{ Watercolor Meditations : Part One } : Circles // Inktober Challenge

I decided to jump in on the Inktober Challenge after I watched Traci Bautista’s online videos for her upcoming new Masterclass. I was SO inspired by the Bautista works with ink, I knew I had give it a try.

Most of my work these days is in ink…both India ink and spray ink. I had never really explored wet on wet media and I truly loved the dreamy effects it gives my papers.

Due to amount of work created during the first half of this monthly challenge, I decided to break my pieces down by type. I started off with circles that were created by using the droppers directly out of the India ink bottles on wet paper and Jane Davenport watercolor pens for detail.

I work in many books at one time (anywhere from 4-6, which include Moleskine watercolor books, spiral bound journals and loose mixed media paper to create my own Idea or Challenge Books).

Working on these loose pages and in my journals truly has been a meditative experience. I left my studio feeling relaxed, productive and clear headed which makes me a better mother, friend and employee. I am currently wrapping up TWO journals (that I will put in a video) on Instagram and will keep plugging away on Inktober.

{ NEW WORKS : Personal Graffiti } : October 2018 //

I was recently asked to participate in a group show for the holidays. I am completely honored to be a part of this group. I admire and respect the work they do, so I jumped on the chance to be included. But here’s the thing…I did not make ONE SINGLE BOOK in 2017. Not one.

‘Never Be’ 5.5 x 9 x 1” : (Binding View)

I did this for several reasons. One was BURNOUT. I was just frustrated. My books were not selling at various local galleries…or on Etsy…or at art fairs. So I quit. I quit making books.

‘Never Be’ 5.5 x 9 x 1” : (Front Cover View)

I realize now that this was not my best decision. To walk away from what I LOVE based on what the market told me? That is not me. That is not who I am as a Creative Person. I create because if I do not, I am do not feel Whole.

‘Never Be’ 5.5 x 9 x 1” : (Back Cover View)

So I started making books again. And I love them. They are funky and grungy and messy and so, so, so BEAUTIFUL. Just like me.

‘Never Be’ 5.5 x 9 x 1” : (Endcover View)

‘Let Them Go’ 5 x 7 x 1” : (Binding View)

‘Let Them Go’ 5 x 7 x 1” : (Front Cover View)

‘Let Them Go’ 5 x 7 x 1” : (Back Cover View)

‘Let Them Go’ 5 x 7 x 1” : (Endcover View)

My show with Ellen Braaten, Martha Sullivan and others will be on Saturday, December 1st from 10am-4pm at 702 York Street in breathtaking Blacksburg, Virginia.

{ 40 Day Markmaking Challenge : Part One }

Back in May, I become enthralled with Helen Terry’s blog post about her experiment with the 40 Day Mark-making Challenge. She made her own handmade book with loads of different types of paper with the commitment of making marks for 40 consecutive days.

I loved the concept and decided to embark on my own 40 Day Mark-making challenge. I enjoyed it so much that working in one book a day was not enough. In this week’s blog post, I will share various pages from my own handmade book. Papers include vellum, found/salvaged, handmade, watercolor, drawing, Kraft papers and more!

I used watercolors, India inks, spray inks and of course, my beloved cola pens. There were many failures…the challenge of so many different papers consumed me. Below are the experiments that I found acceptable.

Be warned…taking on the 40 Day Mark-making Challenge is addictive!

{ I RULE MY DESTINY } : A Summer 2005 Art Journal Revisited

I distinctly remember this summer. One of my last true hurrahs while in my 20s. Way too much drinking, smoking and dancing my ass off. I had a great summer with a man I am still in touch with online. Every weekend (and let's be honest...sometimes we bailed on work, too) we would travel to wherever the music was to take it all in. I lived right outside of Asheville, NC at the time, so music and art were easily accessible and we took advantage of it often. We traveled to San Fran to check out a 3 day WSP show, went to Charleston, SC to see Rusted Root and Atlanta, GA to check out Spoonfed Tribe. The music was endless and so were the nights!

In my first art journals, I would burn the edges of my paper prior to gluing them. I did not want the straight edge of cutting but I had not learned to appreciate the wabi sabi of torn edges.

I had not developed my own style yet and was looking in books to copy other artists. At the time, I lived in the middle of nowhere and the internet was not something people had in their homes yet. I do remember this hand drawn guy. I had said, "Gravy, Baby" to a friend of mine who thought I said, "Groovy, Doobie." We thought this was hilarious.

Even back then, I was drawn to weird and freaky images. I have embraced them more as I grow more confident with my style. I think getting older has helped me too. I make art that I like and am not so worried about what others think (or what will sell).

My love of stamps is obvious in my earlier work. The only stamps I use now are handmade and I never use letter stamps. I have grown more confident with my handlettering.

The one and only time I ever used feathers in an art journal spread...

Don't really use the ribbon or fibers techniques either...although I think children would love to use them in their art journals they make with me at camp this summer!

And finally, my life long love, Keller Williams! Have not seen him live in years. I grow more introverted the older that I get and going to large music events with lots of people is not as appealing as it was when I was younger. But the summer of 2005 was a good one.

Does the simplicity of this art journal inspire you? It's small, portable and easy to fill. I am taking a trip to CA this summer to visit family and I think it might be time to try this again...this time with my lovely 6 year old in tow...

{ ART JOURNAL MEGA PACKS } //

I have been dreaming of making ART JOURNAL MEGA PACKS for a while now. After delivering my show to the Black House (pictures to be included in an upcoming blog post...I want to wait for my Opening Reception to happen on June 2nd fro 5-7 pm), I finally made a true commitment to get these monster packs made and listed on my Etsy shop by Monday, May 22nd. But I just could not wait. These mega packs are over 1.5 lbs and are brimming with items to begin your art journal or to add to your collection. Take your creativity to the next level!

Aren't they too cute? I am definitely in LOVE. Now...back to the studio to make MORE packs and inspired play in my art journal!