5x5: Chapter 5

I may be the author of The Pulse of Mixed Media but the true, creative force behind my book is the group of artists who generously shared their secrets and passions and, of course, their art. It was important to me that this book be representative of our entire artistic community, but the total number of contributors I could include was limited by the number of pages in the book. Not wanting to be contained by page numbers, I decided that the Internet was the perfect vehicle to extend the book and be able to include more of the community. With this in mind, the 5x5 Pulse Project was born.

The Pulse of Mixed Media presented the results of a survey in which contributing artists were asked questions that they had to answer with words or provided with prompts that they had to respond to by creating art. These ideas were combined in the 5x5 Pulse Project. I put out an open call for artists to submit artwork created in response to one or more of the following questions that were part of the original book:

1. If your artwork could talk, what would it say?

2. Who has had the most impact on your creative life?

3. What is one thing you have never shared with the creative community?

Submitting artists could chose 1, 2, or all 3 of the questions and respond to each by creating artwork in any medium in the form of a 5" x 5" square. They were asked to include words as a part of their artwork as well. There was a tremendous response to this call and I will be posting each submission every Sunday throughout the months of November and December. 

The 5x5 project is also being featured in a ten-page spread in the November/December 2012 issue of Somerset Studio, now available in stores and online here.

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Who has had the most impact on your creative life?

Teri Mahl

"My creative life was initially started by my Gandmother: gardener, architect, seamstress, survivor. She nurtured me and made me who I am today."

Jane Royal

"My mom had the most impact on my creative life. She could always pick me up when I was feeling discouraged or overwhelmed. She always knew what to say to help me stop worrying about what everyone else was doing so I could focus on following my unique path."

Jo Murray

"One of my first art teachers, John Gould (not the bird one), was a great teacher and painter. He died some years ago, but still sits on my shoulder when I work. To this day, whenever I need motivation, I only need to look at the many photos I took of his paintings and I'm inspired. I am an open book. I wear my heart on my sleeve. All those cliches apply to me. No secrets here. If my artwork could speak I'd hope it said 'I come from the heart.' But I know it often says 'Stop!' which I ignore at my peril."

(this 5x5 also answers the other two questions)

Janine Whitling

"Serge Benhayon - esoteric healer, author and founder of Universal Medicine Healing Centre. He has not taught me how to make art, techniques in painting, and what art is. What Serge Benhayon has shown me through his own living quality is the reflection of pure love and facilitated my own self-love through his livingness. That self-love has paved my way in art to create with joy rather than embed my own personal issues of emotion and ideals into the world."

Loryn Spangler-Jones

"Humanity"

Beth Bynum

"Nick Bantock, author and artist extraordinaire, is my idol and inspiration.

Lisa Sarsfield

"Vincent Van Gogh. Passionate rebel, eyes wide open, dreamer of dreams, star gazer, believer. Leading the way."

Frances Peets

"Wordy Artist Tribute"
"We must be willing to let go of the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." - Joseph Campbell

Holly Dean

"My parents gave me unconditional love and support. They taught me that anything is possible and to follow my dreams. They gave me their talent and the courage to explore. I am grateful every day for such a magical childhood and creative life."

Deborah Guthrie

"I've come to realize that I have had the most impact on my creative life. I've manage to reach this middle aged time and build an artful life slowly and steadily since a child. No easy route, no first hand mentor or money. Just all the steps of life. As I sit here now I'm amazed at the impact of my determination. Not egotistical but just pleased I've continued and have a hunger for more."

Darlene K. Campbell

"Gary Reef. He inspired me to create without fear. To paint beyond those boundaries I had set up."

Wanda Hickman

"My husband Bill. He has supported my creative pursuits both financially and physically, giving me the space and emotional support to be able to experiment and grow as an artist. He is a true Patron of the Arts!"

Barbara Kleinhans

"My dad. His passing brought a focus to my art that wasn't there before."
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The next edition of 5x5 will be posted on Sunday, December 9th.