Fun with Jane Davies

I have to tell you what a wonderful time we had in Jane Davies' "Working in Multiples" workshop in Wisconsin two weeks ago!  I learned a lot, laughed even more and made some wonderful new friends.  The weather on White Sand Lake was beautiful most of the week so it was easy to stroll outdoors for a stretch break.


The first of the week we worked on abstract paintings incorporating mixed media and many, many layers while Jane filled our artistic arsenals with tons of techniques.  

Later in the week we created our own collage papers and then developed our skill at abstract collage while learning how pattern, scale, color and value come in to play.

She worked us hard but is fun, energetic, encouraging and generous with her knowledge.  We loved that she called us all "girrrls" and played the jazz ukele as entertainment.  If you haven't taken a class (online or in person) I encourage you to do so if you are interested.  You won't be disappointed, but hurry, as they fill up quickly.

This is just a sampling of some of my work from the class. Some of these will be making it into my Etsy shop soon.  Jane has a post on her blog with many, many anonymous photos of other student work from the class as well as some of her work.  Here is the link: Workshop Photos

I am considering joining Red Bubble and as I think some of these collage pieces would be dynamite as tote bags or contemporary pillows.  What do you guys think? Does anyone out there have experiences with "Red Bubble" or "Society 6"? Feedback is always appreciated.

As always, thanks for stopping by!
Jan
Visit my Etsy shop:  Jypsy Studio

Life Gets in the Way Sometimes

Okay, I found that moving 1,000 miles away and starting a new job sure gets in the way of your social media time. In any case, I'm back!  

Here is the long overdue posting of the Spring article that Art Journaling Magazine did on my small little vintage paper collages that I put in a simple ring bound book. I use all original vintage photos and papers in these collage pieces, no photocopies. Hope you enjoy looking.  

Also, I took a workshop two weeks ago from the wonderful Jane Davies and learned so many great things that I cannot wait to try them out on my collages. I will post tomorrow morning details about the workshop and photos of the work we created.  Stay tuned and, as always, thanks for stopping by and I enjoy comments!

Jan
Visit my Etsy shop Jypsy Studio. Also look for me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Endings & Beginnings

This post is a little more personal than I usually get, but life's major events tend to make us philosophical, don't they? There are two stories here which merge in the end. One about my art and one on a more personal note.

Story #1: I am so excited to announce that my article in Art Journaling Magazine, Spring 2015 will finally run in the April 1st issue.  Six pages in the "Bound for Art" section!!  They confirmed this week. It is about using vintage papers and photos for collage to tell a story.  But, I've found sometimes the story comes much later. 

To help you visualize until I can post the article I randomly chose one of my favorite vintage collages to share. I completed this one several months ago.  It's called "Letters From Home" with vintage papers, a beautiful photo of children, a handwritten envelope from 1900, a "love" stamp and a vintage pen nib. I really love this one! Simple & beautiful. 

Letters From Home

 As you look closely at the bottom of the photo, notice the name of the town..."Wilson". I'd never really noticed that little detail before today. Now, hold that thought for story #2.......

Story #2: You never know when life is going to throw you a curve ball. At my last post I thought I knew where life was taking me.  Two days later it took an abrupt about face and I was faced with major change on every facet of my life. 

 So, if I've been quiet the last month I've just had a few things going on.  Faced with a hurt of the deepest and most personal kind, suddenly I was looking outside the state for a job, preparing to move, renting my house and all that that entails.  This is where Jypsy, my Airstream trailer, comes in. I just LOVE her!!

Meet JYPSY

Jypsy and I immediately went to visit friends in Key West to relax, gain some perspective and come up with a plan. Things started falling into place like clockwork and all of the challenges were getting checked off one by one. Confirmation you're on the right road, right?? 

So, TODAY is moving day!  A lot has happened in 5 weeks. Today I said my good byes and am moving on to exciting new adventures.

And though I hate to move farther from my family, I know they understand it's time for me to go.  Just like a beautiful sunset, at some point it has to come to an end so you can look forward to the next one.

My Key West Sunset

And here is where the stories merge. I'm leaving Florida and moving to a town called "Wilson!"  Go figure.... 

At first I thought "what a funny coincidence" I chose THAT collage, but I listened a little harder. I now believe it is just one more of God's confirmations that he has his best planned for me and was working on my behalf long before I knew.  

They say "Art Heals." I believe that's true, but the process may be different for everyone.  I used to think for me it was in the making of the art.  But work I did months ago speaks to me even today.

As always, thank you for stopping by and allowing me to share some personal thoughts. I will have new art up on Etsy and new tutorials up as soon as I can! Of course that's after I unpack my art supply boxes, which will be first in line!

Sandra Bullock says in the movie Hope Floats "Endings are always sad and beginnings are usually scary, but it's what's in the middle that counts." Make your middle count. 

Jan