Inspiration travels the miles!

Having been an art teacher at one time, I love when I receive letters from young people who are inspired by what they see in my work.
Most artists hope that what they do sparks something in others. I have been fortunate enough to have this happen many times, and it always delights me.
Well, I recently received an email from the UK. This was from an art student working on a project, and her work was inspired by several artists, one of which was me and my Torn Paper Paintings!
I felt honored. It always seems soo surreal when you realise how small the world is. Along with this acknowledgement came a request for an "artist's statement", which I was happy to provide.
After several emails between us, I was sent some lovely pics to show what was being worked on.

The first is a pomegranate. It was painted with acrylic then collaged with tissue paper and newspaper. Stitching was added into it in the end.
Soo much lovely texture on this one!

(click the pic for larger image)

Next I received a pic of something that looked more than a bit familiar.
It was that of my "Balance" painting which had been published in the "Incite 3" book . Using that painting as the model it was re-created using the text in the background as I had and the cups and saucers on top were acrylic painted.
I think she did a wonderful job.

I've been told that there are several other pieces in the works. I hope to receive pics of those one day and maybe I can share them as well.
Thank you Ceri. 

Hope you find many forms of inspiration along your journey!

fun with Klimt

Klimt Korn

Not sure how it happened....but when creating a new fun piece....candy corn...Klimt came to mind.
How that happened with a little piece of candy, I'm not sure.
However...the marriage of the two seems to be a thing of beauty. Who knew.
I just love the patterns and the shiny gold & silvers. Perfect. I found myself carving more stamps to use with my Gelli Plates to create even more lovely papers for it.
I am now on a bit of a roll with some more Klimt inspired Torn Paper Paintings. Stay tuned.
I do believe a series is on the way...lol
You never know where inspiration will come from.
Sometimes the least likely places!!
Embrace it.

A Very Small World

Yes....it always amazes me at how small the world really is...and even more so with the invention of the internet.

This realization became even more clear this past week. Can you imagine...waking up in the morning in New England, and having email from a lovely person in Tanzania! I know...this shouldn't be so surprising in this day and age....but it still tickles me!
The even better part...hearing from this nice person, Lynn, that she discovered my Torn Paper Paintings work online and it has become an inspiration to her. Wow...now that's hard to beat!



Lynn's collage

Lynn happened to see my "Golden Bucket" which was a project I had done for one of Cloth Paper Scissors Emags. Being inspired by this and using only magazine pages, she then created her own version which she sent me this pic of.  Beautiful job!
We have since been in touch each day and have exchanged information about ourselves and our art and I've been able to answer more of her questions with regard to the technique to help her on her journey in this process.

As other artists know, when we do our art we work mostly in isolation. It's just the nature of things. We go about our art journey hoping that there are others out there we can reach and who will enjoy what it is we do...but seldom do we get the chance to connect with them.
To have another artist reach out from across the planet to comment on what we are doing and to share their interest is a very special thing.
I have truly enjoyed this unexpected connection and as an artist...couldn't ask for more than to hear that I have inspired someone else in their creativity.

In her own words... "Please do feel free to use these pictures to show others what your wonderful and very kind words inspired! This was really a great way to start a new art - not reinventing the wheel, but using your experience to create something I can be quite pleased with for a first attempt. Thank you again."

Lynn...thank you for taking the time to say hello!!

I'm Back

Feels as if it has been a while since I've posted. I have been sooo busy with making my canvas paper pieces. I have numerous requests for them and have been working almost non-stop. Not complaining mind you....I'll take this anytime!

I did manage to just spend a weekend away at my in-laws river house for the annual "girls weekend". It's a get-together with friends each year for a little fun and a great recharge!

Since I've got so much work to do as well...I decided to bring some of my smaller canvas pieces along with me that I'd already started as well as several bins of papers in my most used colors.

I did manage to make a bit of progress while still enjoying the view....and a great bit of inspiration that view is too!!!

Not a bad little spot to work at all :)

Where inspiration comes from...

I am often asked where I get my inspiration. Now may be a great time to answer this, especially in light of ongoing comments made by a fellow artist, Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Nelson recently at an art gallery where she had a show near my hometown. I was excited to see her work and when I did it was confirmed that she is a fine artist. For those of you who are not familiar with her work, here is a link.
I was happy to see Elizabeth’s work up close and personal because it allowed me to have first hand knowledge that our style of artistry is very different. While her work has more of an oil painting look and feel to it, mine on the other hand has a lighter, softer feel, much like watercolors. She has not seen mine personally and therefore is unaware of the differences that actually exist in techniques.

Other links of inspiring artists that are doing amazing torn paper art can be found by visiting this website. It is simply the most impressive work by an artist in France named Anastassia Elias. Another inspiration to me is Bob Kilvert whose work you can see here.
In addition, take a look at the book called "creative collage techniques" by another inspiring artist doing her variation, Nita Leland. You'll see a beautiful rooster on the cover done in the torn paper style. This book came out in 2000 and is well worth a look.
Eileen Downes is another amazing artist who has done fruits, florals, and even shoes.
Even earlier is children's book illustrator Eric Carle. You may remember the book the hungry caterpillar? That was done in torn paper style as well.
There are other blogs, one called "torn paper art" where a beautiful beach scene is posted.

I wonder if Elizabeth looks to these great artists for inspiration too? I see her work has similar themes running through them.
I am not sure why Elizabeth is posting comments of accusations that I am copying "her" work. As you can see, there is a long history of many artists doing this style of art proving that she has not invented this technique nor does she have ownership of the subject matter of cupcakes, animals, beach scenes, etc. These are simply favorite subject matters of many talented artists. I have not only used these subjects but also many others.

I know I gain endless motivation and inspiration from my vast collection of art books and artists' dvds I have purchased over the years. I find, as anyone can attest to, there is nothing "new", just simply a different spin. I love seeing how there are so many amazing and talented artists out there doing this torn paper art. It reaches so far back that it's doubtful anyone can say where it really started. I believe that this technique may have roots in mosaics. I know mosaics are typically done with bits of glass or tile, etc...torn paper paintings are simply done with bits of paper.
I enjoy seeing what other artists create and I hope you do as well. I guess the short answer is that there is no one moment or thing to answer the question, "what inspires you" because I think the answer is "everything" throughout my life.
Please visit the links I have provided to find inspiration, too.