Style File: Chapter 4

Welcome to the 5th edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals. More than 130 artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented in a series of online posts which will run every Sunday. 

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to every person who visited The Altered Page last weekend to celebrate the opening of the 5th edition of The Pulse. Each of you who commented became eligible to win a copy of  'The Pulse - The Zine from 2008, which is now out of print and unavailable. Congratulations go out to Teddi from Honey Bee Lane whose comment read 'Great artists. I so wanna win the giveaway.' Well Teddi you did. You are the lucky winner!

Style File is the 1st of 6 projects from The Pulse. Participants were asked: How would you describe your artistic style?

-----------------------------------------
Dawn DeVries Sokol

I'd say whimsical and colorful and getting a little more edgy. My art journaling is a mish-mash of thoughts and happenings from my everyday life.
-----------------------------------------
Gail Pierce

I don't think that I have a distinctive style, at least that I'm aware of. Perhaps my style is simply "what if." What if I use this substrate. What if I create texture with gesso. And what if I scrape paint on, and what if...as seen in the example of my work.
-----------------------------------------
Rachel Whetzel

I had a tough time with this one, because I have a hard time seeing my style. I'm an emotional artist. My art comes and goes in an ebb and flow. I believe that part of the reason for that is because I create my best work when I am truly inspired. An idea hits me with enough force and persistence that I MUST create it. Usually my inspiration comes from a specific moment or emotion in my life. My Beach Comber piece was a good example of that. The painting has a double meaning and was created for my best friend. My nickname for her is coffee, and so the two cups with their steam shaped into a heart.
-----------------------------------------
Jessica Walthall

My artistic style is all about layers and texture. I've always loved the grungy look of peeling paint, rusted metals and weathered paper. I seek to combine my love of rich, bright colors with a sense of the old and worn. I especially love seeing remnants of previous layers peeking through to the surface.
-----------------------------------------
Svetlana Spasojevic

My artistic expression is tightly connected with personal experiences, memories and feelings that accompany them. They are the layers that give the texture to my life. (Layers of Memories)
-----------------------------------------
Stephanie Brouwers

My artistic style is influenced by tribal art, archeology, ethnography, nature, life, death, folk beliefs... All these influences show in the different media I use, be it photography, sculpture and jewelry.
-----------------------------------------
Laura Lein-Svencner

I'm one that likes to layer the papers and create depth within that process. Building the history of the art piece itself. I have a good sense for composition and design and almost all of my work comes from how I am feeling about things on a daily basis, spiritually and emotionally. Color is another strong aspect to my work and very natured inspired.
-----------------------------------------
Susan Madden

Spontaneous. I don't plan very often. On the rare occasion when I do try to plan, my artwork rises up mightily and asserts itself. Rarely does it ever match my plan. Sometime I deliberately choose techniques that will force spontaneity no matter what -- like the salt I threw on this piece. You try controlling salt as it spreads in wet paint.
-----------------------------------------
Judy Shea

I think a word that I, and some others, have used is "eclectic". I try to use diverse pieces in my art, whether it be found objects, metal from a hardware store or my own handmade, one of a kind, art embellishments using polymer clay. Makes you want to reach out and touch it. (Heartfull)
-----------------------------------------
Lelainia N. Lloyd

For the record, this is my all time least favourite question - I have such a difficult time slapping a label on what I do. Under duress, I'd say my work is humble, honest, has clean lines and is balanced. Next please! (Mangosteens)
-----------------------------------------

Next 'Style File' will be posted Sunday, July 17th.