Saturday, November 1, 2008

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.

29 comments:

Irene said...

That's how I want learn how to make collages, but without a teacher, I am on my own and I will never learn how. I can only pick up ideas here and there. I think you did a fantastic job and I am green with envy at the meticulousness of it all. Simply super.

Anonymous said...

WOWZERS this is awesome girlie! I love the colors and the textures! It looks like a whole lot of fun! I think I really need to do this! I am going to have to go look for this Red Rosin paper! Hopefully it is in my small budget! I want to take a class again!

Unknown said...

looks like you had a bunch of fun. good on ya

Kate Robertson said...

Wow fantastic.I'd love to have been in that class. I too learn a lot on my own and really appreciate your sharing your art and experience.

Kate

John M. Mora said...

cere.bral and rand.ohn open.end.ed

smart.shades ener.gee effi.cent

i.know.that.pink.paer.roll

Virginia said...

Oh I don't know where you live but I wish I could have joined you for this class. I would LOVE to do this. COllage is something the frustrated painter in me really yearns to do but came seem to loosen up enough. Thanks for the walk through the process.
V

Anonymous said...

Darn, just wrote a whole comment and it disappeared. As I was saying...WOWEE!!! This is beautiful work! I so wish I could take a bunch of classes and workshops. I've been winging it and there's so much I want to do but don't know how to begin.

I'm with you on how the pieces have a way of evolving on their own. It's always a surprise when the story unfolds towards the end of a piece. And always on such a personal level. But then, how could it be otherwise?

Thanks for visiting and all your lovely comments. I am so glad I found YOUR blog, too!

Anonymous said...

Just found your blog! Hi! :) These pages are lovely. I'll have to check out that paper at Home Depot.

Deborah Truesdell said...

Andrea,

Great to see your class results here on your blog. This was one of the best classes I have had in a while. I, too loved the "working with out getting to think too much about it" aspect of Karen's collage class. I'd take another class from her in a heartbeat.

Hugs to you!

Anonymous said...

All kinds of amazing Andrea! I love the colours, the images, the patterns...

Thanks for the info on what you used and how you used it too. I'm inspired! I will have to give the style of book a go too.

Cory said...

Wow...the class sounds wonderful and thanks for the heads up on red rosin paper.

Thank you so much for the kudos, tiny collages are loads of fun to do.

Seth said...

spectacular book. the colors and images really sing!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful colour - your pages look really vibrant.
Karen

Anonymous said...

Oh, superbes couleurs ! I love, it's luminous ! So cut !
Kisses from France,
Tatieva

Susan Tuttle said...

Freedom and reckless abandon in the studio -- I'm all over it!

Lovely pieces!

Susan
xo

Anonymous said...

I am so loving this! Love how you made it into a book!

Artists With Artitude said...

You make it look so easy! I am always inspired...you have a knack of finding the most unusual materials. I actually had to go and research that Red Rosin paper.Its name is so poetic ..

John M. Mora said...

Good to hear from ya.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Our best.

Why must I always choose an identity?

Anonymous said...

Hi Andrea: Your rosin paper book is absolutely beautiful, the colors are amazing and of course, your art is fabulous, I love it : ) I clicked on the link for Karen O'Brien but she does not show any classes in AZ. also looked for your e-mail add to write to you, could you e-mail me at TwoFriends@npgcable.com, I'd love to ask you a bit about the stamps, etc., you used in this class. thanks in advance if you can and if not I'll understand : )
Love & Blessings, Sandra in AZ

John M. Mora said...

dear prudence, won't you come out and play....

Lucky Dip Lisa said...

Dropping in to say "hi" and 'how are you?" Hope you are well!

Joy Logan said...

Fabulous book!

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Anonymous said...

I enjoyed reading your blog. Keep it that way.

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