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.

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!

Hayrolls in a Shawangunk Ridge field. Fortunately these agricultural icons can still be seen around this area in the summer and fall. These provide such a nicer view than a strip mall or a new house devoid of character.

Now I'm going to try a presentation experimentment with ATC's. More to come.

Music

Interwoven layers circling around, surrounding us, reaching deep inside, creating or touching emotions, transporting us to other places and times - if even just for a few minutes.
The ATC above is an interpretation of music. It consists of dyed cloth that was discharged, soy waxed, painted and then screen printed. There's also a bit of cloth that was rubbed with oil pastel sticks...and some free motion quilting...and a lot of joy.

Artist Trading Card

And here's the ATC with some stitching and a bit of added dyed silk organza pieces. Still looking for an oil or acrylic artist to trade with. Anyone interested? If not, this piece will go into my Etsy shop.

Inspiration

I have been unable to create this past week....due to many reasons. This morning I knew I had to feed my soul or run the risk of these lethargic blues overwhelming me. This small piece of cloth happened. I plan to add a bit of stitching and make it into an ATC. Because I need to surround myself with inspiration I'd like to trade this piece for an ATC done by an oil or acrylic artist. If anyone is interested please email me at daumick@hvc.rr.com

"Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it." (John Maxwell)

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.

First One

A piece of that fabric paper pictured in my last post with added gold foiling, hand stitching and painted paper image.

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.

Some ATC's I just finished!

These are a couple of ATC's I did using that first quilt then over paint, then spray with alcohol, then paint again, then spray with rubbing alcohol, then paint....you get the idea...technique I've used so often in the past. It feels good to visit an old friend again.

Another ATC done last night while watching quite a bad movie....that newest Indiana Jones one. I can only recommend this movie to those who enjoy bad plot lines, no character development, unrealistic action and poorly done Hollywood extravaganzas. All I can say is give me a good indie film any day over monster budgets.

All is Calm, All is Bright

Apparently all of my ATC's at the Danforth Museum of Art sold on Christmas Eve day! What a lovely holiday gift. So...last night after all the hullabaloo was over and 1/2 the overnight guests had left I started work on some more for the Museum Shop. I have many commitments that must be kept in the upcoming weeks. Looks like 2009 is starting off busy.

Hope everyone's New Year brings peace and hope.

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

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