As a blogger for Spellbinders, my hope was that I could introduce a host of new tools and techniques to my mixed media crew and that my mixed media style might rub off on the scrapbookers and card makers as well. This idea of crossing boundaries and blending creative approaches is my way of addressing the exclusivity and snobbery I have sometimes encountered within the art world. I sincerely believe that creativity belongs to everybody and that we all have talents to share.
As I look back upon my experience of the past year, I am extremely gratified to have been connected with such an innovative company filled with talented, dedicated and inspiring people. I now count die cuts, texture plates, embossing folders, and bezels among my mixed media arsenal. I have grown as an artist and creative individual as a result. I have been introduced to an entirely new world within the craft community and am now a designer member of the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association). And the feedback I have received from others suggests that more and more people are in fact exploring beyond.
Part of my role with Spellbinders has been to post step-by-step tutorials of the artwork I create that includes their products. As my one year anniversary approaches, I have created a blog page that includes images of many of the pieces I have created and links to their original tutorials. That reference can be found here and will always be available by clicking on the "Spellbinders" link just below my blog header.
As I continue my adventure as part of the Spellbinders team, I am excited about what 2014 has in store for me. I have big plans that never would have existed had it not been for Stacey Caron and the whole Spellbinders crew. Thanks to you all. A spellbinding year indeed!
14 comments:
I am now 'spell bound'! ;) I got my circles yesterday and I am with ya! Thanks.
I can't wait to see what 2014 brings. I love that Spellbinders crossed into mixed media and have bought quite a few after reading your blog. You are a great enabler! Thanks Seth!
Congrats on expanding your mixed media ideas into a new field. I agree with your statement that creativity belongs to everyone! I find mixed media to be such a freeing area of art.
It was good to hear the one year recap and to hear that things have gone so well. I love your vision and you open mindedness in bridging the gap between the groups. It was a year ago that I went to your demo at the Inkpad, which may have been one of your first spellbinder gigs!
I have loved seeing what you do with all of the new toys! They are so inspiring and have always your special magical spin!
Happy Anniversary! Thanks for including the link back to how it all began. I agree with your outlook and so dislike the snobbery some display towards others styles, mediums, etc. It's been great getting to know you this year, Seth. Best wishes going forward with Spellbinders!
I am often exhausted by the number of things you do Seth...and all so well. The argument of craft vs art goes on and on, but I'm happy to see the boundaries blurring.
So nice to have a look into your journey with Spellbinders. I so appreciate your views on craft vs. art and "creativity belongs to everyone" (when you make that stencil I'm first in line to buy it :)). Keep breaking down those boundaries Seth!
Amy*
I agree completely - explore beyond and open yourself to other media. I mean it's mixed media right? I honestly feel that every type of art can learn from each other. Very fun to see all the projects again.
Erin
I never understood boundaries and people that tries to pull lines, so what I think Seth, you are completely right, we should go beyond and show creativity!
I have been a "spellbinder" since day one and in fact their blog is where I discovered your artwork and have truly been intrigued since. I went back and read your previous posts and "well said" dear man, everyone is an artist if they only let their creativity flow. Love all your work!
Thank you Seth for the last year's recap! I also love the way you can bridge the "arts". You give someone like me, a "lost artist" feel like I have a chance in the world. Thank you for all you do.
Enjoyed this post Seth, and congrats on your continuing to bridge the gap between art and craft. (Jenny Doh had a wonderful blog post on this topic some time ago and it really nailed it for me.)I have been happy to use whatever is at hand in my mixed media journey. I even used wood cutouts for one of my altered books that I still treasure. It's all grist for the mixed media mill. If not for my openness to try everything, I would not have happened upon my new passion of oil and cold wax medium. I am not doing as much m&m these days, but I have enjoyed seeing all you've come up with, all in your own inimitable style. Cheers to you and where your path has taken you.
Wow - a whole year! You've certainly broadened my horizons using Spellbinders products - thanks for the inspiration.
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