Tuesday, October 27, 2009

My Muse Bonita




Hmmm, this looks rather different for my type of art.  And yet, yes indeed, this is my art.  That's a bit surprising, even to me.  Because this was made five years ago, and just months after my jump into altering books.  I think that part amazes me the most, that I created this just months into knowing anything about altered art and altered books.  I've never posted this on my blog, so I thought now would be a good time to do so.  Because this is one of my favorite AB spreads that I had mostly forgotten about.  And to be honest, also because I have no new art to post, and yet I want to make a post on my blog today.  

Long story short, I've been in an extended "dry period",  "art slump",  or whatever one calls it.  Which I'm not pleased about, but it is what it is and I'm trying to work through it.  However, there is still the issue of my blog, which is very important to me.  And it's been too long since I posted some art.  I'd much prefer to post some new, recent art, but that ain't happening right now, so I think posting some art, even though it's not new, is better than not posting at all.  Regarding how "old" art might be received, I have no idea.

When I first got into altered art, back in the spring of 2004, I was very into altered books.  So this is a spread in an AB, a still unfinished AB, a work in progress.  At least that's what I keep telling myself, but it hasn't progressed much in several years.  And I'm not even sure I'll ever finish it, but I figure hey, at least I got a great start on it.

Regarding this spread, I love the color purple, and wanted to express how I pictured my muse, so I think I went no holds barred.  I like that about this spread....and gee, just wish I could approach my art that same way all the time.  I won't go into detail about how I made this, except to hit on a few things.  The image of Bonita was from a rubbing plate.  The background under the image is sequined fabric.  The headdress and earrings are real, costume jewelry glued down.  I also used game pieces and some of the stamps were hand made with a wood burning tool on erasers.  I used an embroidery chain stitch around the edge of the right page.  I used a lot of technics and embellishments on this spread.  I hope you like it. 


15 comments:

Mary S. Hunt said...

LOL
we must be on the same kind of schedule...i just posted after long dry spell too...

it has been quite awhile since i have been here!!!
such lovely work
love the skeleton!!!

it is amazing how our work changes along the way...this look might not reflect what you are doing today
but it is still a part of yesterday
without her you wouldn't be where you are now
and we all need a muse!
:)

Unknown said...

Must be something in the air, I made 1 post in September, tomorrow I am going to do major catchup

Anyway love your muse Bonita and just wanted to say I have your prize for the altered book win for september in hand - I am going to post it when I post my piece to you - it will be worth the wait I promise

take care loving your nature and halloween pieces xxxx

nanke's stuff said...

Well, no wonder Bonita isn't with you all the time .... she's so cute, I'm sure she's off playing with other muses! Job well done. nancy

Daphne said...

I just love this spread...I looked at it and said "Val did a Journal page!" Bonita is very pretty. Please tell how you did the rubber stamps with a wood burning tool. Sounds interesting.

Christy Grant said...

I remember Bonita! She's beautiful. Yes, your style has changed, but it's all good.

Tammy Freiborg said...

Love all the patterns and textures, the tag foldouts, and the words you chose for M.U.S.E. Please show us more of your "old" work; it's new to us.

Anonymous said...

Hi Val! This is my first time at your blog. I love the Purple Altered Book you have displayed. Wow, sounds like you did a lot of neat things. Things, I would like to try one day. Well, I think I am going to look at the rest of your blog. I am in the Art Techniques group with you. Francine

bloubell said...

love the colors and your muse is sweet.I would have pictured a more fiery mother earth type.

Lisa said...

Val, your muse is "Muy Bonita"! LOL. Love the style of the art. And thanks for giving me permission to post older work on my blog. I don't make something every day and sometimes I just want to post something :-)

Lynda said...

Love Bonita! Great post.

Melissa S. said...

Val, this is a great AB page...even if from an older work. I am glad you are using it as inspiration to 'jumpstart' yourself and hope to see more of your work! I think we all go through 'seasons', even in our artwork, and you have to give yourself the grace to accept it for what it is, and don't get wrapped up in figuring it out! That will drag you down!

Michi Michaelson, Orange County, CA said...

Hi Val!
I LOVE your Muse Bonita! How cool that you included her in your altered book! How clever!!!!!

ART*ticulation said...

Hey Val or should I say Bonita great spread. My muse is Bhanu and we mesh together very well it is so awesome. I believe Bhanu is my very own inner child, she's fun, crazy, free and just plan ol incredible!
Thanks for sharing this.

peggy gatto said...

I was in a swap once we we sent a muse paper doll to another artist. When they lost their muse, they could just rely on the other one!
Like your muse!

Unknown said...

Posting your older work is creative in itself. To take the time to discuss is will start getting your juices flowing again. Thanks for the inspiration, much needed right now as you know.