Art versus Craft, Part 3

Artists Who Inspire Me

Thanks to the internet, I am inspired daily by many many artists. Here are a few who have inspired me through viewing their art, taking classes in person or online or reading their books, or simply feeling a connection to.

Kelly Kilmer because of her ability to produce page after page and book after book of visual journaling. Her pages/books reflect who she is at the moment, producing a chronological visual journey through her life. I admire that she shares with her students (class and blog readers) so much that is personal. Here is a journal page inspired by Kelly.

Hot or Cold

Jane Davies. I love collage. I have done many exercises from Jane's book Collage Journeys. And I've taken two online courses with her and find her to be a great instructor. I love the expressionism of her mixed media art. Here is a piece inspired by Jane, completed in her Compositions online course:

Odile Nicolette is also a mixed media artist. I love the color and depth and imagery of her work. Odile's classes incorporate the expressive arts, which I love. Here is a piece inspired by Odile:

Mystery

Lesley Riley. I've also taken a few classes with Lesley. I love fabric and Lesley introduced me to painting and staining commercial fabric. I've created a few books under the guidance of her books, Fabric Memory Books and Quilted Memories. Here is a piece inspired by Lesley:

Walk

Susan Sorrell. I love the color and playfulness of Susan's art. Taking an online class with her, I combined fabric and beading and loved it! Here is a piece inspired by Susan:

Music Maker

Sonji Hunt. I love the color and texture and movement of Sonji's art. I purchased hand painted fabric from her and created this piece:

Connections

There are others. Writing this blog has reconnected me with art that I've made that I really connect with. Most of these pieces were done in 2006-2007!  It was around 2008 that I took on additional responsibilities at work and lost the time to play. In 2010 I was introduced to Mary Ann Moss' class Remains of the Day and have been making books ever since. Oh, I can't leave out Jill Berry with whom I took a class and made this book and several others.

This has been a fun journey looking back. Perhaps I've been shown the way to the future?

Art versus Craft, Part 2

OK, so back to this topic ... art versus craft. I think the construction of my books are both. Picking papers, embellishing the pages, creating the layout, designing and creating the cover ... this is art-y. The actual construction is more craft-y.

Filling the pages feels more of an expression of me.

In a way, I see them as pieces of art. Or, to be more accurate - "arty".

I think there's a middle category between art and craft - "Arty". My books are arty. They are not fine art. But they are creative. They do not get hung on a wall, nor will they be displayed in a gallery. But they are "arty". Yes ... that's the word.

When I refer to "real art", I think of art to be displayed. Art that could be given away or sold. Art that could go into a gallery. "Real art" is more than painting paper and cutting/folding it to create a book structure (even though it is pretty).

"Real art" takes time to create. And talent. The two pieces I sold at auction -- beaded fabric art -- took time, talent and creativity. And love. I loved those pieces. I loved creating them. And I loved the "product."

Next, I'll explore artist's who inspire me.

Art versus Craft, Part 1

As I await the "Real Art Muse" I must investigate this topic (really re-investigate it as I wrote about it here). When I read artist's statements, I am impressed with how art is an expression of feelings and self. Art is the expression of the inner soul. In expressive arts classes, I've practiced getting in touch with my inner voice before attempting to create something. I've even, in the past, lit a candle to honor the creative spirit that connects us ... prior to creating something.

What has happened for me is ... bookmaking. My books are arty and crafty. They are an expression of my desire to "record and document" my daily experience in a more creative way than just writing my morning pages. My visual journals do express my experience and my attempt to honor everyday.

They do not, however, express deep internal feelings. And that is where I struggle with visual journaling. For example, Kelly Kilmer's journals express "her."
That is what is missing for me ... the expression of "me." I need to return to the question: What is inside wanting to be expressed?
For example, if PEACE is so important to me ... how can I express it? I've done that in the past with this piece.

Peace Gathering

I need to reconnect with expressive art. I think that might be where the "Real Art Muse" resides. More on this topic to come ...