The Flavor of the Day

I received a review copy of Mary Beth Shaw's new book Flavor for Mixed Media: A Feast of Techniques for Texture, Color and Layers, hot off the presses from North Light. Mary Beth is joined by 15 well-known artists, all of whom share their techniques and tips for creating mixed-media works of art. In addition, a series of projects are clearly described and illustrated with stepped-out photos. The book approaches art much like a chef approaches food and this theme is carried throughout, even including a number of recipes from the author and the guest artists. Some of the techniques covered that I have not seen in many other mixed-media books include using clayboard as a substrate, using rubbings to create texture and depth, using a collagraph plate, working with Plexiglas, using alcohol inks, creating three dimensional paintings, and using foil as a background.

Mary Beth generously shared her thoughts about her experience creating this book:

When I was contacted by North Light and asked to write a book, my initial reaction was one of disbelief. You want me? Really? I wasn't sure. I mean as much as I had dreamed of writing a book (as a child I imagined myself as a writer, living in a fabulous coastal home), it seemed like the mixed media world had so many books and I questioned if I had what it took to write something different. I wanted to be sure that I could somehow add value to this segment of the art world. It sounds lofty and I was oh-so-holier than thou as I clung to that statement. Truth be known, I was scared. Really really scared.

The idea continued to roll around in my head. I didn't exactly 'decline' the offer, but I didn't exactly jump on it either. I pondered. And pondered. For at least a year, if not more. All the while still thinking about a possible book and contemplating if I had an angle. One day it was suddenly clear to me and I saw the entire thing in my head. That is when I called North Light back because I knew with such certainty and passion that yes! I do have things to say. Ha, anyone who has known me for 2 minutes had probably already guessed that.

Fast forward to the project phase, quickly followed by the guest artist phase, followed by the photo shoot phase followed by the Oh.My.Gosh I really have to write this thing phase. And looking at the computer screen day after day. Working and reworking every single sentence. Then scrapping it all and starting fresh. And getting a case of the jitters. Questioning whether my ideas had any value whatsoever, doubting my ability to pull it off, analyzing my sanity. Oh yeah, talk about second thoughts. But I kept plugging and finally turned my manuscript over, all the while never being sure if I had phrased any of the book in the 'right' way whatever that might be. I was a mass of insecurities, something I don't often show to the outside world, waiting for the edits, imagining the entire book would be rejected with a flurry of red marks.

Fast forward again to the day the advance copy arrived at my house.. I found myself nearly speechless. To see the final product, to hold it in my hands, to flip through it was nearly more than I could bear. Sort of an out of body experience, I really did this?

Before I was teaching, when I was mainly exhibiting at art fairs and galleries, all I ever wanted was for my art to touch people, to find some common ground where someone would be moved by my art. And looking back, I guess that was also my aspiration for the book. To reach a larger audience than I can when I teach. To share the things I have learned, to give others ideas so they might be inspired to make things and yes, cook things!

So now I am to the stage where I am getting emails and blog posts from folks who have actually made projects from the book. I hear lovely comments and see wonderful works of art that the book inspired and I could not be more delighted. I just have to pinch myself to be sure it is all real.

--------------------------

You can visit Mary Beth at her blog The Common Denominator, at her website Mary Beth Shaw, or at her store Stencil Girl Products where she sells her unique, hand-made stencils.

-----------------------

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader can win a copy of Flavor for Mixed Media. For a chance to win, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post by Sunday 3/13. The winner will be on my Facebook page on Monday 3/14. Please be sure I have your email so I can contact the winner directly. Good luck!