Plaster Studio

Plaster Studio: Mixed-Media Techniques for Painting, Casting and Carving by artists Judy Wise and Stephanie Lee has just been released by North Light Books and is now available for purchase.

This is a wonderful book that has opened my eyes to a whole new way to create textured art. The book includes a series of well-explained projects on painting, sculpting, casting, carving, and making books -- all using plaster and related materials. Also included throughout the book are gallery pieces created by other artists. I am happy to share that one of my artworks is in the book as well.

Stephanie and Judy have generously shared their personal thoughts for the readers of The Altered Page about the creation of their book and the process of working together as a team. 

Judy Wise...

"We started on this journey over a year ago and it seems like from the very beginning it was inevitable. Back then it was Stephanie the Plaster of Paris queen meets Judy the Joint Compound fanatic. The more we compared notes, the more we realized that we had a lot of experience between the two of us. More than that though was the friendship and desire to work together on a common goal. Whenever artists combine their vision, things get done. It has been nothing short of thrilling for me to team up with someone as talented and rewarding to be with as Stephanie. She could have easily written a plaster book on her own but I can't believe it would have been as much fun as holding the hand of a friend and riding this roller coaster together. Who knew that collaboration could be this much fun? It has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me; a real "bucket list" experience and I am savoring every sweet moment."

Stephanie Lee...

"This book has been a long time coming. More than a couple of years ago, I spoke with Tonia, my editor, about featuring the medium of plaster in a book. She was more than game for the idea knowing that there were few, if any, books that specialized in the medium. When I was exploring the medium myself, I spent countless hours in search of books that would inform me more about how I could use  plaster in my artwork. While I was having no luck finding such a book, I experimented on my own to see what I could figure out in the meantime. At one point I was whining to my husband about not being able to find ANY books on working with plaster. His [typical] response was, 'I guess you need to write it.'

Right away, I knew he was right. I had done so much research and trail with the medium that I had learned a lot about how it worked and how I could work it. I wanted the book I would write about plaster to be the very book I would have wanted to find on the shelves and so it wasn't something I rushed into. Getting the book going was a stop-start process for a long time. I didn't know what was missing until I had the idea to ask Judy if she would consider co-authoring the book with me. I admired her passion for understanding materials and her experience and wisdom with the creative process is second to none. Once she was on board, we hit the ground running and haven't looked back and I'm so glad. With a year or so behind us and the entire process of writing this book to be very recent history, I can honestly say that it has been the most rewarding creative collaboration for me to date.


I have learned so much about observing Judy's process, her approach, and her ways of being that have planted a deep and sincere trust that I can be totally and fully authentic in life. Of course in relation to my artwork, but also (and more importantly) in relation to me as a human being. She has been the best example of art-is-life for me and has reassured my belief that one can be totally and completely immersed in creative exploration and still be a well rounded human being. No one dispels the "troubled artist" persona myth like Judy. I want to be just like her when I grow up. :)


If you find yourself struggling to know how the urge to satiate your creative inklings fits into the day to day routine of life, I only have to say this: You cultivating your creativity in a way that enhances your life and your ability to be your most authentic self is a big deal. I mean that. When you listen to that little nudge that tells you to honor your creativity, even if you're not quite sure what that all means for you, you are giving a message to everyone around you that they can do the same. When we all honor our creative inklings, we honor our essence and therefore are able to be our highest, truest selves to the world and to those around us. And when we are our highest, truest selves, we vibrate with authenticity and THAT is the kind of energy that creatively finds ways to feed the hungry, clothes the naked, comfort the lonely, uplift the weary, and shine light in all the dark corners where dust is gathering. Just remember that if you get frustrated along the way of your creative journey."

Thanks Judy and Stephanie for sharing your thoughts with all of us!

Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams

Welcome to my stop along the online book tour for artist and author Kerin Gale's new book Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams: Mixed-Media Projects in Epoxy Clay. 

Kerin's book is a big hit and when you see it you will understand why. Her book focuses on epoxy clay, a material which opens up a world of artistic possibilities and just might change the way you make art. You can use this material to create or recreate just about everything. When this two-part clay is mixed, the substance cures and can be drilled, riveted, and sanded, used to make a mold of any object, used as an adhesive for hard-to-hold objects, and so much more. Not only does Kerin introduce this magic substance, she also helps you to become an expert in its use via easy-to-follow instructions complete with step-by-step images. The endless uses for this clay are highlighted in gallery projects created by a number of very talented artists. In short, this book is exciting, unique, and inspiring.

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Kerin shared with me some of her personal experiences with this book...

The personal experience that I'd most like to share about having written this book is what it's like to receive the find of feedback I'm getting now that it's out. You see I had this big dream of showing the people what the clay can do and letting people know how much of a difference it made for me. I do mention that in the book. Along with saying that my wish is for other artists to have that same thing happen.

There were many obstacles along the way in writing this book -- much more so I'd say than the typical author experiences. What kept me going was that intention. And when things really weren't going well I had to decide if I should even do the book at all. I decided that I had already done so much work that it should be finished because of the people it may help. My thought was that if it even helps on person then there was enough reason to finish it and get it out there.

Now what I'm experiencing is that it actually is working out the way I had hoped. I usually get one to several people a day writing to me about the book. Some are saying that they really love the book and are inspired by it. That part is such fun and so exciting! Then there are others that are really profoundly affected by it. That is quite sobering. It seems a little silly to say but I guess I just wasn't prepared for this kind of response. Like what did I expect?!?!? I literally poured all these really strong good wishes for other artists into each project I worked on and so of course this is what would happen. I know about the power of attraction and all that. But right now I'm just in awe that it is working so well. Literally in awe that my intentions and dreams and hopes really are coming true for those people. And that will take some time to absorb and process.

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Giveaways! Part One

Every blog participating on the book tour will be giving away a treasure chest of prizes to some very lucky people. Please note that all physical prizes (i.e. non digital prizes) can be awarded only to US participants. Online workshops and digital collage sheets are available to everybody worldwide. To be eligible, all you need to do is leave a comment to this post by May 26. Please note in your comment if you are a resident outside the US.

The Prizes

1. One Aves Power Pack (selection of their most popular formulas) from Aves Studio.

2. Fluid Chalks Online Workshop by Lesley Venable on her The Art of Altering site, which features many other workshops as well.

3. Two Digital Collage Sheets by Alicia Caudle of Altered Bits. See her cool collection here.

4. Sample pack of Silputty 40 silicone putty mold mix from Silpak. This is the formula recommended in the book that has a longer cure time. You can call Jerry at Silpak at 909-625-0056 to order this directly or ask questions.

5. One ounce ICE Resin and a mixed medal bezel from Susan Lenart-Kazmer's site Ice Resin.

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Giveaways! Part Two

Any reader who writes a review, however short or long, of Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams on Amazon before July 31, 2011 and sends an email with the title 'Inspired Remnants Review' to remnants.art@gmail.com will be entered in a drawing to win one of the following prizes. Please note that your honest opinion is wanted on this review. Again, all physical prizes (i.e. non digital) can be awarded only to U.S. participants. Online workshops will be available to all citizens of Earth.

1. The art piece featured on the cover of the book, 'Sacred Totem'.

2. Power pack plus extra Fixit Sculpt clay from Aves Studio.

3. A frozen Charlotte Doll with digital tutorial 'How to Crackle Charlottes' from Alicia Caudle.

4. Resin Clay Pendants online workshop by author Kerin Gale.

5. Vintage Gentleman online workshop by author Kerin Gale.

6. Choice of any one workshop being taught by Kerin and Charlie at Art is You retreat in Petaluma, CA. The registration fee and workshop cost are both waived.

7. One copy each of Jen Cushman's book, Explore, Create,, Resinate and Susan Lenart-Kazmer's book, Making Connections plus ICE Resin and a selection of bezels all from Ice Resin.

   

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Tour Stops

May 1
Kerin Gale
Remnants of Olde: http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 2
Alicia Caudle
Altered Bits: http://alteredbits.wordpress.com/

May 3
Lesley Venable
Flatwoods Folk Art: http://www.flatwoodsfolkart.typepad.com/

May 4
Christine Lehto
Lilly Bug Studio: http://lillybugstudio.com/blog/

May 5
Seth Apter
The Altered Page: http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/

May 6
Nancy Perennec
Little Bit Wired: http://littlebitwired.blogspot.com/

May 7
Jen Cushman
ICE Queen Zine: http://www.iceresin.com/category/inspired-remnants-blog-tour/

May 8
Happy Mother’s Day!

May 9
Beth Robinson
Strange Dolls: http://strangedolls.wordpress.com/

May 10
Brenda Schweder
Brenda Schweder Jewelry: http://www.brendaschweder.com/

May 11
Esther Verschoor
Vanessie Art Dolls: http://vanessies.blogspot.com

May 12
Kecia Deveny
Lemoncholy’s Flight of Fancy: http://www.lemoncholys.blogspot.com/

May 13
Rachel Whetzel
A Year In The Life Of An Art Journal: http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/

May 14
Shannon LeVart
MissFickleMedia.com: http://missficklemediacom.blogspot.com/

May 15
Marlaine Verhelst
Marlaine Verhelst Art Dolls: http://marlaineverhelst.com/blog/

May 16
Lisa Jurist
Mud Hound Studio: http://mudhoundprimitives.blogspot.com/

May 17
Michelle Bernard
Yesterday’s Trash: http://michellereneebernard.blogspot.com/

May 18
Kerin Gale
Remnants of Olde – Alan Rogerson feature: http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 19
Facebook Party!
Apoxie Clay & Epoxy Clays Page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_158159677562761

The Book Review

Thanks to everybody who has joined in on The Book Guild over the past two months. I will be bringing this feature back periodically but for now, meetings of The Guild are adjourned. I thought it would be nice to highlight the books that were recently reviewed one more time...

Curiosa by Barton Lidice Benes

Art at the Speed of Life by Pam Carriker

Flavor for Mixed Media by Mary Beth Shaw

Book + Art by Dorothy Simpson Krause



The Printed Pattern by Yvonne and Rebecca Drury

The Elemental Journal by Tammy Kushnir

Surface Treatment Workshop by Darlene Olivia McElroy & Sandra Duran Wilson

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Congratulations to Jann Gougeon from ...with an artist's hand who won a copy of Surface Treatment Workshop in my giveaway.

Look for more book reviews, author interviews, and giveaways when The Book Guild returns.

Surface Treatment Workshop

I received a review copy of Surface Treatment Workshop, the just released book from North Light Books by Darlene Olivia McElroy and Sandra Duran Wilson.

These are the same artists who wrote Image Transfer Workshop back in 2009.

The authors have applied their same easy-to-follow-approach from their first book to their newest one. Surface Treatment Workshop presents 45 techniques to create unique, mixed media surfaces and backgrounds. The techniques are presented in three categories: additive (by far the majority), resist, and subtractive/combination. For each technique, step-by-step instructions, along with accompanying images, are presented. The authors also include for every technique an introduction, a materials and tools list, a list of possible substrates, an archival rating, tips, troubleshooting suggestions, and potential variations.

While many of the techniques will be familiar to any working artist, there are quite a few innovative and unique techniques throughout the book that are likely to be new to many. Examples of these include faux encaustic, fiber paste, paint skins, gel string, plaster gauze, venetian plaster, shaving foam, rubbing alcohol, soap, rinse aid, and even kitty litter.

I think this book would make a tremendous resource for all beginners and would also be a helpful addition to the library of the seasoned mixed media artist who might be looking for some new techniques to take their work in a different direction.

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GIVEAWAY

I am giving away one copy of Surface Treatment Workshop. To be eligible to win, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post by Friday 4/15. The winner will be on announced on my Facebook page on Saturday 4/16. Please be sure I have your email so I can contact the winner directly. Good luck!

The Elemental Journal

The Elemental Journal by Tammy Kushnir is a newly released book from North Light Books. I received a review copy from the publishers and have thoroughly enjoyed looking through its pages.

This book offers a unique take on journaling in several ways. While many books of this type focus on content, The Elemental Journal focuses on structure. Tammy takes the reader through 15 different journal stuctures and presents step-by-step written instructions and step-out images so that anybody can recreate the designs. The instructions are clear and basic enough for the beginner but allow for enough creativity and variation to satisfy the more seasoned book artist. The projects are organized by material, with sections on wood, plastic, paper, fabric, and metal. And for all the lovers of found objects and believers of being green, many of the supplies she uses are repurposed and recycled. Threaded throughout the book are also several galleries of journals created by many well known artists.

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GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader can win a copy of The Elemental Journal. For a chance to win, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post by Thursday 3/31. The winner will be on announced on my Facebook page on Friday 4/1. Please be sure I have your email so I can contact the winner directly. Good luck!

The Printed Pattern

I received a reviewer's copy of The Printed Pattern by Rebecca and Yvonne Drury from Interweave Press. The authors are a London-based mother and daughter team best known for their company MissPrint, which specializes in handpainted fabric. I was not sure how useful this book would be for me as my use of fabric in my art is limited to scraps. But I was happy to see that every single technique described could be applied to paper.

The format of the book makes the process of printing very accessible and easily understood. The book is image-heavy and includes step-by-step photos as well as many well-styled pictures of printed items. Following an introduction that describes the basics of printing, The Printed Pattern reviews relief printing, stencil printing, and screen printing. Potato printing, lino printing, eraser printing, rubber-stamp printing, vintage woodblock printing, stencil printing, and multiple methods of screen printing are all covered in detail. The authors even provide seven sample patterns that you can copy and cut out for printing and pattern-making.

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GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader can win a copy of The Printed Pattern. For a chance to win, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post by Sunday 3/20. The winner will be on announced on my Facebook page on Monday 3/21. Please be sure I have your email so I can contact the winner directly. Good luck!

Visions

Every so often, an art book is released that speaks to me from cover to cover. You know the one that you constantly go back to for information and inspiration. I really only have a few on this list and one of them without doubt is Book + Art: Handcrafting Artist's Books by Dorothy Simpson Krause.

This book was released in 2009 but I am posting about it today because I recently saw her current solo exhibition, Visions, at 571 Projects in NYC. Running through April 16, Visions showcases a series of new, mixed media works that have been inspired by an 18th century poem. The pieces in the show are framed and wall-hung, but an artist book based on the exhibition is in the process of being created. Dorothy Simpson Krause generously took the time to write the following to the readers of The Altered Page:

"I'm currently completing a book, Visions to accompany the exhibition at 571 Projects of images related to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem Kubla Khan or, A Vision in a Dream, A Fragment, composed in 1797 after an opium influenced dream. Coleridge's vision is of a savage place, with holy and enchanted caverns, walls, towers and a sacred river where "The shadow of the dome of pleasure floated midway on the waves". These haunting images of submerged architectural passageways, lit from within, reflect the branches of trees and illuminate floating leaves and flowers."

"Producing a body of work for an exhibit and making a book are similar in that they use images that have a relationship and work well together. While wall-hung pieces may be variable in size, shape and material and any number can be hung in any order, books are usually designed to be hand-held and bound so the images and text are sequential. In this case the wall hanging pieces, are much larger and use varied materials including fresco and aluminum. The book pages, incorporating text from Coleridge's poem, reformats and extends the images to produce pages that are 8.5" x 5.5". The paper, printing, binding and cover are yet to be decided but will be in keeping with the spirit of the work."

Head over to NearSay to read my review of and hear more details about of Visions. If you are in NYC, you can see Visions through April 16. Dorothy Simpson Krause will be at the gallery for the final day of the exhibition and will reveal her artist book at that time.