RaNdOm sToRyBoOk

In my never-ending quest to uncover the great mysteries
that beseige my mind, I took another class. This time taught
by a fellow artist named Karen O'Brien.

I consistantly ask myself, why do I need another
class on collage, on paint, on whatever? what more is it that
I must know, that I haven't already figured out and then like
a slap in the face I remind myself that while life is ebbing
and flowing so are my creative endeavors. There is a
constant discovery and re-discovery of new and old. There is
always something new to discover.

While Karen's class-"Uncover the Mystery" was about collage
techniques and the use of new and old products, I found it
taught me more about freedom and reckless abandon in the
creative process. The ability to abandon one's pre-concieved
idea, or knowledge about a certain technique, or process
and to just create quickly, too quick to know what will
happen next.

I generally create my pieces without pre-conceived ideas
but then as they mysteriously begin to unfold, I work them
more methodically.

We all started with an 18 X 24 piece of Red Rosin paper
made up of 100% recycled fibers. This paper is used in
building materials sometimes first layer of roofing or as
paint drop cloth. (Home Depot or Lowe's on a roll)

We randomly covered this paper in gesso to give the paper
a reliable surface for painting.

18 X 24 Red Rosin paper, random collage imagery,
layers of paint, gel medium, monoprinting, stamping,
water soluble oil pastels and ink.

I've flipped the paper around and worked both sides. I
wanted to make a single-cut maze folded book. Once the
collaged paper was complete and dry enough to manipulate
it was folded into halves and then quarters and a single cut
was made to allow the paper to be folded into a book.

The back cover and the pages in between seen below:



Here is my randomly collaged, painted storybook, which
I ran through the sewing machine for some zig-zag stitching.

I've really enjoyed this process of working quickly and
with spontaneity. This is a great exercise to relieve your
artist's block and to free your creative process. I've already
prepped some larger pieces of Red Rosin paper for more fast
and furious exploration.

Thought for today: "If you don't know what your passion is,
realize that one reason for your existence on earth is to find
it"

I thank you for your kind words and your visits. My other
blog locale is here: "The Way I See It"

Please remember to exercise your right to "V O T E " Tuesday, November 4th.