Wendy's Creativity >> October

[Wendy]

I'm ready to keep on, keepin' on....creatively! This is where I'll put my October-30 experience :)

I hope to just continue forward - to continue creating with consistency. I also hope to finish a coupla more pieces but...no pressure...right?

Among other things, this time I'm hoping to do a little more supporting of others. I'm naturally pretty self-centered - not a judgment, just a description. I get very wrapped up in my own l'il world. I'm a very strong introvert and get obsessed with my projects, no matter how small. Hopefully I can expand that a bit and practice giving more to others.

Lastly...I hope to pay a l'il more attention to my new blog, which I've kind of abandoned. Not sure that I want to share everything that I share here...but really...SOMETHING would be good, lol!

[Ang Monsoon]

enjoyed reading about your creative processes & adventures..

[Wendy]

Thank you, Ang, for being interested...means a lot! :)

[jane]

hi there - based on your altered book recently posted, i cant wait to see how this one develops. I already feel the sketch on the left so powerful.... blindfolded, follow your inner compass. . . .it looks like i feel a lot of the time - following my heart but blindfolded to the reality of what that will mean..... its good to follow your heart though.... what else is there?

great start wendy..... hurry up, i wanna see the finished piece lol xxx

[Wendy]

Jane, I really appreciate your support and what you see in the drawing - it's slightly different than the way I feel (when I feel like the girl in the image) and I think that's great. On the emotions/creativity thread we've been talking about that a bit...the viewer(reader) relating to images based on his/her own life and how that can add richness to the experience - Cool!

I've started putting together the structure of this project...can't wait to show you how she develops along the way!

[Susan Hosken]

Wendy, Can't wait to see your progress on your latest brain storm. It's wonderful that you are sharing the whole creative process rather than just the finished project.
Lots of love from susan in australia

[Wendy]

Thank you Susan :) It makes me feel very...hmmm...valued to hear that. What a nice feeling! :)

[Wendy]

Day 12:

Started building my book today. Before the challenges, I would have dilly-dallied with this. But, now I've been seeing how SO much can be done, even in a brief, imperfect time.

Like DJ mentioned, it's time to play with the layout and play with what to add, techniques to try, etc! I'm feeling a bit too sleepy for that right now, but I put some basic items on top as a place to start. I'm concerned that the composition is looking way too plain. We'll see what happens.

Rosetta (and anyone else;), if you are reading this... Now is the times that my color-challenged artist comes out. I am absolutely clueless as to what colors to use. So - I tend to make everything red :) I'd like to stretch a bit in that regard but - again - no clue how. So....I'm stuck for the first of what will be many times during this project, I am sure. I'm not panicking though because, judging from the past, things have a way of working out. For now, my mind is blank and I'm wanting to reach for the red bottle of paint, lol. I will resist. I do really like jewel tones...purple and turquoise especially. I want to make the color scheme to make sense with the piece's message though. Perhaps I am thinking too hard :)

How do YOU all choose colors?

[jane]

its a great start wendy - cant believe from that sketch yesterday you are already placing the pieces together.

I love jewel tones too.... i dont think anyone can tell you how to choose colour - its just got to come from you and how you "feel" this piece needs to be.... dont be afraid of NOT using colour either. Take black and white photography, in my world... that is more powerful and detailed than any colour photograph - gives a better sense of mood too.

Am interested in altered books - not done any of that - where do i find out about it......

now i must go . . .have stayed too long. . . have a train to catch.... x xx

[Wendy]

Hi Jane! Thanks for your message. I can't believe it either, lol! I'll tell ya', CSS has changed my creative life!!! As DJ has said - the proof is in the studio :)

I am new to altered books as well. Earlier this year, I went to a friends "Art Night" and that was the project. I started making a tiny book, never finished...but became hooked! I went to a Michael deMeng class on altered books, and his is the technique I've been using.

I also have a great book: Altered Books Workshop by Bev Brazelton. I've been picking up a lot about techniques there. I've also Googled "Altered Book" to see what others are doing...inspiration!

[Susan Hosken]

Wendy, I always go with my first thought of what color. SOmetimes it matches something on the collage, sometimes a contrast, sometimes my favourite color, sometimes just trying something new. I don't see a problem if you like to work with red a lot. Many artists work with the same colors and get known for that. Red is fine or if you feel drawn to something new try that.
Lots of love from susan in australia

[Wendy]

Cool. Thanks for sharing how you determine the colors you use...that really helps! Yeah...I just LOVE red :)

[Francesca]

Hello Wendy!

I really like your book, I guess it has being changing a lot lately.
It would be great to know more about this project of yours, as I find your images strangely fascinating and disturbing at the same time.

Francesca