inspiration

Sometimes we grow in directions and then stall out in a funk.

When that happens to me, I like to go back to my source of inspiration – playing with printmaking. I turn to play to move beyond the rules and should “do’s”.

I give myself the space to play with out any expectations, and then I can usually break out of the funk and move on with a few new ideas.

Three ways to play with printmaking

One – Ten sheets of paper – I pull out 10 ten sheets of paper and just print with abandon. I get a couple of stencils and stamping tools and just print. No goal of making beautiful prints – just get into the process

Two – Use “stencils” from the waste basket. This one can be quite surprising. It is fun to play with scrapes from a collage project. I get inspired to work in new abstract ways.

The print above is a combination of ideas one and two. First I printed 10 sheets with the “found” stencils from a collage project and then I cropped and collaged the prints into a larger print. And I am pretty pleased with the outcome.

Three – Print with a kid. And follow the uninhibited and fearless way of printing. Kids will just do it, use too much ink, layer with abandon and go through tons of paper.

How does if feel when you say:

I am an Artist. I make………………

I have a defensive denial reaction, that I quickly bury. And I am a bit uncomfortable with the statement. Hmmm?

• Why is it hard for me to declare?
• What am I afraid of?
• Why do I not feel like an artist?

Probably as with any belief, I need to say it, and live it until it is in my bones.

How can I do that?

• Be aware of my resistance
• Tell myself and others that I am an artist
• And step by step I will start to believe it.

As artists we:

• see things differently
• notice the usually unseen and
• create new combinations of materials and ideas

We are all unique and that is our gift to the world. Enjoy a video from the Artist Project from the MET.

 

One thing that does help me to feel like an artist is to be with other artists, to take classes and go on art vacations.

That is why I am offering the Mixed Media Printmaker’s Online Retreat. I hope to bring the art “vacation” to you.

I modeled the class around elements of art vacations that I have taken. I combined reflection, action and learning into an intense week long event.

Class starts July 7th. Check out the details on the workshop page. You will have access to the lessons for at least 6 months, so even if this is not a good time for you it may still work out.

If you have a pile of prints and papers that you would like to transform, then this may be the class for you.

I move through most of my day on autopilot not really seeing what is before me. How about you?

There are times though when something crosses my path and makes me pause. These are times when I am really “seeing.”

I think as artists and printmakers that is our job and gift in life. We get to see things that most others do not notice. Then through our art making we help others to see differently too.

What do you think?

Sometimes I forget that seeing things differently is my gift and that it is my job to share it. But it only takes a few moments in nature or even a city street to remind me.

I challenge you to be open to seeing things differently today. I don’t think you can force it, just be open to it. I think something magic will happen for you.

One way artists see differently is we see shadows, shapes, textures and lines when others see things as whole objects.  If you are building your artistic eyes, look for those elements instead of seeing objects.

We then use these elements of design to create something new. In screen printing we can focus on shapes and lines to create a matrix to pull lots of impressions of the same image. Then we can share that image with lots of people.

Here I took a drawing and photocopied it, reduced it and printed it on a transparency so I could burn an EZscreen for printing cards and mixed media art pieces.

This is a simplified emulsion based process that uses sunlight to harden the emulsion coated mesh in all the areas except for where the black design is. Then the screen is soaked in water and the soft emulsion under the design washes away. This leaves your with a screen for printing.

The blue screens above are examples of some images that I turned into screens. I use these for making cards, tea towels, napkins, and to add a detailed line drawing to mixed media work.

If you would like to take an online art class – check out the current offerings.

I have been thinking about things that I use to feed my creativity and printmaking. I challenge you to do the same. You may be surprised.

Inspirations for Creativity

1 – Shadows

Shadows are a big source of creative ideas for me. I use shadows to create stencils for printmaking and catalyst for drawings.

Cycling shadow was used to create a stencil.

Notice early morning or late afternoon cast shadow.

Long shadows cast by your own body.

2 – Weathered, worn and rich patinas

I am inspired the moss and paint textures of this concrete. I might try to create something similar when gelatin printmaking.

3 – Architectural patterns

These things are everywhere and since many of us have camera phone with us all the time, then it is easy to capture this inspiration.

4 – Family, kids and friends

Family and friends can be inspiring in many ways, as subjects, as energy, and mental ideas.

I have used my twin nephews as subjects for stencils, drawing, paintings and prints. Spread the LOVE!

5 – Books and the Library

This source for ideas is so obvious that we might forget about it. Visit your library today.

6 – Musuems  and Art Exhibits

The art show does not even have to be fancy. I have been inspired by the raw, honest expression of young children at the local elementary school.

7 – View out the Window

The window is like a frame and can focus your attention if you let it. I watched an enjoyable movie Maudie about a Canadian folk artist who painted what she saw out her real window.

After a recent snow storm my eye was drawn to the tire tracks in the parking lot just below my window.

8 – Art Classes stimulate new ideas

This one is pretty obvious. A workshop or longer class always inspires my printmaking.

These sketchbooks were created during an online class on Urban sketching. And they eventually ended up in an exhibit at the Portland Public Library.

I invite you to pause and notice your sources of inspiration. If you need a boost, seek out one of those sources and make stuff!

If you would like to take an online class on Gelatin Printmaking consider the Gelatin Printmaking Workshop, a 15 lesson self-study. It is available to you right now.

Read the details on the printmaking workshop page and register today.