Lately, I’ve noticed a glazed over look come into peoples eyes when I try to explain everything I do to create a piece. Maybe because when I work I don’t just use one method. I can’t say that I just paint, or sew, or bead and so on. I view each method as a tool in my art box. I have favorites that I always return to or evolve, sometimes I just experiment and I’m usually excited to work new tools/methods into my supply box. But at the same time I’ve noticed that when I tell fellow artists how I do something, they get really curious and excited. I love that. I love to share and perhaps get someone to think about different ways to work their own medium.

So here’s  a close up of one of my latest creations. Lots of different methods involved. It actually started with a scrap piece left over from one of my watercolor relief rubbing/screen printing projects. The background fabric (hand dyed) had been hiding out in my stash from a few years ago. The challenge was to make the two pieces work as one.

I’m working on several new projects, two of them will have these somehow intertwined. I love to create the visual texture of a piece. Something that appeals to the eye and the hand. People usually just want to touch my work and I’m cool with that. Just don’t pet it.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how I work, and how my pieces look when they are all done. The term ‘consistent body of work’ has been rattling around in my head lately. I think I’m well on my way to achieving this but there is a lot more work that needs to be done. I have  a tendency of over-think things sometimes and instead of just doing the work and letting those zen creative moments just happen. But I’m finding that when I do let those moments happen my work comes out with a very cohesive and consistent look. I have a lot of other things in my life to over-think and stress about, I’m going to try more doing and less stressing when it comes to the artwork. I find that I get more done that way.

Earlier this year, the fabulous Lynn Krawczyk brought me on board as production crew for her Thermofax screen shop on Etsy. It has been a really fun education ever since.  This week a really cool site called whipup is featuring Lynn’s shop and sporting an awesome giveaway. And yes, I’ll probably be the one making the screens for the lucky winner! So go hurry up and leave a comment!