30/30: Thomas Ashman

30 artists...30 days. Spend the month of October with me at The Altered Page to meet the 30 spotlight artists in my book The Mixed-Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams from Over 40 Amazing Artists. See them in action in their studios, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Mixed-Media Artist.

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Thomas Ashman

"On the edge of the crowd, but still part of it, I create in the penumbra, in the light and the darkness, needing both.

In my imagination, death is elegant and bizarre is charming. I seek to juxtapose extremes. I have a story I must tell, even if no one listens.

My art is in my mind. My tools are in my hands. My voice is in my creations."

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I have always admired the work of Thomas Ashman. I am a sucker for handmade books and am mesmerized by the patina of metal. Thomas often puts these two things together to create objects that seem to look like historic treasures to me. Seeing his creations on the vending table at many of the art retreats we both attend is always a highlight for me.

I also admire Thomas for marching to the beat of his own drummer. After all, the name of his website is  Black Sheep Artist Studio. We have had a chance to spend some time together in between workshops at several art retreats and I really enjoy that time. I have heard great things about his classes as well. I feel pretty certain that one of these days I will be sitting in the front row for his Dremel how-to workshop.
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GIVEAWAY

For every comment you leave in October on one of the 30/30 posts on my blog, you will have that many chances to win a signed copy of The Mixed Media Artist. I will be giving away a total of 3 copies. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have (but only 1 per post please). Please make sure I have a way to contact you. Winners will be announced in early November. 

30/30: Anca Gray

30 artists...30 days. Spend the month of October with me at The Altered Page to meet the 30 spotlight artists in my book The Mixed-Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams from Over 40 Amazing Artists. See them in action in their studios, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Mixed-Media Artist.

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Anca Gray

"I expose the life and history contained in discarded vintage books, antique lace and doilies, kitchen scraps and other assorted bits of found objects.

 In processing these collected fragments into abstract and figurative paintings, I allow their stories to work on my own biases of brokenness and wholeness, of being and becoming.

My work is a relentless search for poetry in the debris, an affirmation of life and possibility."

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When I think of Anca and her art, words such as beauty, mystery, serenity, subtlety and strength come to mind. Her artwork is very distinctive and often blends abstract and figurative design - a combination that is very appealing to me. Her blog is entitled to live poetry, which is very apt given the visual poetry that seems to emanate from her creations. Many of the artists in the book were quite enthusiastic when they found out they would be sharing pages with Anca. She is a well loved artist.

I have followed Anca online for quite a long time now, but except for blog comments, we have not interacted. So it has been a pleasure to get to know her better through our communications and through the art and the Q&A portion of the book. One day I hope to meet her and perhaps then I will have a chance to see poetry in motion.
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GIVEAWAY

For every comment you leave in October on one of the 30/30 posts on my blog, you will have that many chances to win a signed copy of The Mixed Media Artist. I will be giving away a total of 3 copies. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have (but only 1 per post please). Please make sure I have a way to contact you. Winners will be announced in early November. 

30/30: Rachel Whetzel

30 artists...30 days. Spend the month of October with me at The Altered Page to meet the 30 spotlight artists in my book The Mixed-Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams from Over 40 Amazing Artists. See them in action in their studios, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Mixed-Media Artist.

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Rachel Whetzel

"Thrift junkie. Free spirit. Believer. Artist.

Photographer. Mom to boys. Rust lover. Worm farmer. Blogger. Creative soul. Rule bender. Spider saver. Coffee drinker. Cream lover. Chook farmer. Goat milker. Sailor mouth.

Music listener. Phone talker. Garden grower. Beek. Mess maker. Risk taker. Chewy mom. Gritty gramma. Good intender."

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Having had the opportunity to meet Rachel during an Oregon road trip I took earlier this year, I can vouch for the fact that she is all those things she listed in her artist statement above. And more. Somehow she left out all around cool person. She has her fingers in many, many pies and shares all the different pieces on her blog. This variety is one of the things I really like about her and admire in her art.

In case you missed it, here is the link to a post that Rachel wrote for my blog this past May. It highlights her journey from scrapbooker to mixed media artist. It also presents her thoughts on inclusivity in creativity, which I wholeheartedly share. She talked about Blurred Lines long before Robin Thicke. Like I said - all around cool person.
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GIVEAWAY

For every comment you leave in October on one of the 30/30 posts on my blog, you will have that many chances to win a signed copy of The Mixed Media Artist. I will be giving away a total of 3 copies. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have (but only 1 per post please). Please make sure I have a way to contact you. Winners will be announced in early November. 

30/30: Marit Barentsen

30 artists...30 days. Spend the month of October with me at The Altered Page to meet the 30 spotlight artists in my book The Mixed-Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams from Over 40 Amazing Artists. See them in action in their studios, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Mixed-Media Artist.

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Marit Barentsen

"Born at the seashore. Daughter of creative parents. Made in Holland. In love with music from the sixties. Flower power girl. Dreamer and rationalist (can they go together? Yes they can!).

Creator. Art teacher. Poet. Writer. Art journaler. Artist. Story teller.

Wannabe mermaid. Blogger. Pedagogue. Mother. Lover. Insecure little girl. Wise old lady. Free spirit."

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Marit and I have crossed paths online for many years. I have been involved in a number of projects that she has hosted and she has been a participant in several that I have developed as well. She is best known as an artist for her stunning art journals. She paints, writes, collages, draws, sprays and splatters her way to create personal, colorful, unique and often times dramatic journal pages.

Marit is a very generous soul who brings her creativity into many other projects in addition to her art journaling. For example, she is the mastermind behind Featuring, an art journaling and mixed media magazine that she edits and publishes on her own. If you haven't seen this magazine yet, you are in for a treat. And that is also true with regard to the artwork and words that Marit contributed to the book.
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GIVEAWAY

For every comment you leave in October on one of the 30/30 posts on my blog, you will have that many chances to win a signed copy of The Mixed Media Artist. I will be giving away a total of 3 copies. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have (but only 1 per post please). Please make sure I have a way to contact you. Winners will be announced in early November. 

30/30: CW Slade

30 artists...30 days. Spend the month of October with me at The Altered Page to meet the 30 spotlight artists in my book The Mixed-Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams from Over 40 Amazing Artists. See them in action in their studios, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Mixed-Media Artist.

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CW Slade

"My purpose in life is to dig deep into the mystery, searching to uncover what is beautiful.

What is beautiful to me is what is true. Truth has no limits; it is not bounded by time.

My work is my daily process of exploration, my meditation, my teacher."

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I have loved CW's work for many years, so much so that she was one of the first artists that I spotlighted on my blog back in 2007. She also participated in the original online version of The Pulse in early 2008. It is with great satisfaction that nearly 6 years later she is a part of this book. There is something special in her abstract works that absolutely fascinates me. Perhaps it is the combination of her color choices and color blocking, the surface layering and texturizing, the bits and pieces she adds, and her use of organic imagery. Or perhaps it is the stories that her artwork tell.

I have yet to meet CW in person but I hope to one day. Although she shares her process on the pages of the book, I would love to be able to be a fly on the wall (or more comfortably maybe just a person sitting in a chair) in her studio as she puts the pieces together to create these abstract gems. Seeing her work unfold would no doubt be a huge inspiration to me.
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GIVEAWAY

For every comment you leave in October on one of the 30/30 posts on my blog, you will have that many chances to win a signed copy of The Mixed Media Artist. I will be giving away a total of 3 copies. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have (but only 1 per post please). Please make sure I have a way to contact you. Winners will be announced in early November. 

30/30: Leighanna Light

30 artists...30 days. Spend the month of October with me at The Altered Page to meet the 30 spotlight artists in my book The Mixed-Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams from Over 40 Amazing Artists. See them in action in their studios, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Mixed-Media Artist.

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Leighanna Light

"I am a thingmaker. I create. I layer. I teach. I paint. I swim. I alter metal. I assemble.

I cry. I shop for old tools. I collect dead bees. I go junking. I collect rocks. I plant things. I pick things up off the ground & use them in my art.

I love music. I go to estate sales. I go for long bike rides. I travel. I take naps. I love what I do & I have fun doing it! I am a thingmaker."

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I love the 'quirk' that Leighanna brings to her art -- and I mean that as a big compliment. She describes herself as a thingmaker and I think that description fits perfectly. The things she creates are unique and special, and have personalities all their own. She is a wizard with creating patina on metal. Perhaps in another life she had been an alchemist, turning ordinary metal into treasured gold. That is exactly what she does with her art today.

Leighanna is a tireless teacher, generously sharing her techniques and talent with the many other artists who take her classes. I uniformly hear raves about her workshops. She and I have crossed paths on the teaching circuit and have had a chance to spend time together at a number of different art retreats. She couldn't be nicer and is such a genuine person. I am already looking forward to the next time we get a chance to hang.
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GIVEAWAY

For every comment you leave in October on one of the 30/30 posts on my blog, you will have that many chances to win a signed copy of The Mixed Media Artist. I will be giving away a total of 3 copies. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have (but only 1 per post please). Please make sure I have a way to contact you. Winners will be announced in early November. 

30/30: Jen Cushman

30 artists...30 days. Spend the month of October with me at The Altered Page to meet the 30 spotlight artists in my book The Mixed-Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams from Over 40 Amazing Artists. See them in action in their studios, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Mixed-Media Artist.

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Jen Cushman

"I've always had this need to create. It runs so deep that I simply must do something creative every day. I need to make stuff in the same way I need to breathe, eat, hydrate and hug my children on a daily basis. My work is about the creative process, rather than the end by-product.

What I make is not as important as being in my studio and surrendering to the blissful moments where my full focus is on nothing but what my mind, heart and hands can generate.

This is where I fully realize my authentic self...the space where I am most vulnerable, yet completely safe. Whatever is inside of me that needs to come out does, and that is my art."

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As is so often the case, I don't remember when I first came across Jen and her work. But I do know that our first contact occurred in 2011 after I heard her interviewed by Rice Freeman-Zachery in a podcast. Since that time, we have been connected online and happily were able to spend time together in Arizona both in 2012 and 2013.

Jen is such a wonderful and genuine person and such a creative artist. Her mixed media based jewelry really resonates with me. Those of you who know her also know that she is extremely motivated and dedicated to art and our art community, and is a very hard worker. You definitely get the sense that Jen loves what she does. It shows in all her work!
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GIVEAWAY

For every comment you leave in October on one of the 30/30 posts on my blog, you will have that many chances to win a signed copy of The Mixed Media Artist. I will be giving away a total of 3 copies. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have (but only 1 per post please). Please make sure I have a way to contact you. Winners will be announced in early November. 

30/30: Supria Karmakar

30 artists...30 days. Spend the month of October with me at The Altered Page to meet the 30 spotlight artists in my book The Mixed-Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams from Over 40 Amazing Artists. See them in action in their studios, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Mixed-Media Artist.

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Supria Karmakar

"When the true essence of creativity flows from me, I believe it is my muse's creation which is being portrayed and birthed into the world.

My passion is mixed media works, in which I create using primarily encaustic medium, collage and/or altered books.

Each piece I create, I see as a container for the unfolding of a story with layers of narrative which serve to delight, provide meaningful insight and/or provide the viewer a place of comfort and connection whether it be joyous or melancholy."

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Supria and I have connected in many ways on the Internet over the last 5+ years. She was the driving force behind Inner Works, a collaborative altered book project among 6 artists, and participated in the online versions of The Pulse and the Disintegration Collaboration (DisCo). She is a wonderful artist, generous soul, and all around positive individual. We have yet to meet in person but I know that this is only a matter of time.

I have always been transfixed by Supria's work. She creates the most intricate, interactive and absolutely dazzling handmade and altered books. Her encaustic work is mesmerizing and she seems to be able to create living, breathing worlds within the layers of wax that she adds to the surface. She shares some of her techniques, along with new artwork, in the book.
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GIVEAWAY

For every comment you leave in October on one of the 30/30 posts on my blog, you will have that many chances to win a signed copy of The Mixed Media Artist. I will be giving away a total of 3 copies. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have (but only 1 per post please). Please make sure I have a way to contact you. Winners will be announced in early November. 

30/30: Tracy Verdugo

30 artists...30 days. Spend the month of October with me at The Altered Page to meet the 30 spotlight artists in my book The Mixed-Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams from Over 40 Amazing Artists. See them in action in their studios, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Mixed-Media Artist.

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Tracy Verdugo

"I can be quirky, serious, silly, creative, forgetful, complicated, simple, loving,

thoughtless, empathic, anxious, confident, kind, committed, fickle, overwhelmed, philosophical,

shallow, understanding, argumentative, dynamic, lazy, optimistic, visionary and careless...I am a walking contradiction...I am human."

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I met Tracy at Art is You in Connecticut just about one year ago. We were both on a panel and had to share some of our stories with the attendees at the retreat. I was immediately struck by the fact that although she lives just about as far from me as she can get in Australia, our stories in art have so many elements in common. And we share much with regard to our belief in connection and synchronicity as well. I felt an instant bond.

I find her artwork to be vibrant, bold, and energizing. Those of you who have taken her workshops will understand her process of covering and revealing that takes place when she creates. I did not attend her class at AIY but I did wander in to see what people were creating. When I saw her sprawled out on the floor painting her canvas and saw the rapt faces of her students working on their own pieces, I knew for certain that Tracy was one powerful artist.

Excited to share with you all that Tracy is now an author too. Her book Paint Mojo - A Mixed-Media Workshop: Creative Layering Techniques for Personal Expression will be released in July 2014.

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GIVEAWAY

For every comment you leave in October on one of the 30/30 posts on my blog, you will have that many chances to win a signed copy of The Mixed Media Artist. I will be giving away a total of 3 copies. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have (but only 1 per post please). Please make sure I have a way to contact you. Winners will be announced in early November.