Thursday 18 August 2016

Playing, testing, experimenting...

is always my favourite thing to do.  I realise that for me, it's all about the process (which means making deadlines for shows is very stressful).  I'm happiest trying new things, creating new techniques, pushing old ones and going nuts with upcycling.  I thought I'd show you some of them this week.

This particular piece is made from painted dryer sheets .


I started with a stack of them, a bottle of Golden GAC-400 (a fabric stiffener), and a toilet paper roll wrapped in plastic and coated with Vaseline.


Soaking each of the painted sheets in the GAC-400, I placed them around the roll, and secured them with elastics.

Once dried, the gauzy stiffened fabric stands up well - all it needs is a small glass insert to make a gorgeous vase (yes, I know - I should have built around one, rather than the toilet roll cardboard, but it was an experiment after all).  Live and learn, right?


I've been playing in one of my journals (I have several on the go), and as I was feeling grateful for the small town in which we live, I got thinking about how challenging it may be for those who are obliged to live in the city. Hence this spread, Sleeping Tight,was born.


The other page completed was one I started some time ago, playing with patterns.


It's so dense with them it really needs a dozen close-ups.


Tell me, what have you been up to in the studio recently?  Are you a process lover, or a product artist? If the latter, will you send me some of your energy?  With another show to work towards in February, the push is on!

22 comments:

  1. Your experiments are always so interesting Win and, of course, your colours are fabulous.

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    1. Thanks, Val - and I appreciate the colour comment from one who's right up there with it!

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  2. Love your dryer sheet experiment Winn...great idea.
    I'm definitely a process person...love your patterned piece!!

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    1. Thanks, Roz...good to know I'm not the only mixed media 'processor' out there! :D

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  3. Hi Win, I know what you mean about the process but we always feel we have to end up with something not just a load of samples. I liked it when I was teaching as I could test an idea out and then give it to a class full of teenagers to make the end product, it was great watching what they came up with and I have to say I do miss that. Have a great week, Angela x

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    1. We live in a society that values end product, so being a process-oriented person means we're likely to feel like there's something wrong with us, I think! I try to encourage students to play and experiment; to me it's the only way one can find one's own voice in the artistic world.

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  4. You know I'm result oriented, something I can't seem to (maybe don't want to) shake which makes watching your experimentation such a treat. Nice to see what you've been doing with that GAC stuff. I love your dryer sheet vase - I'm sure the next one will be built around a Gleaner's vase! That is unless you've already "moved on" to a different experiment!

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    1. You certainly are result oriented, Alice, to amazing effect always! I'm interested to see what this GAC-400 can do, and yes, there's going to be a Gleaners trip in the near future. Possibly today! xo

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  5. Looks like you have been having fun, Win. These are all wonderful, I may have to get some GAC 400, seeing what you have done is gibing me some ideas for embellishments! And while I am very drawn to the fabulous patterns, there is something about Sleeping Tight that resonates with me. I love to experiment as well, and am always trying new things. So there is a part of me that is a process lover. But, I have to admit, often when I am painting, I will work right through until I finish, because I need to see the finished result. I tend to work better under the gun and paint like crazy at the last minute before a show. Oddly enough, it's often the last one that I have finished, that is barely dry, that is the first to go! So I guess I'm a little bit of both.

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    1. Absolutely fun, Kimberley. I'll be watching your blog for signs of embellishments with GAC-400. Isn't it funny that working towards a show can encourage us to get the lead out? Perhaps without that push, nothing would ever be finished (certainly that's got to be true in my case).

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  6. What a super little object you made! Fabulous! And I love your journal pages!
    Always such an insoiration to visit you WIn Dinn!
    Happy weekend!
    oxo Susi

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    1. Thanks, Susi - always such fun to be playing in the studio. One never knows what will appear!

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  7. Have no fear, I know you will stand up to your challennge Win!!
    What a cool idea with those dryer sheets!!
    And your spread is beautiful,so serene.
    I like you live far from the city and always slept well at night.Unfortunately the city is creeping outwards as is the use of drugs in this small community, hence,theft at night is on the rise and sleep has become restless.
    These times, they are a changing...
    Thanks for all your inspiration WIn!
    hugs& love,Jackie

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    1. Thanks on all counts, Jackie. Yes, I can imagine that the city ways and fears are creeping towards you, as they are to us here in this quiet town. We can only hope that the negative aspects reverse direction and disappear entirely. As always, thank you for your visit and encouragement, my friend! xo

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  8. Beautiful textures and colours, love it. Cheers xx

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    1. Thanks, Shirley, and happy weekend to Central Canada!

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  9. I love your experimenting Win, and the tumble drier sheets are wonderful. The GAC looks like interesting stuff. Your journal pages are beautiful the colours and patterns are so full of detail. I live in a small village, I can't imagine living in a big city (and I never want to) Have a great weekend xx

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    1. Thanks, Sue. And having lived in the city for a couple of decades in mid-life, I am delighted to be back in a small town. 'Sleeping Tight' in a city is definitely not for me any more!

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  10. A lovely collection of creativity I especially like the city skyline scene I found it very restful...great title too.

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    1. High praise from such a masterful artist and wordsmith, Deann - thanks!

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  11. Love your dryer sheet vase and the flower, Win! What a great idea! Fantastic pattern play too! It's lovely to get lost in the process - I always know when I'm in the "zone" - it just happens! Other times, I struggle and I'm not sure if it is because I'm forcing myself to do something that doesn't come naturally or if it's just a necessary part of my development process.

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    1. You're right, Zsuzsa - getting lost in the process is the best thing ever. While temporary struggles happen, it's more often zen time in the studio, and I value that beyond measure!

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