The Daily News

I want to thank all of you for visiting my blog and being a part of my ongoing 30 Artists/30 Days online project. 

A big thanks as well to all the contributing artists. Keep visiting as there are still 9 days of artist profiles and as many chances to win a copy of my book The Mixed-Media Artist. 

If you have missed any of the posts, you can click this link to see every one. There is so much talent out there and I feel so fortunate to be able to share these artists with you via 30/30 and on the pages of the book. 

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For you NYC locals, I will be holding a book signing at The Ink Pad on 11/15 from 5-7:30pm. Save the date if you are able to make it. And look for info soon on other live and online events to celebrate the release of The Mixed-Media Artist!

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I am so very excited to be an exhibiting artist at the Contemporary Art Fair NYC

The fair takes place this weekend, from 10/25 to 10/27, at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC. It is being held in conjunction with the American Fine Craft Show, so there will no doubt be a lot to see. I will be showing 17 new pieces, all of which are highly dimensional. I will be posting shots of all the work and pictures from the exhibition sometime after the weekend. For now, here are images of a few of the pieces and detail shots of some others. Hope you locals can stop in!

30/30: Jeane Myers

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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Jeane Myers

"When you realize that you are wired a bit differently and/or see the world through different glasses, the challenge becomes staying balanced and finding your unique voice.

The creative process has done that for me."

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I love many different types of art styles but contemporary abstract work, particularly when it is layered and textural, holds a special place in my heart. And the artwork that is created by Jeane is a perfect example. Like all great abstract painting, her pieces tell a story without the use of anything figurative or representational. Those of you who follow her blog know that part of her process is working and reworking her art over and over again. She is fearless that way. And as a result, she creates a sense of history and time in all her work - literally and figuratively.

Jeane and I have connected online, on the phone and in person, in both NYC and Washington. To me, Jeane is an artist's artist. She inspires me and pushes me. She asks the questions that need to be asked to move both herself and others to a deeper, more meaningful level as an artist. One of her pieces hangs in my studio by my worktable. It has always been a great reminder to me to do the work I need to do to get better.
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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: PD Packard

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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PD Packard

"I believe that there is an absolute law of harmony that is accessible to all.

From this law is an endless source of inspiration and knowledge that I rely upon when creating and executing my artwork.

Through my prints, watercolors and hand-bound books I am driven to express this source of inspiration and knowledge as unconditional love - not conditional romance."

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During the period when I was finalizing the artists who would be contributors to the book, I also was exhibiting at a show in NYC called Parallax. PD was in the booth directly across from me. She was showing exquisite prints but what really got my heart beating faster was an accordion book that she had made. Not just any old accordion mind you -- hers measured 25 x 25 inches and was over 8 feet long when fully opened. She had me at hello.

I spent a good deal of time hanging out with PD at the exhibition and we have remained in contact since. She is a fascinating and compelling person who creates art to match. Her process, much of which is shared in the book, is so interesting to me. She combines a sense of precision with a sense of freedom as she creates and in doing so, makes truly unique and thought provoking artwork.
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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: Deborah Gregg

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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Deborah Gregg

"The voice inside my head is strong and loud. It is this persistent inner voice that takes center stage in my work.

My belief is that our silent thoughts are more similar than our spoken words. Those thoughts appear as writings, which are always embedded in my art.

It is not so much about the materials I use to make art, as it is about conveying a message for others to connect."

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The phrase 'it is all in the timing' could have been created for Deborah Gregg. About a week before I finalized the list of contributors to the book, Deborah and I connected online. I had not been familiar with her work but when I visited her website, I immediately knew that I wanted her in the book. Her creations are extremely dimensional and textured - both literally and figuratively. She incorporates text into much of her work, often in a very unique way. The surfaces that she creates always draw me in and elicit a need to further explore all the many small details of each piece.

Deborah has been a pleasure to work with and get to know online. She is an enthusiastic and passionate artist who offers inspiration to many. And once again, it is all in the timing. Just a few days before this post I had the chance to spend a few hours with Deborah and her husband Michael during their visit to NYC. We fell into conversation as if we all had known each other forever and I discovered that Deborah and I share many art-related things in common. Now I am even more excited that she is 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: Will Ashford

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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Will Ashford

"I rescue, salvage and recycle other people's words.

Browsing through garage sales, street markets and used bookstores I search for interesting, preferably discarded old books. When I find a good candidate I explore every page. Like an archeologist I hunt for the words that speak to me with new meaning.

Intuitively, one word at a time, they turn into a kind of haiku or philosophical poetry that I can call my own. At some unpredictable point along the way, in my mind, the images start to invent themselves and I create the image of that invention. Though I strive to make each document visually engaging I find it is the words that I value most."

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It is not easy to find artists these days that have such a unique approach and signature style that you can recognize their work without their name attached. Will Ashford is one such artist. I had seen his work for many years on a wide variety of websites and have always been taken by the way in which he uses book pages to create an entirely new piece of art based on both words and images. This combination has always been compelling to me and I have been fascinated by his process since first seeing his work.

Will first connected with me in early 2012 after seeing my work on Etsy. I remember being so very appreciative that an artist of Will's caliber had noticed my art. We have been in touch since then and when creating the original list of artists I wanted in my book, Will's name was right at the top. Those of you out there who also like his work will be pleased to know that Will will be sharing something extra special for readers of 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: Juliana Coles

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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Juliana Coles

"Artist as not-so-innocent bystander: I am heavy handed and work fast and hard. I carve my Schiele line through the years while breaking my stylus and knocking over my easel. I'm excited/scared, wide eyed and making faces, maybe even screaming, laughing or crying as the line and brushstrokes dance out of control as if created by someone else.

I lovingly tape up wounds just to tear them apart again and again and reglue and retape...mending, tending, healing, transforming...I am not attached to the outcome: I am committed to the process.

Artist as Historian, I weave together the words and imagery of my personal mythology to expose my inner truth."

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From the moment I was introduced to Juliana's artwork I have always been mesmerized. Juliana focuses on what she calls 'Extreme Visual Journaling' which combines text-based-journaling with mixed media art. What separates her journals from the many other journal artists out there today is the rawness that she brings to every page, every image and every word. I get the sense that her journaling sessions are epic, cathartic experiences. This is somebody who leave it all out on the page!

I had never made direct contact with Juliana until I invited her to be a part of the book. Needless to say I was over the moon happy when I received an enthusiastic yes from her. It has been exciting getting to know her better through our communications, the art she has contributed, and her heartfelt responses to the many questions that I asked her for publication 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: Crystal Neubauer

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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Crystal Neubauer

"It looks like garbage but it is really about us. These little scraps of paper I bring together.

They represent life. Somebody once thought they were worthless. But did they look? Did they really look? Not one piece can be removed from the composition without altering the entire picture. Not one piece of your life can be changed without altering who you are today.

When I look at these pieces of paper I see worth in what has been deemed worthless. And value in the valueless. Ultimately it's about humanity. And redemption. And love. It really is all about love."

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I have known Crystal online pretty much since I started blogging in 2007. In fact, I bought 3 small pieces of her art in early 2009. I love them just as much now as then. Crystal has been involved in the online versions of The Pulse and I am thrilled to now have her voice and her work on the pages of my book. I have always admired the way she created small worlds out of bits and pieces of paper, book covers and book spines, combined with splashes of paint, layers of wax, and scratchy pencil marks.

I was lucky to have been able to finally meet Crystal in person this past August at Art Unraveled in Phoenix. It was such a pleasure getting to know her a bit more. At the same time, I was able to see some of her more recent work in person at Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale. As I often say, if I like artwork on the Internet, I know I will love it in person. And Crystal's work is the perfect example of this. Run, don't walk, if you have a chance to see her art in real life.
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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: Dan Eldon - A Tribute

I am excited to announce that my new book The Mixed-Media Artist is now available from the North Light Shop online as an immediate download eBook. The book itself will be shipping and be available in stores very soon!

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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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Dan Eldon: A Tribute

"What we see in his artwork rings true with what he once scribbled in a journal as a personal mission statement, To explore the unknown and the unfamiliar, distant and near and to record in detail with the eyes of a child..." Hugh Milstein

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From the first moment that I decided to propose this second book, I knew that I wanted to honor Dan Eldon. He and his story have inspired me for many years. I consider him a pioneer in so many ways, including as a journal artist. But even more so, I look up to his adventurous spirit, dedication, fearlessness, and sense of duty. He truly is an example to us all.

In 2008 I had the opportunity to see his journals and artwork up close and in person when a traveling exhibition landed in NYC. I blogged about that visit here. It truly was a peak art experience. Following my blog post, I received an email in response from Kathy Eldon, Dan's mother. Her story, and the work that his entire family has done since Dan's death, is equally inspiring. Kathy has just released a book which I would highly recommend.



If you do not know who Dan Eldon is and what his story is all about, run - don't walk - over to the Dan Eldon website for details. I guarantee you will be moved and inspired. You can also visit Creative Visions Foundation, started by Kathy and Amy - Dan's sister - to learn more about this organization which utilizes the arts to create meaningful change in our world.
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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.