Anne Bagby
Violet & Orange
Violet & Orange
True colors: a memorable trip
The true colors swap was my first big swap and the beginning of my work in Collage. It seemed like a very charged experience to me. It was obvious that the other artists were quite skilled and working hard AND experienced collage artists. I didn’t want to embarrass myself. I found it very hard to complete my work in the time allowed. I would plan what I wanted to do in the next book, but when it arrived it wouldn’t fit. Some books I just loved while others were a struggle from start to finish.
I wasn’t very concerned with the work the other artists were doing in my book (because I was so wrapped up in my work and how it looked) so I was surprised with my emotional response when it arrived at my house at the end of the swap. I loved it and I have to admit, every time I sent it off, first to Somerset Studio and then to California, I worried about it. It is so delicate; I don’t think it could stand another trip.
One of the nicest things about this swap was slowly getting to know Michelle Ward. She was right before me on the list and mailed the books to me. I first got to know her from her work, which was great. Every book she sent me had a little piece of art for me, too. (One was a beautiful leaf/tag, which I treasure.) She was the one that finished off my three little books, added the scent of violets and sent them home. Our friendship is one of the best things about the swap. You can always count on Michelle for enthusiasm and for working on something new and fun. This Christmas we chased each other with cell phones in the middle of the mobs of people in New York as we tried to meet up and see the Bergdorf windows. My plane had been late but she insisted I run over and see them. She started out as just a name in the true colors swap, but when it was over she was a friend. Thanks for everything Michelle!
There were lots of names in the group that became friends. I always appreciated Lynne having faith enough in me to include me in the group. After it was over I felt like I had run a marathon. I sat out the Alphabetica swap and caught my breath.
Anne Bagby
http://www.annebagby.com/
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Karen Michel
Violet & Green
Violet & Green
The TC project was a real joy for me, it was exciting to receive all the new journals each month and get to know everyone in the project who became dear friends still to this day. I had the honor to have all the journals at our art center during a book art exhibition I put together which is still archived online here.
Locals still ask me about it! Seeing all the journals together was magical, I imagined them all having conversations with each other when the lights were out for the evening, telling their stories of travel.
It is also an honor to be able to reflect on the project and remember the experience we got to share with Linn Jacobs who has since passed away, who was such an amazing and wonderful woman, she lives on through her artwork and the TC book.
This book was an important landmark on my journey as an artist and has certainly contributed to the artist I am today. A big thanks goes to Lynne Perrella for doing putting it all together into book form.
Karen Michel
http://www.karenmichel.com/
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