Friday, December 5, 2008

New art -- just flying by the seat of my pants

This is something I made yesterday. I wanted to make some art, but as per usual, had no plans as to what to make. So I was basically playing around. Although I did pull out my Walnut Hollow Hot Stamps Alphabet tool, which I haven't used in ages. It's like a wood burning tool, with the alphabet and some cool stamps as nibs to screw into the heat wand. I'm glad I foraged around and pulled it out and used it. I used it to heat stamp ART and also for the circles. It's always nice to pull out tools/supplies one hasn't used in while, and put them to use again.

This is a 5x5 art squared piece on a frozen pizza cardboard base. I started out with using a dyed paper towel, something I've had for a long time, as the background. Then grabbed a paint chip and distressed it with sanding, a sharp awl, and a dress pattern tool. Which I've done before on previous art, and like doing and using in my art. After distressing the paint chip and the torn scrapbook paper, I rubbed brown paste shoe polish over them. On the bottom edge, I used a piece of scrap fabric, and frayed it. I used the frayed threads to glue down, rubbed with gold waxy stuff, and glued the key on top. So that's how I created this piece -- pretty much the way I do most of my art, or at least for some time now.

Any questions? (tongue in cheek and just kidding). I guess I'm just a "fly by the seat of my pants kind of artist" most of the time. AS IN NO PLANS, NO RULES, NO FOUL! That's what reeled me in, regarding doing "altered art" in the first place. The idea there were no rules, so I could do whatever I wanted to do. If it hadn't been for that, I doubt I would've had the daring or courage to even try to do art, or see myself as an artist. That part of it was so appealing, and so freeing....it gave me "permission" to just jump in and play around. Not that I still don't have doubts and fears and angst, a lot of the time, when I approach doing art, and also posting it. And I wonder if that will ever change??? And if I didn't have a blog, and post my art on my blog in a public forum, if I'd feel differently about it.

Well, I do have a blog and do post my art, so it is what it is. And I'm happy it is what it is. Even though I keep waiting for it to become easier!!! Clock ticking, crickets chirping....waiting, waiting. It's still not easy, after all this time.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

This is soo cool!! Thanks for sharing.
Ophelia

Anonymous said...

It is beautiful. It is fun to pull out long unused (or bought and never used) tools. Great job!
Ione

Iowa Sunshine said...

That is neat! I love it. I love seeing what you do. HUGS

Anonymous said...

Wow they keep getting more and more yummy Val! My Christmas cards took me three days! Hugs, Sanna

Annie Littlewolf said...

Very cool! I like that you pulled out a tool you hadn't used in a while. I may have to rummage around and see what I have to do that with. I haven't heard of the tool you used, though. Wonder if it is still around to buy? I like your layout.
Annie

Sharon House said...

Lovely colours Val! Hmmm I have one of those tools... use it mainly for jewelery...will have to remember this the next time I am messing around with paint! Thanks for the tip.

Sharon
http://www.mystoryart.com

Sue Farace said...

Val,

great job - I like the lighter color of the "tag" Art is written on, it gives the piece a nice place to focus on. I also like the key - nice symbolism.

sue.

Anonymous said...

Interesting piece. Now that it's done and you look at it, what does it say to you?

I find when I create intuitively I rarely know what my soul is painting until after I'm done and stare at it, then the real story unfolds.

Anonymous said...

I've been reading your blog and drooling over your artwork... they are just gorgeous. I wish I could do similar. I am totally "art challenged". I've been reading and watching.. trying to learn. I have quite a library, but am chicken to try to do anything. It's fascinating to me that you fly by the seat of your pants... a perfect description. I will definitely TRY.. Thanks for the encouragement. Do you do any sewing (hand or machine) on your work?

LynnP
Rockford, IL

Elizabeth Golden said...

I like how you gave your self permission to jump in and play. Remembering old toys to play with is always fun. I think you have given me a mantra for this week. Love the piece Val!

Anonymous said...

I love it, Val! I can't imagine coming up with something nearly as wonderful without planning and all. Great piece of art!

di from di-did-it said...

Another cool piece ~ very nice! I'm going to have to become an official follower to keep up with your work.

Heather Robinson said...

I love it that you just play. You sit down and create whatever you wish. I have a tendancy to tie myself up with commitments. I need to take a page out of your book because I just love the sense of freedom in your pieces!!

The Tattered Rose said...

I always love your pizza box art! and this is no exception. I'm having a Valentine's Day Charm Swap over at my blog. I hope you'll check it out. Cheers, Trish G.