Monday, May 11, 2009

Cutting up that Neocolor Piece....

I've started cutting up that Neocolor piece I painted a week or so ago. Made a few bookmarks adding fibers and beads and hand painted backing for Etsy and some ACEOs.

I've been enjoying sharing ACEOs with several artists from around the world. Every once in a while I get a comment on a post, or an e-mail asking if I'd like to exchange an ACEO, or I see an artist whose work I admire and I ask if they'd be interested in an exchange.

This is a really wonderful way to be able to experience other forms of art up close - to examine skills, technique and variation.




Speaking of technique, I am begining to notice a pattern with mine - all my stuff is starting to look the same. Am I in a rut?? I do believe I am.
After I finish these I think I'm going to force myself to go in an entirely different direction - but I'm not sure which direction. Just somewhere different.
The foundations for the ACEOs were painted with Neocolors or acrylic on muslin or peltex, then appliqued and threadpainted for detail.
What's so great about making these little cards is that they are not a huge investment in time or materials. I can experiment without the fear of waste. If something doesn't work out - I trash it and start again. I never painted on peltex for a background - I didn't think I would like it not being finished, but it came out pretty good.

As a "What if," I think I am going to use this Neocolor cut and applique technique and make a larger picture.

THEN I think I'll put the Neocolors away and go off in a different direction. I'm still cutting that Neocolor piece up.
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11 comments:

  1. LilyMay 13, 2009 at 9:36 AM

    HI! HOW ARE YOU DOING? HERE'S AN AWARD FOR YOU:
    http://weihnachteninskandinavien.blogspot.com/2009/05/spirit-of-life-lebensbekraftigendes.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. LilyMay 13, 2009 at 9:40 AM

    AND HERE'S SOMETHING YOU MIGHT FIND INTERESTING.
    DON'T KNOW IF THE LAST STORY IS REALLY TRUE, BUT IT CERTAINLY MAKES YOU THINK.

    http://livinginscandinavia.blogspot.com/2009/05/update-from-real-world.html

    AND

    http://aboutmybooks.blogspot.com/2009/05/cease-fire.html

    AND

    http://alternativesdenken.blogspot.com/2009/05/what-comes-around-well-it-goes-around.html

    LOVE, SARAH SOFIA

    P.S.: I TURELY FIND IT AMAZING WHAT YOU CREATE WITH YOUR STITCHING!
    I'M GONNA TURN TO SEWING CURTAINS NOW - SEVRAL 100 METRES I AM AFRAID IT MIGHT END UP BEING...

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  3. CathieMay 13, 2009 at 9:52 AM

    Thanks so much Sarah. If you need help with the curtains - let me know!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mary Welsh HubbardMay 13, 2009 at 9:53 AM

    I love what you are making - I know what you mean though about starting to feel like you only make - one kind - of art. I've been feeling like that about mine too. ...and... tomorrow is Howard's birthday. Thought you would want to know :O)

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  5. Lynn CohenMay 13, 2009 at 10:51 AM

    I love your work here. Are these the same as ATCs? I'd love to trade! Let me know... All these flowers are lovely, so well done. Love the colors too.

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  6. sea-blue-sky & abstractsMay 13, 2009 at 3:02 PM

    Like the close up of your lovely stitching - you have a recognisable style Cathy, but it's not 'samey' at all.

    As Lynn, I'm not really sure what 'ACEO' stands for or 'ACT' for that matter, although have come across the term previously - is it something along the lines of 'artist certified original cards'? BFN.

    Lesley

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  7. judeMay 14, 2009 at 2:44 PM

    hey, everything looks great here....thanks for commenting today. i too have been lurking and being lazy about everything to do with blogland. just so much going on.

    ReplyDelete
  8. ACeyMay 14, 2009 at 2:46 PM

    Seems to me one of our most important developmental challenges as creative beings is learning to differentiate various landmarks related to personal style and visual stasis. I also think it's something we *feel* rather than simply seeing it or being taught how to identify one from the other. If you feel a sameness that is displeasing (rather than complimentary to how you define your personal style) then there are all kinds of ways to mix it up. You can use the same supplies but change your work habits and structural approach. Or you can keep those things as they are and work with different supplies.

    The possibilities for growth are really endless ...

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  9. soulbrushMay 15, 2009 at 3:46 PM

    what a huge lot of work and they are beautiful, i saw this one on cris's blog, and she is so thrilled with it. i would love to trade with you from merry old london....will post the ones i have finished tomorrow.

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  10. Lynn CohenMay 16, 2009 at 11:59 PM

    I can't remember if I "Owe" you ATCs or not. Please let me know. I have finished some and they are on my blog site today. (Saturday 5/16)
    And I have a few more to post. Have you already chosen some and I lost the note about that? Please let me know, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Pursuing Art...May 20, 2009 at 12:21 PM

    They are just beautiful!!! It is just your style...but if you feel in a rut and ready for something different...that is exciting too. It's good to try different things and see if we have an interest in it or not.

    Don't give up your Neocolors totally...maybe just put them down for awhile or think about using them in a different way! Your thread painting is gorgeous on these pieces!!! ~Lisa ;-)

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“Invisible threads are the strongest ties.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche