xo
Shared to Paint Party Friday. Happy PPF!
Showing posts with label Paint Party Friday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paint Party Friday. Show all posts
Friday, August 1, 2014
Wonky Circles #2
I'm almost finished with my 2nd wonky circles piece. I'm having fun with these, and it's getting me back into embroidering on my work which I haven't done much of in a while.
Hopefully I get to the last of the embroidery today. I've been feeling a bit under the weather this week but, so far, it feels like today will be different. Aside from not feeling well it's been a good news week. I got a part time job as an after school art teacher (which I'm very excited about), I received news that a bunch of pieces of my art are going to be published in a magazine- which is sooo thrilling, and I made another sale of note cards on Etsy! I am very grateful for all of these things. Very grateful.
xo
Shared to Paint Party Friday. Happy PPF!
xo
Shared to Paint Party Friday. Happy PPF!
Friday, July 25, 2014
New cards, a new painting, and a book
I started today by going to a diner to have breakfast with my brother and my 2 1/2 year old niece and I'll be ending the day by going to my 13 year old niece's play. In between I hope to have a bit of time to make art and also start on my thank you notes to all of the lovely and generous people who came to my shower last weekend.
Speaking of thank you notes! I turned several collages into thank you cards and I love how they look and I'm excited to say that they are up in my Etsy shop! You can take a look here. I also put some "yellow leaves" note cards and "love a lot" note cards in the shop.
I also finished the painting that I posted pictures of last week. It doesn't have a title yet. Here it is:
I thought about painting in the roofs of the houses a solid color but I didn't. I still might do that.
I also finally put together the book form that will hold all of the pictures I took during our month out at the cabin. I have lots of ideas for this book so I hope it comes together! I'm eager to see it in it's finished state but it's quite a big project so I need to take my time and enjoy the process. Here's a sneak peek:
Time to get started on my thank you notes! xo
Shared to: Paint Party Friday
Speaking of thank you notes! I turned several collages into thank you cards and I love how they look and I'm excited to say that they are up in my Etsy shop! You can take a look here. I also put some "yellow leaves" note cards and "love a lot" note cards in the shop.
I also finished the painting that I posted pictures of last week. It doesn't have a title yet. Here it is:
I also finally put together the book form that will hold all of the pictures I took during our month out at the cabin. I have lots of ideas for this book so I hope it comes together! I'm eager to see it in it's finished state but it's quite a big project so I need to take my time and enjoy the process. Here's a sneak peek:
Shared to: Paint Party Friday
Friday, June 6, 2014
Art from over the years
I thought it would be fun to go through my files and look at the art I've made over the years, starting in 2010, when I first got into mixed media art. Here's a look.
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It's fun to see the evolution of things. To see how things are related/connected or not. There is so much possibility in art!
Have a great weekend. xo
Shared to Paint Party Friday. Happy PPF!
2010
2011
2012
2013
Have a great weekend. xo
Shared to Paint Party Friday. Happy PPF!
Friday, May 30, 2014
An interview with Seth Apter
Today I am excited to share with you and interview with mixed media artist Seth Apter. I have been a fan of Seth's work for a while and I'm very happy that he agreed to do an interview here at Back Home Art. Seth makes wonderfully textured and layered mixed media pieces, books, found object art, and much more. He was kind enough to share photographs of his work for this interview, all photographs were taken by Seth (maybe he should be a photographer too?!?!).
Not only do I enjoy Seth's artwork but I also respect his desire to further the community aspect of mixed media art and artists, as evidenced by his books The Pulse of Mixed Media and The Mixed-Media Artist- and Seth's respect for his fellow artists and gratitude for their support comes through in his thoughtful responses for this interview. I truly love learning about an artist's process and inspirations and I'm grateful that Seth has shared some insight into his. Thank you, Seth!
K.L. How would you describe the type(s) of art that you make?
S.A. I am a mixed media artist and typically work in many different art mediums and with a huge variety of supplies. I think the common elements in all of the work that I create are layers and texture. The sense of depth, complexity and richness that comes with layering is important to me and the ultimate compliment is when the viewer wants to reach out and touch the art.
K.L. I’m intrigued by all of the interesting metals pieces you use in your work. Where do you get your stash from?
S.A. First and foremost, I am always (always) picking up objects off the street - no matter where I am or whom I am with. I live in NYC and there is treasure to be found on the ground at every step. I also source objects at flea markets, the hardware store, art and craft stores, Etsy, Ebay, and other online shops. And many of the people in the art community have been extra generous and share their finds with me as well.
K.L. Do you have a part of your creative process that you enjoy the most?
S.A. I love all of the creative process but perhaps my most favorite part is that moment when I feel that the piece I am making has “turned the corner” and is becoming what it is meant to be.
K.L. Is your process structured or do you jump right into making without a plan?
S.A. Unless I am making a book, which requires a definite plan, my process is very unstructured. It is very unusual for me to have a vision in advance of what the completed artwork will look like.
K.L. Do you have any rituals around your creative process?
S.A. When I am working, I make a huge mess. Like many other people, my table becomes so full that I am creating in the smallest of areas. My one ritual is that I must clean my space and put my supplies away before I begin a new project.
K.L. Do you pursue any specific themes in your work?
S.A. I think the one theme that seems to reoccur in my work, many times unconsciously, is time.
K.L. Not only do you sell your original works of art but also books, dvds, and stencils. For artists who are selling their work, do you recommend that they diversify their product line?
S.A. I think for some people, being an artist is solely about making art and I certainly encourage them to keep on creating. For me, however, the plan has always been to diversify and create what I call multiple steams of income. It is not easy to make a living as an artist but branching out into other aspects of the art world (teaching, product design, writing, etc.) makes it more possible. The one caveat is that I think diversification only works if you have a true passion for all the other avenues you choose. And I truly love every aspect of my life in art.
K.L. What do you do when you feel stuck creatively?
S.A. I am one of those fortunate people that has never felt stuck or had an artist block. I believe the reason for this is that I am always working on many projects at the same time. With so many different things to do, I am always inspired by at least one of them.
K.L. Where do your ideas/inspiration come from? Or do you know?
S.A. Such a good question but also a tough one to answer. Sometimes my inspiration is external. I see nature, architecture, other art, people, etc. and am inspired to create. At other times my inspiration is internal. I feel the need to make art and express what emotions I am experiencing at the time.
K.L. Name three artists whose work inspires you.
S.A. Three only??? Nope. Patricia Larsen, Antoni Tapies, Anselm Kiefer, Gerhard Richter, Pat Steir, Imamura Yoshio, Donna Watson, Jose Parla, Hong Zhu An, Leslie Avon Miller, Gerhard Cambon, and so many more…
K.L. Do you remember when you first became interested in art? What is your earliest memory of making art (any kind)?
S.A. I was never interested in making art as a child or young adult, although I always loved looking at art in museums and galleries. A serendipitous encounter with another artist in 2000 “unleashed the beast” in me and took me from observer to creator.
K.L. Are their other artists in your family? If yes, who are they and what do they do?
S.A. I am unique in my family in that I am the person making art.
K.L. Do you feel like you worry about your art being liked by others?
S.A. I definitely carry the desire to have my artwork liked by others. I think it is a basic human characteristic to want to be acknowledged, accepted and embraced. However, I do not worry about it as I did when I first started out. At this point, I have realized that my best work comes when I am creating for me rather than creating with an eye towards what others might like.
K.L. Is there a type of art that you would like to pursue but haven’t yet?
S.A. I tend to work small and have only recently begun to work on a larger scale. In that vein and given my love of found objects, I have always thought it would be interesting to create larger metal assemblages via welding.
K.L. Any advice or tips for mixed media artists trying to get their work out into the world?
S.A. For me, the community that I am connected to online has made the difference between being an artist that creates work that nobody sees and being one with work out in the world. I am not simply saying that posting on social media sites leads to success but rather that if you take the time to connect with this online art community in a genuine and reciprocal way, you will develop strong bonds with fellow artists, art lovers, art buyers, and others who will become your art family. I strongly feel that there is more than enough to go around for all of us and that being supportive of others will lead to others being supportive of you!
I hope you enjoyed reading Seth's interview. Please don't forget to visit his blog, thealteredpage.blogspot.com, and his website, sethapter.com, for much more information and inspiration from Seth. And check of his blog post for today, sounds like a fun treasure hunt, I'll certainly be joining!
xo
Shared to: Paint Party Friday (Happy PPF!!)
Not only do I enjoy Seth's artwork but I also respect his desire to further the community aspect of mixed media art and artists, as evidenced by his books The Pulse of Mixed Media and The Mixed-Media Artist- and Seth's respect for his fellow artists and gratitude for their support comes through in his thoughtful responses for this interview. I truly love learning about an artist's process and inspirations and I'm grateful that Seth has shared some insight into his. Thank you, Seth!
K.L. How would you describe the type(s) of art that you make?
S.A. I am a mixed media artist and typically work in many different art mediums and with a huge variety of supplies. I think the common elements in all of the work that I create are layers and texture. The sense of depth, complexity and richness that comes with layering is important to me and the ultimate compliment is when the viewer wants to reach out and touch the art.
K.L. I’m intrigued by all of the interesting metals pieces you use in your work. Where do you get your stash from?
S.A. First and foremost, I am always (always) picking up objects off the street - no matter where I am or whom I am with. I live in NYC and there is treasure to be found on the ground at every step. I also source objects at flea markets, the hardware store, art and craft stores, Etsy, Ebay, and other online shops. And many of the people in the art community have been extra generous and share their finds with me as well.
K.L. Do you have a part of your creative process that you enjoy the most?
S.A. I love all of the creative process but perhaps my most favorite part is that moment when I feel that the piece I am making has “turned the corner” and is becoming what it is meant to be.
K.L. Is your process structured or do you jump right into making without a plan?
S.A. Unless I am making a book, which requires a definite plan, my process is very unstructured. It is very unusual for me to have a vision in advance of what the completed artwork will look like.
K.L. Do you have any rituals around your creative process?
S.A. When I am working, I make a huge mess. Like many other people, my table becomes so full that I am creating in the smallest of areas. My one ritual is that I must clean my space and put my supplies away before I begin a new project.
K.L. Do you pursue any specific themes in your work?
S.A. I think the one theme that seems to reoccur in my work, many times unconsciously, is time.
K.L. Not only do you sell your original works of art but also books, dvds, and stencils. For artists who are selling their work, do you recommend that they diversify their product line?
S.A. I think for some people, being an artist is solely about making art and I certainly encourage them to keep on creating. For me, however, the plan has always been to diversify and create what I call multiple steams of income. It is not easy to make a living as an artist but branching out into other aspects of the art world (teaching, product design, writing, etc.) makes it more possible. The one caveat is that I think diversification only works if you have a true passion for all the other avenues you choose. And I truly love every aspect of my life in art.
K.L. What do you do when you feel stuck creatively?
S.A. I am one of those fortunate people that has never felt stuck or had an artist block. I believe the reason for this is that I am always working on many projects at the same time. With so many different things to do, I am always inspired by at least one of them.
K.L. Where do your ideas/inspiration come from? Or do you know?
S.A. Such a good question but also a tough one to answer. Sometimes my inspiration is external. I see nature, architecture, other art, people, etc. and am inspired to create. At other times my inspiration is internal. I feel the need to make art and express what emotions I am experiencing at the time.
K.L. Name three artists whose work inspires you.
S.A. Three only??? Nope. Patricia Larsen, Antoni Tapies, Anselm Kiefer, Gerhard Richter, Pat Steir, Imamura Yoshio, Donna Watson, Jose Parla, Hong Zhu An, Leslie Avon Miller, Gerhard Cambon, and so many more…
K.L. Do you remember when you first became interested in art? What is your earliest memory of making art (any kind)?
S.A. I was never interested in making art as a child or young adult, although I always loved looking at art in museums and galleries. A serendipitous encounter with another artist in 2000 “unleashed the beast” in me and took me from observer to creator.
K.L. Are their other artists in your family? If yes, who are they and what do they do?
S.A. I am unique in my family in that I am the person making art.
K.L. Do you feel like you worry about your art being liked by others?
S.A. I definitely carry the desire to have my artwork liked by others. I think it is a basic human characteristic to want to be acknowledged, accepted and embraced. However, I do not worry about it as I did when I first started out. At this point, I have realized that my best work comes when I am creating for me rather than creating with an eye towards what others might like.
K.L. Is there a type of art that you would like to pursue but haven’t yet?
S.A. I tend to work small and have only recently begun to work on a larger scale. In that vein and given my love of found objects, I have always thought it would be interesting to create larger metal assemblages via welding.
K.L. Any advice or tips for mixed media artists trying to get their work out into the world?
S.A. For me, the community that I am connected to online has made the difference between being an artist that creates work that nobody sees and being one with work out in the world. I am not simply saying that posting on social media sites leads to success but rather that if you take the time to connect with this online art community in a genuine and reciprocal way, you will develop strong bonds with fellow artists, art lovers, art buyers, and others who will become your art family. I strongly feel that there is more than enough to go around for all of us and that being supportive of others will lead to others being supportive of you!
I hope you enjoyed reading Seth's interview. Please don't forget to visit his blog, thealteredpage.blogspot.com, and his website, sethapter.com, for much more information and inspiration from Seth. And check of his blog post for today, sounds like a fun treasure hunt, I'll certainly be joining!
xo
Shared to: Paint Party Friday (Happy PPF!!)
Friday, May 23, 2014
Some of my favorite art supplies!
I've been so busy making lately and it's been wonderful! I've got my hands in all sorts of materials and I wanted to give you a look at some of my current favorite art supplies.
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I also have to share my new iPhone case. I used Vistaprint to design my case using an image from one of my paintings. It arrived the other day and I LOVE it! I'm so excited about it, sometimes it's the little things!
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Ok and while I'm at it I'll share a new collage. Feel the love :)
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Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone. A weekend of remembrance and the start of summer. And happy Paint Party Friday!
regular paper towels are a current favorite for collage!
love me some mod podge
my Paper Source heat gun is magical
old cheap brushes, I think I got these at Walgreens but I've also seen them at Blick and Joann's (the one with the blue handle is my favorite!)
my trusty spray bottle is ancient
glitter tape is a current obsession, got it at Paper Source
cheap craft acrylics from Michael's, yummy colors
Nothing better than Golden gesso
I love me a good glue stick and use one all the time
my scissors! they are old and probably not the sharpest but I'm attached to them
ampersand encausticbord, love love love these mini smooth surfaces
colored pencils! these are my prismacolor ones but i also use cheap crayola ones
rubbing alcohol to remove paint or ink to reveal layers underneath
alpha stamps, another new fascination for me
and my messy scrappy pile of painted papers, I love this messy pile!
I also have to share my new iPhone case. I used Vistaprint to design my case using an image from one of my paintings. It arrived the other day and I LOVE it! I'm so excited about it, sometimes it's the little things!
Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone. A weekend of remembrance and the start of summer. And happy Paint Party Friday!
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