Collage Experiments

Earlier last year I took Randal Plowman's course 'Experiments in collage' and learnt different techniques for creating collages and I shared some of the work that I did HERE.  It was a great class and had very supportive fellow artists.  There was about 24 of us which made it a lot easier to see and comment on each others work.  There were some beautiful collages coming from the members on the course, and next week I will share some of the ones that I was sent.

One of my main reasons for taking the class is to explore the work that I want to do in Art and Health - using art and creativity as a therapeutic tool, I want to explore ways in which we can use creativity to share our stories, memories and wisdom and allow them in different ways to surface.  For me these stories are important, the ones that we were told when we were little to the ones that we in turn tell our children and with art we can capture some of them.

These are the stories that tell of love, joy, peace, loss, sorrow and pain.  We lived through these and in moments of reflection when we are gathered we ask the question.... "do you remember when?"  Sometimes we cannot find the words to express how we feel and as a carer I find creativity acts as that bridge that allows the thoughts, feelings and emotions to be expressed freely and for healing to take place.

In the class I allowed myself to play with a wide range of materials and also incorporated such as the supplies I would normally use in my work like modelling paste, paint, as well as paper from a variety of sources. This is very much a part of my mixed media journey that allows you to be expressive using whatever tools and materials you have.  A small group of us in the class agreed to make a series of collages and do an exchange.  Here are some of the ones that I created.

Set your voice free - collage on card

Composure

Explore the Dream 

Time to believe the Journey

There is no place like home - collage, mixed media

I will share the rest on my mixed media art blog HERE

I am hoping to make this a regular activity and perhaps start collage series here on the blog using my new found skills, perhaps something weekly - why not join me.  I will be using a range of materials including paper, gesso, paints, embellishments, vintage paper, found objects, general household objects, fabric etc.  You can use whatever you have around you and also dig out those rarely used materials and supplies.  The  main aim is to spend a minimum of 20 minutes playing with your supplies and adding them to the page as you create your collage.  Watch this space for details.

Background 2 - My Color is Beautiful Art - I will always Love You Background and Journal Page

Here is the second background that I did and then turned it into a journal page, I used a limited palette to produce this page.

I couldn't resist taking this photo, the sunlight was shining through my window and I thought it looked cool

Lots of texture added to the page

Hope you enjoyed the video, let me know what you think, how do you approach your backgrounds?

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Video - Art Journal Process - Walking into your blessings

I have been busy creating and recording some of the processes from my Art Journal.  This page is about walking into your blessings.  Many people started challenges and new years resolutions at the beginning of January and as they complete their challenges and step out each and every day they will be changed by the process, and see many things unfold.

As you 'change your mind' about your situation and take steps towards making a difference I am in your corner cheering you on!

Take a look at the video and see how the journal page came together

In the News - The Real Art of Street Art!

Out and about taking mum for a little stroll I was quite taken aback with how much Street Art there is around Camden, and had promised myself that when I got a chance I would take some photographs.

Mum wrapped up and keeping warm as we stroll around Camden.

Our stroll provided the opportunity that we needed.  The rain had stopped and it is surprisingly mild for the year, so armed with my phone and mum wrapped up warm, we spent our time being creatively filled'

The talent of the artists were amazing and it is so good to see so many unused buildings and neglected spaces turned into 'street galleries', 

not only brightening up the area but also showcasing the talent that is within the local community and around the world.

The organisation that made this happen is called The Real Art of Street Art - founded in 2011 they provide 'legal walls' in Camden for street artists to show their work providing opportunities for them to paint legally.

I was lucky enough to meet Street Artist Mr Cenz in action as he put the finishing touches on his amazing piece, and he has quite a few paintings around Camden that I have been admiring.

Mr Cenz taking a moment to say hi

Mr Cenz getting back to work

Check out his website and take a look at his amazing talent!

It is definitely worth taking time out to pay Camden a visit, and with the Stables and Camden Lock it is quite a tourist magnet.

The Real Art of Street Art openly welcomes you to request your own wall, and will link to artists on their facebook page.  

If you get a chance, come to Camden and take a look at the amazing artwork that is popping up all over the community.  

To find out about the work of the artists shown and to see some more amazing street art by some of the other artists check out The Real Art of Street Art  facebook page

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If you come across any amazing Street Art do share and let me know what you are up to creatively.  Stay blessed and be a blessing!