This is a spread I did in my Melange Book, probably my most favorite handmade book of mine. It was a project done in my local book arts group a while back. Well, more than a while. It was a very challenging project....but also loads of fun. I never would've created this book if it hadn't been a group project, and I'm so grateful it was, because it totally motivated me to do this and get it finished. It was a group project, but we each created our own books. Oftentimes, I need that kind of motivation. And also the help and support that was so generously provided by other members of our super-great local group!!! I'm oh so fortunate and grateful that we have such a fantastic book arts/altered art group in my area, the Denver metro area, and that I've been a member for over five years. Our group is still going strong, and I hope it always will. And I only wish that all of you artists out there could have a group like this in your area.
The left page is a fabric page of painted muslin, with lace, ribbon, rick-rack, and buttons glued down, and frayed along the edges. The right page has cool scrapbook paper as the background. The lower part is a pocket of fine copper mesh, with an altered CD inserted. I glued down four rusted bottle caps....I always love rusted found objects, that's for sure. The fiber is eyelash yarn (at least I think that's what it's called).
To be honest, I'm going through a difficult time in my life right now, and so making art has kind of been relegated to the back burner. I've been in an extended art slump, which has been quite frustrating and bewildering. But beyond that, I'm dealing with some painful family issues/realities, that have really knocked the air out of me. Sometimes, reality really BITES as I'm sure all of you can relate to and understand. However, I want to keep my blog current, because it's important to me to do so. There are a lot of things in life I don't have control over, but I do have control over my blog. And it helps me to keep it going and current, or as much as I'm able to. I know this too, shall pass, and better days are up ahead, but for now, I'm rather down under. So please bear with me on this. Thank you.
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11 comments:
Val- I believe honesty keeps you in touch with your creative self. I'm glad you are posting- just that in itself will keep your art self motivated.
Pam
Love your Melange Book (and pretty much everything you do). As for all the "issues" that interfere with art... If you feel like making art, do. If you don't, then use that time for something else, like reorganizing supplies and all the art stuff we accumulate. Other times, you might find out that it feels really good to make "ugly art"... just slop some dark, harsh colors you don't like onto some paper. It may end up as a background for some "dark" journaling, or you may paint over it some day and make something happy. But, no matter what is going on in your life, always take care of You.
Hang in there.
Pat
Val, this spread is stunning and I'm so glad you posted it. Hang in there - I know it's a cliche, but things will get better. Sometimes cliches are true. Treat yourself gently and just do what you can ... the rest can wait. nancy
Your pages are very good. How I would love to have such a group in my area in uk. People dont seem to do that sort of thing around here although they always like mine.
Try the book about Painting Self Portraits by someone Cato I got mine from the library so cant quite remember the title. It has some good advice about mood painting so keep arting. Jean
Val, love your book! I will pray for your situation....
This too shall pass. Sure doesn't feel like it at times but He's always there with you.
Pat
Sending you hugs!!! You sound like you want to make art but things in your life, your thoughts, your inability to control external forces, all of it is keeping you from what you love to do. I suggest taking a journal and writing non-stop for an hour. Then gesso, paint, glue, tape over every page - cover it up. Might come out dark and ugly but just do it. When you some time again, gesso all over it once more and paint, glue pictures, draw, and write what is good and beautiful in life and on earth. You have given so much of yourself to others and are greater for doing so! Now take care of yourself!
Val, hang in there. I'm going through a bad time too, but you give me inspiration especially being open about how you're feeling. Yes, it is important to keep up your blog (I'm still learning), and I have other issues that keep me from being the artist I think I can be. I don't want fame, I just want to express myself, but I just don't give myself permission. And when things go especially wrong at home, creativity goes out the window and hides under a rock or behind a tree. Sorry this comment is long, but I'm running into this feeling from a lot of fellow altered artists lately...like a creativity flu. Anyway, I know you'll be out of your slump real soon. Mostly take all the other's advice posted here and take care of you! hugs, Terry
Hola Val! Beautiful book and so are you. I can see you feeling fabulous on the other side of this "funk". Laughing and saying how good it is to be done with that mess. Squint and look.. see it? Yup... it's coming faster than you can imagine.... Rock on Val!!!!
~Christina
I also want to send hugs and best wishes.
Val, beautiful pages! Sorry that you are going through a hard time, it reminds the rest of us how lucky we are in this moment in time. I'm just busy! but I also miss my dad since the anniversary of his passing is coming up next week. November sucks! But I got family, friends, internet friends and my puppy to comfort me. I send happy thoughts to you! Donna CPS
Hi... Thank you for sharing, not only your art, but your heart, too. I am sorry for your hard time, but... I am also anticipating the day you can say, tha "this too HAS passed." You know that the Lord can use our difficult times to encourage growth in us, to bless others to have open hearts to salvation, to build character, perseverance and hope in our hearts. As we Trust In, Cling To, Rely On, and Believe In Jesus, this can happen. Remember that art is an outlet, but it should NEVER take the place of prayer and going to the Lord when things get too rough. He is our most faithful Lord. He has promised to "never leave or forsake" us. He promised, and I can attest to this, "No temptation (or trial) has taken you except what is common to man, but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, but will, with the temptation, provide a way of escape." (1 corinthians 10:13)
I know it is not easy to do this but PRAISE THE LORD IN EVERY SEASON!!! For "The Lord inhabits the praise of His people". Where His presence is is peace, hope, healing, help, and all else we need. Let Him reign and rule, and let Him fill you with His indescribable peace that passes understanding, joy to overflowing, and hope. For "Faith is the substance of things HOPED for, the evidence of things NOT YET seen." Corinthians...
With many thoughts and a virtual hug,
celita
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