My art is evolving towards mixed media. So, I'm still playing around with different techniques and exercises from books that I've bought recently. The other day, fellow artist and friend, Deborah Stanley, recommend "Drawn to Stitch" by Gwen Hedley to me. At the beginning of the book, Gwen suggests making woven grounds as the starting point for designing.
The first ground I used used teabag paper and pages from a book. I know that some artist are strongly against tearing up books but these books aren't valuable. I bought them at a used book store for less than a dollar.
Then next ground used again pages from a book and envelopes that contained invoices from UPS. UPS is using recycled paper for their envelopes so they have a nice brown color and are heavy weight.
I really liked how the grounds were turning out so I decided to take it a step further. This next one used watercolor purple commerical fabric and screen fabric that I made. This one almost stands on it's own but I will probably add a few more elements to it.
Then I thought why not use the therapy strips that I made a few weeks ago that I posted here. Okay, I know I'm taking a detour from the exercise from the book. It can happen when the wheels in the minds start turning with the possible of creating.
I love these woven papers. I have not read this book or hear the term "grounds," but realized when I read your post that I have been making lots of "grounds" lately too. I love to work on backgrounds and embellishment papers when I am in a rut. Just moving my hands and playing with the papers really gets things rolling in my mind. I love to use old books too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenny! It's been so much fun doing them because I don't have the stress of deadlines right now. Let's see where it leads..
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