Do you love paper a little too much? I adore the stuff. In any color, size, pattern; old and new, tattered and yellowing, crisp and fragrant; handmade, junk mail, envelopes, labels. My studio reflects this. How about yours? There are boxes of paper stored everywhere in my house.
Let's do some 5 minute collage and use up some of that stash.
I just keep a box of loose paper - intentionally disorganized because it is such fun to see what will happen. Dip in and grab what you want without thinking: look quickly and make instinctive choices. Then glue 'em down. Try to do this in 5 minutes. Set your timer! Yeah, not so easy, is it? Try it again.
You may sometimes feel, as I do, reluctant to just use up your paper. I try to keep in mind that there is plenty out there. When you sit down to play with art supplies, it doesn't have to Become Art. I usually regard this sort of play in the same way as you would a sandcastle: impermanent, unprecious. And you can cut these up and use them in your journal, returning them to collage fodder.
I've been painting over some of these collages to push them further. Using pencil and crayon to scribble. There may be another round of collage. Who knows? Just move forward.
Thanks Diana for another great quote: the one about playing with art supplies. That will go on my studio inspiration board, right up there with "you cannot fit a dinosaur into a chicken egg" (which, by the way, is what I am trying to do with my stash vs storage space!) Great posting today.
Posted by: Sharon W | 10/31/2012 at 08:34 AM
I have been playing a lot in my new studio, rediscovering my art supplies that have been in storage since February. I have to admit that I sometimes feel like I need to explain myself to people who ask me "what art you working on in your studio"? You know, like I should be creating a great work of art! Thank you for this post and all of the others you write to encourage us in our journey.
Posted by: Jacque | 11/05/2012 at 12:03 PM
Yes, I have boxes of paper everywhere in my studio!. Overflowing. I never thought of it as you mentioned but I think you are right, it is hard to part with some and that's why they have been around too long. I do a lot of collage but have not challenged myself with the 5 minute version yet. Will give it a go and see what I can use up.
Thanks for a fun post.
Posted by: Kathy | 11/05/2012 at 01:33 PM
I think so many artists are asked that question, Jacque. It can really get on your nerves! Sometimes even other artists dont get it. You arent alone with that one! Enjoy your studio. Im so happy for you that you are getting time to get into the groove! Thanks for you comment
Posted by: Diana Trout | 11/05/2012 at 06:08 PM
Piles of paper! I hope youll give the 5 minute collage a go. I think it really loosens me up! Thanks for your comment, Kathy
Posted by: Diana Trout | 11/05/2012 at 06:09 PM
Great post! VERY freeing to realize (and finally accept) that it doesn't have to Become Art... How often have I felt the need to justify time spent/money spent on supplies/art created... Often I am asked if the art I produce from the supplies I've purchased equalls out in sales... how can I explain that I'm not selling what I'm creating in my journal... it is as if many consider it "wrong" or "unproductive" or "a waste of time," and it's so difficult to validate your journal to people who only see it as money and time wasted :(
Posted by: Aloquin | 11/11/2012 at 12:25 PM
Here, Here! And nobody ever thinks twice about a gym membership or sports equipment, do they? Why do we have such strictures on exercise our talents in art? Society-wide problem.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 11/11/2012 at 04:39 PM
Indeed! I think one way to battle this is to get the word out to other artists and let them know that to "Play is OK". Too many feel that they MUST be producing gallery pieces or else they are "failing" at art, and that is a big, sad shame.
I promoted your book "Journal Spilling" on my latest blog post. Please feel free to come by and take a look should you get the chance.
Keep creating!
http://aloquin.blogspot.com/2012/11/i-have-been-art-journaling-since.html
Posted by: Aloquin | 11/11/2012 at 09:53 PM
Hey, thanks and Ive commented on your blog.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 11/11/2012 at 11:14 PM
Yes!Yes! Boy, these were great thoughts.
Now if the "powers that be" in the art producing world would quit thinking of new "art stuff" I would not be thinking like what Aloquin said. (Money spent
per art project). Every time I say "no new art stuff" this week I get a 50% off coupon in the mail. Now how can you let that go to waste?
Posted by: Nancy Lee | 12/21/2012 at 08:44 PM
I like art supplies as much as the next person BUT ... I do think that too many choices on the art desk make creating a little more confusing in a weird way. I think that this deserves a whole blog post!
Posted by: Diana Trout | 12/22/2012 at 11:46 AM