...and I was wondering how it went so fast, especially in the studio, until I realized just how much I'd accomplished.
I finished 'Another World' (a 3 x 4' project that was a year in the making),
made a collage page or two (read 10-12),
realized a full table size butcher paper mess into something entirely different,
resolved 80 mini collages in this Bits & Pieces journal,
some of which I really liked,
completed a 6" x 6" series of five colour scraps on black paper,
finished (abandoned?) a 16" x 12" 'Wild and Dark' painting,
made a book to house some of my favourite tags,
and readied another travel journal which will eventually house (who knows what?).
Usually as winter approaches, I hand-cut a host of snowflakes, a life-long passion. This year, I only managed one when I found a simple basic snowflake cut online. I alterered it a good deal, and managed to decorate a Christmas gift with a Loveflake.
I'm nearing the end of my quote book, and look forward to finishing it in January. It holds some of my all-time favourite quotes, along with some collages and other colour play. Oh how I love books!!
And of course, there were many more forays into the studio than these, from gel printing frenzies, play dates with artist friends, glazing experiments, a massive project to sort 114 years of family photos, Christmas card-making, paintings for the grandchildrens' birthdays, and hosting a group of ladies to create bookmarks for the library.
In truth, my studio life is just as much about decreasing my stash of paper scraps as it is about creating new things or fund-raising on behalf of the library. As always, I am hugely grateful for my creative life.
Win my dear, you have certainly started the New Year off with a bang. I cannot believe what you accomplish. You are absolutely the most productive human I know. And everything so beautiful and original. I love how your "Another World" turned out and your paper collage is gorgeous. I love your books and how you find a use for everything. Your Christmas heart snowflake is amazing and lovely.
ReplyDeleteCarry on with your wonderfulness my friend, I am proud to call you my friend. Best wishes and Big Hugs, Deann
Truly, I was surprised that so much had happened over the year. Looking through 40 blog posts was most enlightening, and made me realize that even when I feel like I'm accomplishing little in the studio, there is a lot going on!
DeleteAnd right back at you, Deann - it's a joy to have your friendship over the years, and I'm grateful to have you lighting up the blogosphere! Happy 2025, my friend - best of everything to you this year! xo
I’ve enjoyed this look through your year a lot. You are always creating of course but seeing it together it shows a strong throughout. The butcher paper “ mess” and resulting save into an abstract piece is delightful.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed that particular butcher paper project; it's amazing what one can do with Posca pens and a playful experimentation mode!
DeleteGreat work Win. Look forward to seeing you in action again soon xXx
ReplyDeleteMany thanks!
DeletePhew! You achieved so much beauty last year, Win. I especially love that second one. The mosaic-like arrangement of colour on black and all the straight lines just make me happy. Here's to a productive 2025 :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a favourite of mine, too, Tracy - I actually cut a bit off it to use in my quote journal, but it took some courage. 😍
DeleteHi Win. I had been looking at these on facebook, great collection. I love your "Another World" it's been worth every effort and time you've put into it. I can breathe again now as I've just finished both journals Blue and Pink thank goodness. I know the parents to be will like them but they're not really my thing and I can't wait to get onto something a bit more messy Lol! I'm with you on decreasing the paper stash and that has to be my aim for this year "Use it or Lose it". Happy creating Angela xXx
ReplyDeleteI'm loving that painting as well, and was delighted that my nephew sorted out the installation of it in the patio this summer...it really brightens up the space!
DeleteI know you're glad to get those baby journals done, but it's been a delight to watch the process. I can hardly wait to see what kind of mess you'll create now. 🤣
Here's to 'use it or lose it' - that'll be our shared motto for 2025. :D