12 Books, 12 Artists, 12 Journeys-An Art Collaboration

When I was initially asked to be a part of an artist book collaboration at the end of last year, I was so honored and very excited. My immediate response was “yes”,  after all, it was my first collaboration of this magnitude and I was ready for all the challenges and problem solving it would bring.  (I actually love that stuff.) Then I started getting nervous when I thought about all the amazing artists on this journey, their skill sets, education and the like and wondered what in the heck I was thinking. (Can any of you relate?) My word in 2017 was “fearless”, 2018 was “intentional” (still deciding 2019’s word) and so I decided that I needed to revisit those words and apply them again in 2019.   Art isn’t about staying in a comfortable place, though it’s nice for a while, it’s not about how good or bad you are, or whether you fit in or not. No, art is like life, always changing and evolving. Art is play.  It’s intentionally being fearless.  It means challenging yourself to go someplace that’s uncomfortable, perhaps even awkward, working through it and, accepting yourself. Often times, growth comes through adversity and fear.  The funny part in all of this is that I LOVE art so what is there to fear? So I tucked those crazy, wild thoughts back in and moved ahead. I applied what I was good at and managed to get through the weak part, which was bookmaking.  No judging please. I tried. This was a challenge for me and I am accepting that. Interesting is that I have sewn for years. Crazy, huh?  Going to rectify it this year though!  Maybe even take a class from one of the fabulous artists that are on the ride for the next 12 months.  Anyway, here is my book.  It’s called  “Illumination”.

I didn’t go into this project with a theme or a word.  Although many express their emotions in and through their art, mine is more like a journey of exploration.  Somehow with no plan of action, I land somewhere.  It’s almost always that way for me. Freefall, I suppose. The light that was cast on this book through the paint (Paper Artsy and Seth Apter paints) grew through the addition of the circles and splatters.  Adding the string made it more obvious.  When I stood back it made me think of the universe and planets.  Then I tore a page out of an old book I had lying around with a bunch of numbers and math stats in it and when I looked close, the word “illumination” was there, bold, as if begging to jump onto the page.  So, in short that’s how this piece came to be. I did add a few StencilGirl stencils here and there (white, painted circles, see link below). Such a fan.  And Tim Holtz “Cracks” stamp, I never leave home without it. Ever.

This is the inside, front cover of my book.  “Roll call” is the index card for the artist to sign and number. Love how the Circles, Layer Me stencil by Carolyn Dube  done in gesso, peeks through.

I purposely added pages with holes in them so that each artist’s work would peek through to the other artist’s display. “Illumination”. Each artist’s contribution lights another’s work.  :).

And finally, the back inside page.  Though I didn’t realize it at the time, what I wrote is very indicative of the stuff going on in my life right now.  Great way to remember. And live daily. One moment at a time.

So there you have it. I hope you will join me on this journey. I will be showcasing work from this project at least once a month. I count myself so very lucky and blessed.

XO,

Debi