When I am creating, I get lost. I enter that zone where I lose track of time, forget that I might be hungry, and can think of nothing else but art. For this, and for so many other reasons...Art Heals.
This piece started much like so many of my other pieces: texture. I took a small piece of watercolor paper and embossed it using one side of Spellbinders, double-sided, So Trendy M-Bossibilities Folder.
I rubbed on some pigment and chalk ink to both add a bit of color and to highlight the deep emboss. I love the names of the Tsukineko ink I used: Niagara Mist, Crimson Copper, and Starlite Black.
Next I went to my acrylic stash and painted the surface randomly using a good deal of misted water to add some drips and splashes to the surface. Once dry, I added a bit more pigment and chalk ink to again highlight the deep emboss.
I decided to create several frames, both to highlight the text I planned to include and as a nod to the frame that is so often used to complete an artwork. I used rich blue and a dark black card stock to add contrast to the vivid surface colors. The frames were cut using two Spellbinders Small Deckled Rectangles dies. I only needed one piece from each cut, so I saved the remainders for another day.
I used Spellbinders Lower Case Font One dies to cut out foil letters to highlight my Art Heals theme.
I also used foil for a number of stars that I made using Spellbinders Charmed I'm Sure die set. That hole in each star called out for some brads.
Gathering all the components, I put together this piece and mounted it on a frayed, vintage book cover. I loved the rich blue of the book cloth.
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In the spirit of art healing, I am gifting this piece to one of my blog readers. It could be you! All you need to do is to leave a comment on this post by end of day Sunday 11/24/13. I will randomly pick a winner and announce it on 11/25. Please make sure I have your email address so I can contact you.
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Supply List
Spellbinders Paper Art Supplies:
Other: watercolor paper, vintage book cover, acrylic paint, adhesive, brads, paint brush, mister
54 comments:
Well,looks like I'm the first here, Seth, but I just love this piece. For a long time I've believed that are heals. I love the colors in this and the book cloth is a perfect backing. Just love it. Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving!
Maryanne
Would be thrilled to have your art hanging in my studio for inspiration Seth. Grateful for your giveaway.
That's a beautiful piece Seth, I love the colors, and you are so right: "art heals"!
Another wonderful piece, Seth! Thanks so much for the chance to win. I would put this in my art studio for sure! :)
I am trying hard to believe that art heals!
I have always believed that "Art Heals" because it does. In my own abstract expressionist paintings, the viewer takes away the healing message they need and it can be different for each viewer. I would be honored to be able to hang this piece in my studio as a constant reminder and inspiration.
yes it does! great giveaway!
Yes it does, I am living proof.
Art has let me express the feeling of losing my Dad in July. It has helped more then others will ever know. I love this piece great colors and I love idea of old book cover will have to try this. Thank you for chance to win !
Love the texture and colors of this piece. The statement that "Art Heals" means so much to me after losing my parents and several close friends. I can lose myself in creating and it softens the loss. Thank you for the chance to win this wonderful piece.
what a generous gesture....giving away a great piece of art.
This is beautiful Seth, I love the embossing and all the color! Thanks for the chance to win, I would be absolutely honored to own a piece of your art!! Art is definitely healing for me, I love it and always feel so calm when I'm making things in my craft room.
Such a beautiful piece of work!
I belong to a group called “heArt Fit” in B.C., Canada. We believe that the spontaneous process painting that we engage in every week allows us to create from the heart, not the head, thereby freeing us to be in touch with our true essence. That is very healing.
Renata
This is something I've said many times in the past, art heals. I would so love to have this great piece hanging on my wall, for sure!
peace & love,
Barb
Would love to hang this in our studio where bereaved teens come to make art and process their loss experience.
Neato! Love the colors, texture and book cover.
One of the things I like best about this piece is that you used primary colors on the dimensional pieces, but because of the multi-colored embossed base, the whole looks vibrant and not "primary". So creative.
Kathleen
Art really heals. You expressed it very well. The frames tell me like we keep for us only our pain, and put together a star, we realize that there is hope. I love this ART HEALS.
Much inspiration,
Maria Avila
I would love to win. Thank u for the chance.
no rusty iron? ;)
I totally agree, Seth. Art heals the artist and the viewer. Your art is always inspiring - thank you.
I was engrossed reading how you used your die cuts and other materials! It was a wonderful outcome!Thanks for sharing! nydia1@cox.net
Art does heal! Thank you for expressing it in such a beautiful piece.
Seth, This is a beautiful piece! Thanks for the opportunity to own it!!
Fabulous piece, Seth. Really like the vivid colors. And wholeheartedly agree...art heals! I need to start looking for worn books to use. Thanks always for chance to win one of your pieces.
Lovely piece of course! I just got my book and am deep into it. So interesting to read about the artists and their process!
I can attest to the healing power of art. I daily deal with severe mental illness and sometimes the only thing that keeps me going is knowing that I will be able to sit at the worktable that day and make something for my shop or for myself personally. Art does ease the demons that exist in my mind -- they may not completely disappear but, for a time, I get relief and I'm thankful.
Seth, I may not comment often but I love your blog posts and getting a look at your creative process. It inspires me to look beyond. Thanks so much for being willing to open up your life to us.
lin
Art does indeed heal and enjoy your sharing of artful spirit so much. Thank you Seth
I love how you used the old book cover with that little bit of fraying. I think I need to save up for a spellbinders machine.... I see you use it so much. And I'm a true believer in art heals. Thanks Seth.
I am loving this piece. The work you do with Spellbinders is amazing. Really want to win this one!
Seth, once again, you have created something so beautiful, yet simple. It's also complex (sort of like a fine wine!) For me, the quote 'art heals' means one particular thing to me, and that is that whenever I go into my studio, no matter what mood I'm in, within minutes, all is forgotten, and I am in another world. Bravo!!
Not only does it heal, but at times I think it is the only thing that keeps me going. No one wants to listen, so art lets me speak.
I so love seeing how YOU use the Spellbinder dies. So out of the box...not a pun.
I too am a believer that Art heals. If I couldn't get into my studio and create, at least a few hours a week, I'm afraid my mental and physical well being would suffer. Art is therapy for the mind, heart and soul and makes me so happy!! Thank you, Seth, for being a talented, generous artist, who loves to share, thus providing therapy and healing for so many others.
T'is true. But only if you slow down and enjoy the process. I'm a learning. I do like your process! :)
Textures are definitely YOU Seth. That sentiment is so true...I only have to walk into my studio and the rest of the world is gone.
Very nice colors! Texture is great too! Thanks for sharing.
This is absolutely gorgeous! I agree with the "Art heals" sentiment in full! After a serious injury in April I was not sure if I would lose the use of my thumb, pointer and middle fingers on my right (dominant) hand. I was devastated to say the least because I am a crafter and have been since the dinosaur age. To not be able to craft would have taken away my one passion in life. Then the wound became infected and I was admitted and had to have emergency surgery to clean it out. While I was there I was told that I would need open heart surgery. (Way to kick a gal when she is down.) After having my heart surgery I was told that I would have to rest for at least 12 weeks or more. I thought that meant no crafting because I tend to lose track of time when I am in my craft room. When the home health nurse came I was showing her around and when we got in my craft room she said she noticed that I seemed more relaxed and vibrant. She ordered me to spend at least a few hours a day in there so I did.
My fingers and thumb are not 100% yet but my doctor said she has never had a patient recover this far from this type of injury so quickly. She is amazed at how much I am able to do with my hand and I told her that I give all the credit to a desire to be able to craft again!
If I don't win this I might just have to craft steal your idea and make one for myself! Thanks for the inspiration!
This is beautiful work!
First time to your blog, but this is amazing!
HI Seth: Your email came just after an update email from a friend suffering from end stage cancer. He is just about to have a stem cell transplant and will be in the hospital for a long while. I am commenting on his behalf, in hopes that if I am lucky enough to be chosen, it will be a gift for him.
I know exactly what you mean! On days when I have the full day in my studio, usually vacation days from my day job, I must set an alarm if I have to go pick up my daughter otherwise I'd be late! I get lost in it, forget to drink or eat and the time slips by. Art heals not only the viewer but hte creator as well. If I haven't had the time to create something after awhile I get a bit "edgy" feeling and I will start snapping at people. I need to get out what is building up inside of me so I can go about the rest my life peaceful and happy. There is a definite need, and it keeps me sane, I guess you could say! I describe getting lost in the work as meditation for my soul. It heals me from the inside out.
Inspiring and beautiful,
So beautiful Seth and so inspiring. All the posts have touched my heart and as much as I would love to have a piece of your artwork, please spin the wheel again for one of these heart touching posts!
Love it!Especially the composition is tied together with blues..
And you are so right about the healing power of art - as a way of processing grief, betrayal and hurt, and as a distraction and beautiful, calm positive space to escape into for a while.
Hi Seth, that is really a nice piece of artwork. Not really your style, because it is so colourful. But in some way it is your style. Thanks for the chance on winning this piece. my email is: cindygroetgmailcom
Cindy J. from Holland
that is lovely!
wow... what a fantastic chance we have again to win! You are so generous!
I am always absolutely delighted with your artwork!
xxx
Susi
Art is a huge part of my own journey toward healing from childhood trauma. Thanks for stepping out your process for us here, and thanks for the happy reminder that art can continue to help me heal.
so true seth, art heals, going on 5 years now that i had to stop my 30+ yrs as a hospice RN, this is when art really came in to my life, not as just a hobby but a way of life, i cannot say enough words for how art has kept me sane and everyday is healing to myself and my family on this journey, aloha, angi in hana
Maryanne was the first to comment...looks like I may the last before midnight. Art is healing indeed and I also love the mediative state I can get into when working on a painting or drawing. Thanks for the chance to win this. Love that color of blue you chose..a healing and soothing color.
Another wonderful lesson using the Spellbinder machine that brought me to you blog last year.
I have been so busy with my magazine that there has been no time for me explore the Cuttlebug machine that was the result of your posts on using Spellbinder for trading cards. But I have learned so much more about these machines in the past few months.
Anyway, I ramble. The main reason for my post to you this morning is to thank you for your latest book, Mixed Media Artist. It arrived from Amazon a few weeks ago. I absolutely love it! I have read it cover to cover once, and plan to do that again when the new year begins. So thank you, thank you, thank you, the book has inspired me!
I love this piece you made, especially the blue of the book cover. Thanks for having another give away!
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