't walk to your nearest bookstore and get this book! You won't be disappointed!

Confessions of a Bookworm

I have made it my mission in life to update the mixed media art section of my local library. When I first got involved in altered art, I thought I would simply go down to the library and take out a bunch of books and learn something. NOPE! My library (and others in the lower mainland) had an archaic collection of books from the 1970's with crafty stuff in chintz and florals. Most of the projects involved glue guns, woggley eyes and glitter. There were books on painting, books on collage but nothing where medias were combined and all of it was tacky. TACKY I tell ya!

So, I started to buy myself books to create my own altered art/mixed media library and as I found books that I really liked-ones that taught me alot and I felt were well worth the money, I would go down the the library and request they purchase them. At my library, that involves talking to the person at the reference desk and asking them to fill out a request. The library (like all public resources) has limited funds and so I was always told as I submitted a book title for purchase that there were no guarantees. Well guess what? Not once has one of my requests been denied. Every single book I have asked for has shown up! And so slowly, book by book, I have quietly been building up the resources for mixed media artists in my area.

I tell you this for a couple of reasons. First of all, if there is an area you are interested in and your library doesn't have anything current or helpful in that area, do a little research through Amazon and find out what's out there. Once you have some titles to work with, ASK your library if they would bring them in. I would recommend only asking for 1 or 2 at a time and then wait to see if they purchase them. If they do, then ask for a couple more.

Secondly, the library is a public resource. It's funded by your tax dollars and therefore, you have a right and a responsibility to help decide how those dollars are spent. Have you ever given any thought to WHO decides what books to purchase? Why can't it be you? As an artist, I think it's important to make sure that if someone was interested in Altered/Mixed Media art they could find books on that subject. If I don't suggest them, then who will?

Third, I think it's important to support those artist who are working hard to provide resource materials to the rest of us by writing books. Do you have any idea the amount of time and energy that goes into a book? When I made art to be included in a couple of books, it took a whole year from the time I was approached, then made the art, submitted it, had it sent to the publisher, had it photographed and then waited to see it in the book. (And that was just my small part in it! The author had the hard part!) I want to support these people because they are paving the way for others to discover the joy of creating.

So think about it. Lynn Perrella's Alphabetica has just arrived at my library, joining several other titles I had a hand in choosing. I smile when I see all of them on the shelf. Happy reading!

Website Woes

Congratulations! If you are reading this, then you bookmarked my blog and have not been accessing it through my website. If you had been doing that, you would have noticed that my website is an utter disaster. I had a major glitch uploading new pages in an effort to resolve a previous glitch and now NOTHING is working. (Don't look-just take my word for it.)

In any case, I am now trying to decide what to do-try and fix it or scrap it and start from scratch? Either way, I am looking at a whole lotta time. *sigh*

I will let you know when it has been resolved. In the meantime, I am off to bang my head on the desk.

*Edit: I am hoping to at least have it restored to where it was before this morning (acess to galleries etc. still working) soon. Wish me luck!

More News!

This is the week of newspaper interviews! I just got an email from Mollie Foster who is a reporter with the Western Washington University newspaper telling me the article did indeed get published!

I did a phone interview with her last week and also supplied her with a wealth of information about ATCs. If you would like to see the article, click here. The best part was seeing my signature image for my website, Angel of Lost Buttons, which is one of my first ATCs in the article. (I recently revamped my business cards to include this artwork.) I am hoping to have a paper copy of the article in hand soon!

Congrats also go out to Gretchen Goodwin, Laura Russell and Wendy & Steve Schwartz, friends of mine who were also mentioned in the article and to Mollie for a job well done!!

Little Bit O' News

I made the local paper up in Sechelt where I teach at the beautiful Art Escape Studio. It's a short article but it was really nice to get a mention.

The paper version of the article has a photo of Nadine (who owns the studio) and I with my art. She is sending me a copy. If you would like to see the online version of the article, you can click here.

Congrats to Nadine! First the radio, now the paper! Way to go!!

Comments

Hi Everyone,

After much thought, I have decided to try allowing the comments feature on my blog. I haven't had it on before now because I was worried about being overwhelmed with email but we'll see how it goes. It's not that I don't want to hear what people have to say-not at all! I just feel like if someone is going to take the time to share with me, then the least I could do is respond back. (I am very old fashioned about manners.) So... I will give it a try and see. Looking forward to hearing from you! ;)

Blog Update

My friend Gerri Newfry has just started a new blog and I have added it to my list on the left. Some of you might recognize her name from her recent article in the January CPS! Gerri makes the most beautiful polymer clay books and teaches as well. Please check out her blog for some wonderful inspiration!

Congrats Gerri on the article-it was fantastic!

Food For Thought

Recently I have been thinking about how people react to other people's success. It's been interesting to see who celebrates with you and who lets the green-eyed monster of jealousy rear it's ugly head. It's been difficult for me to deal with the latter, since I am the first one to congratulate someone if they are doing well and I am also the person who will prop someone up and encourage them if they are not.

I think the reason some people react negatively is because they have this mistaken idea that there is a finite amount of success and if you are having it, it means their chances of finding it decrease. I have no idea where this comes from! The Universe doesn't work that way. My truth is that if I am successful at something, it means I can stop working so hard for a minute, take a breath, then put my hand out and pull someone up with me.

I was sharing these thoughts with a friend and she shared this with me:
(It says "woman", but I would actually say "being" instead.)

Ten Commandments of Creative Women

1. You will always remember: You are a creative woman.
2. You will honor your creativity by nurturing it.
3. You will honor your sister's creativity by nurturing it also.
4. You will allow yourself to take creative risks.
5. You will use your creativity to express and increase the beauty of the world.
6. You will use your creativity to express truth.
7. You will use your creativity to see more beauty.
8. You will allow yourself and your art to be a work in progress.
9. You will allow your creativity to be the "true voice" you hear when others may scoff.
10. You will accept and love yourself during times of feeling fallow, trusting this quiet time is necessary to precede new birth or creation


I think this would be a great thing to print off and keep in your workspace. It's good to remember to be kind and careful about how we treat other people. We are all striving to be our best selves, whether we are artists or not and it doesn't take anything away from you if you are supportive of another person's success. It actually says alot about your integrity if you can have a moment of "Gee, I wish that was me too" and then be truly happy for someone else.

When in doubt, do what is kind.

Inspiration

I was sitting here just now thinking about who inspires me artistically and several people come to mind, one of which is Emmy Tofa. Emmy has this wonderful knack of making a silk purse out of a sow's ear. By that I mean she can make something beautiful out of things that most people would just throw away. I have seen her use other things like tin cans, sardine tins, old nails and hubcaps to create her art. She doesn't model herself after anyone else's style-she carves her own unique artistic path.

Emmy also makes these incredible found paper journals which feature a mish-mash of discarded papers that she finds in her travels. They are wonderfully creative and if you didn't want to use them as a journal, you could pull them apart and use the papers in your own artwork. Anything goes!

I think what I admire most about Emmy is that she is someone who is bold, not only in her artwork, but also in her life. Emmy is not afraid to be who she is-she is spiritual, kind, inventive, resourceful and just outright joyous about being herself. If I am lucky, maybe some of that magic will rub off on me! ;)

Happy New Year!

Hello everyone and welcome to 2006! I hope everyone had a good New Year's. My husband and I marked the 16th anniversary of our first date (a Philly vs. Vancouver hockey game) on New Year's Eve. Time really seems fleeting when I think that it's been that long!

What you are looking at here is a view of the Sear's Tower in downtown Vancouver, taken from Gastown, where we were on New Year's Day. It was really cold and windy on Sunday. The birds were wheeling in the sky and I told my guys that a storm was coming. It did-we got one heck of a wind storm!

We celebrated New Year's Day by going downtown to the Union Gospel Mission to drop off clothes and bedding and then had lunch at the Spaghetti Factory, followed by a movie. The trip to the mission to donate clothes has become a bit of a family tradition. I think it's important to be a steward of your possessions and when I have things I can't use, then I like to give them to someone who can. I have always maintained that you never have too little that you can't share something. (Plus I think it's also just really good karma.)

Anyway, the art making begins in ernest this year. I am in the middle of a True Colours RR with friends that is at the half way point. (We got a bit derailed by my house disaster and then hurricane Katrina for another participant, but we are back on track now.) I am also doing an altered calendar RR with friends from MMCA which stated January 1st. So far I haven't had a spare minute to work on mine, but I will get on it by the weekend.

Oh and Artfest is less than 3 months away now!! I am counting the days and *so* excited. I am trying to gather what I need in the way of supplies for these classes little by little so I don't have to panic the week before. I am about 1/2 way organized. It's going to be a blast!

Well, that's about all the news I have to share right now. I am off to art supply shop with a friend this morning. How does one run out of gel matte medium anyway?