Early Morning Exercises

Two more ATC's done early today. Darn, this morning art making is becoming a trend but now it really is time to do something related to the vacuum and dust rag. Maybe more art fun this afternoon as a reward?

In the Beginning

An early morning artist trading card collage. Much like our winter weather it gives me a feeling of 'other worldliness'...or maybe....just plain weird and bizarre!

And now I'm off and running and hope to jam pack my weekend with lots of interesting garage sales, fun with the husband, good food and a glass of wine or two. Enjoy.

Writing on the Wall

These small little artist trading cards started out as gelatin plate prints and ended up looking like this after I added photo transfer images from one of my abstract paintings, some marks and additional layers of paint. I like to make these little jewels to sell in my Etsy shop....they have found homes all over the world...how cool is that?

Red Eggs Nested in Ruins

My friend Melanie tells me I should post the sizes of my paintings. She said this after seeing one painting in person and saying "who knew it was this large?" Coming in at only artist trading card size (2.5" x 3.5") if seeing this painting in real life one would have to say "who knew it was this small?"

Small Wonders

A couple of weeks ago I met Laura, a lovely and talented collage artist who does lots of artist trading card sized art. Her collages are chock full of emotion and sentiment. I found them quite compelling. Laura frames these wonderful 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" pieces of art in larger white mats and they look fantastic. The large mat pulls you right in to view the small jewel they contain. Laura's work inspired me to create more ATC sized work....and....so...I did....(available in my Etsy shop should the spirit move you).

I finally found a way to display ATC's that take them beyond their small size. I stumbled upon these frames that work perfectly with a 3/4" thick painted canvas inserted into them. I think this presentation looks clean, polished and modern while showing off the textural elements of this mixed media piece perfectly.

On another note I hang my show at the Wallkill River School tomorrow. It's been a creatively busy last couple of months trying to get art finished for this. All told I finished 4 (or is it 5?) acrylic abstracts, 9 (or is it 10?) pastel paintings, 2 largish (for me) textile pieces and 6 of these small textile/mixed media studies. I wish that I had a few more things but it is what it is!

Another day, another couple of ATC's.

After making your base fabric (see post below) then you can machine or hand stitch as desired.

Why Small Art?

It seems my art work will have a spot in the Feb issue of the Danforth Museum of Art's newsletter. They feature my small 4x6er's and ATC's in their museum shop and have asked me what I enjoy about creating small art. After much thought the words below flowed out.

"What defines art? I’m certainly far from an expert but I do know that any creative work that is compelling, grabs your attention and makes you keep coming back for more is surely an artistic piece. When art work has made a connection with the viewer, that person has been affected in an extraordinary manner. By its very nature art created with cloth and thread is very textural and calls out to be touched, felt and emotionally embraced. This fact is one of the reasons I enjoy creating small textile art pieces. When the viewer is able to hold a textile piece an intimate connection develops that transcends definition. When a piece can be seen upfront and personal by propping it on a shelf by the kitchen sink, or at a desk, or near other spaces that are used in our daily lives it helps to bring pleasure to our everyday world. I also enjoy knowing that my small pieces are affordable, collectable art that can be enjoyed by those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to purchase artwork. To have the ability to bring a smile to someone’s face is a pleasure that makes this artist’s heart sing."

2 more ATC's that will be going to the Danforth Museum of Art. It seems that when people find out what artist trading cards are all about they get very excited and want to join in by starting a collection. Martha at the Danforth told me that one of her customers is spear heading an ATC group at a local nursing home there. I don't know a lot of the details right now but I'll keep you posted.

It's all about the TEXTURE, isn't it?

Made this today...so many layers of matte gel medium, papers, tissue paper, inks, diluted acrylics and pigments. I think I'll use it as a base for some ATC's.

3 little, itty bitty ATC's with rings and tulle all dressed up for the holiday season.

Maybe some day soon I'll have the time and inspiration to post a very thought provoking, intelligent or witty entry into this blog. But for now, I must post and run....this is a small study I did last night....painted and foiled cloth with silk ribbon, painted cheesecloth and glass beads.

Two tiny, little ATC's. I wonder how a bunch of ATC's joined together as an assemblage would look?

Field of Dreams

It's been an incredible week, hasn't it? I could go on and on expressing my thoughts, anger and fustration about certain people and their greed but that doesn't accomplish much. I will say this though, if the American people take it to the streets - I'll be there.

Now, can I say that I love painted cloth with added stitching? Not incredibly important in the scope of things but sometimes it's the small pleasures that bring on the smiles in our lives and help to keep us sane.

Lovely Weekend

It was a lazy kind of weekend here in the Aumick home. Didn't really get much accomplished in regards to cleaning, organizing and getting-things-in-order but who cares?! It was a gorgeous day on Saturday and we went tooling around back roads, stopping for a picnic lunch and poking around in shops. Today it's much more overcast and just a quiet, mellow kind of day. I did get these 2 ATC's done - I do love sitting on the back porch, rocking away while hand sewing...doesn't get much better than that! Both of these are currently listed for sale in my Etsy store.

Some Creative Moments

Remember this? I did a bit more work on it - adding some more color and rub, rub, rubbing with alcohol. I think it's about ready for stitching. If I'm happy with the end results I believe I will donate it to the Newburgh Cornwall Historical Society benefit art auction. I was asked to donate a piece and have been putting its creation on the back burner. Have I ever shared how often (and sometimes - well) I work under pressure?

Meanwhile, I hand stitched this little ATC last night while watching the movie Margot at the Wedding. The movie was interesting but I can't say it is a favorite.

Visiting ATC Land Again

One of the very bestest (!) things about ATC's is that I'm able to sit quietly and work on them. It helps to alleviate the guilt associated with plopping in front of the television. Last night I worked on these while my husband quietly read in the chair next to me and the television was turned to the 'Americana' (yes! I do like folky, rootsy, bluegrassy music with gospel overtones) music station. It was a very good Friday night that I'll remember with fondness for a long time.

Integration

This is my favorite ATC so far. Some of you may remember that whole series of 'Disintegration' pieces I did a while back. I'm calling this one 'Integration' since it lacks that dark element that appeared in the other series. I'm going to offer in my Etsy shop.

I think I'd like to do this in as a larger piece. I have a 3 day weekend coming up (YES) and plan to mess around and see what happens.

Happy Spring to all!

More ATC's

Time & Sunflower - 2 more ATC's...maybe I'll just make these forever. Time features a teensy, tiny inverse cathedral window done by hand.