These two pieces were made from my stash of forgotten odds and ends. I cut the papers to size, used my Faber- Castell watercolor pencils for color, my pigma micron marker for a few details and used tape for the collage elements with the black piece. That made for some depth shadows in the photo and some crookedness, but once I get a better glue I'll stick them down flat and straight.
Before buying new supplies, I'm trying to "reduce and reuse" by scrounging around for anything useful. Here's the post on the inking technique used to make the papers. I've heard good things about Prang tempura, which would be perfect for this technique, from a chemically sensitive friend on Coach Creative Space. They have a group for MCS/ Green Artists with lots of support and some useful resources.
I have some good news from Nancy and Bridgette about a new book by Karen Michel called Green Guide for Artists Non-Toxic Recipes, Green Art Ideas, & Resources for the Eco-Conscious Artist, available for pre-order. You can take a sneak peek inside on Amazon. Hooray!
Thanks too for all your supportive comments and emails. What would I do without you guys? *Big Smiles*
16 comments:
Hi Shayla
I so enjoy coming here to see your creativity!
It's wonderful, and I loved this post!
Thank you!
Margie:)
oh wow, your technique for these ones is so interesting, and the pieces on their own are quite lovely. I really like the idea of finding ways to recycle materials for your art.
Hi, Shayla! Beautiful techniques on these works...love the Asian, brushwork flair. That books sounds fantastic--so timely! :o) Happy Days, my friend ((HUGS))
This is beautiful! The twigs look so delicate. That's a great book - even for those without sensitivity. We all need to reduce our exposure to toxins.
Dynamic work here Shayla, I like the limited colour palette.
Strength and beauty too.
Yes recycle/reuse! great advice...I think that's why I love collage so much. All I need is glue and to then recycle and reuse stuff I have lying around! Wonderful post.
Shayla, 'big smiles' to you - this is so exciting to watch what could have been a huge handicap turn into something so positive - I realize it may not be perfect, but what an adventure into something brand new - I am so happy for you and the work doesn't look as if it has suffered any at all - I love these black bare branches, xxo
It looks like you are taking to your challenge quite well. I like the fresh and open feel of this piece.
I hope I never have to give up my art supplies, but it is encouraging to know that you are finding things you can work with. I live with some allergies, so it is in the back of my mind that I could end up in the same place you are.
OO, that book looks fab!
I love the way you're re-using older pieces in this way. I love doing that too.
Saw this non-toxic acrylic gouache linked on twitter today and thought of you! http://artid.com/members/calligraphy/blog/post/2522
I'm so glad research and publishing is going in this direction..for the whole environmental movement to come back into full swing...
These paint effects are exiting... and the way you have them mounted brings each other to life.. Beautiful!!
talk about recycling.. I just tore one of John's old shirts up into many long strips and knotted them together to use in my garden this summer.. I always need something to tie up the tomatoes... Don't tell him... I had to do it.. he would not stop wearing it and it was a gonner last year... hope he doesn't notice any familiarity when he's out picking his lunch this year...
Margie, thanks for your visit :)
Megan, it never occured to me that you do your collages with old magazines because you love recycling. But of course! That makes me love them even more.
Tracy, yes perfect timing. Gotta love it when that happens.
Bindu, that's true. Even those who don't notice sensitivites can be affected by toxins.
Jo, it's so fun to preach to the converted ;) You have a knack with finding new purposes for old things. Oh, and the limited color palate has been fun. I'm planning to stick with golds for a bit.
Jeane, I love your smile :) I'm finding all kinds of options, and testing will start soon.These are healthier
things I never would have tried if my acrylics had been ok and some of them may perform even better. It is exciting!
Regina, I hope you don't have a health crisis too. I had warnings that this was coming for a long time, and it was in the back of my mind for awhile. When I was forced to face it, I met another sensitive artist with such a positive attitude. Seeing how she took it as a creativity challenge helped me not to mourn my favorite supplies.
Leah, YIPEE! That stuff looks fabulous. I've checked around and another chemically sensitive artist said she sampled it and loves it! Thanks so much, you're a sweetie.
Gwen, hee, hee. You made me laugh. Jason wears his shirts till they're holy and threadbare. I haven't been so successful in sneaking his favorites away. I'm pleased that you got away with it. And yes! Isn't that good news? Most artists love the environment. It's ironic that many of our supplies are so toxic. I'm sure this book will be put to good use by many.
How wonderful that you can create such pieces using just your left overs, and that book looks like it was written just for you!
: )
Hi Shayla - just discovered your blog and am finding it so very beautiful - your work is wonderful. I really love this piece - I liked it at first glance but love it even more knowing that it's recycled!
Nice one Shayla, reminds me of those chinese black in brush paintings which we had to do when we were younger. As you would have guessed, I never mastered anything 'artistic' at all..haha :D hugs/m
I love this work of the bare branches... thank you for sharing. Roxanne
Love the thinking behind reduce and reuse. Love what you did with your stash too!
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