The Art Journalist's Interviews & Reviews

Art: Collage A Day

Randel Plowman

who the artist is:    My name is Randel Plowman. I am a mixed media artist living and working in northern Kentucky. 

what's your story: . I have been making art since I was a small child. I have a BFA from Northern Kentucky University in printmaking. Currently I am curating and writing a book featuring the work of over 45 collage artists. it is due out in may 2005. A good DVD to watch is The Gleaners. It is about how people re-use things.

where:  www.rplowman.com
www.acollageaday.com
www.postphoto365.com

why this artist stands out: Randel’s small same size square collages gives his work continuity. The collages possess a lucidity that makes you feel as if you are looking through the piece. One ends up wondering just how the artist achieved that effect, which causes you linger and look deeper. While his collage backgrounds are abstract, there is usually a focal image for the viewer to identify with.
The artist adds... I like to use images that are gleaned from different sources such dictionaries and old books.                                                                   

how to make a printed image on tracing paper:

1) SEARCH FOR IMAGES I  have about 40 clear plastic boxes that I use to store all of my found materials in. Often I will spend the entire day just collecting images from books and the computer.

2) SCAN A scanner is one of my most used tools.

3) PRINT ON TRACING PAPER I enjoy using tracing paper. I print images on tracing paper using a laser printer.

4) TRANSFER IMAGES I transfer this images onto my collage using matte medium. Often I will glue the tracing paper onto my collage. I like the transparent effect that I get. It is all about building up layers.

Art: Mermaid Paper Dolls

Remember Me Emily

who the artist is:    My name is Emily Sytsma and I live in the beautiful "Driftless Area" of Southwestern Wisconsin where organic farms are abundant. My town of Viroqua is home to many artists & crafters. I spend my days happily cutting & pasting, making paper creations that I hope will touch the hearts of those that receive them. I also spend time looking for vintage treasures that will grace someone's home and hopefully bring them a little comfort and joy.

what's your story: I, like so many others, worked for YEARS at jobs I hated just to bring home a pay check. It's just not worth it!!! Everyone should be doing what they love! At 7:30am on September 11, 2001 I put my resignation on my bosses desk. Something had been telling me all week "You are too old to have to put up with this misery every day, you should be doing what you love." Shortly thereafter, we heard of the planes hitting the World Trade Center and everyone's world was forever changed.

I decided to take a small space at a local antique mall to share my vintage treasures and artistic creations with others...and "Remember Me" was no longer a dream...it was my new passion. My style is shabby/primitive/vintage chic. I decorate & create mostly in neutral tones ~ cream, white, sepia & black. I am drawn to objects such as: vintage muslin gowns and petticoats, white ironstone pitchers & platters, cotton string, brown transferware, vintage linens, white matte pottery, cabinet card photographs & old metal clocks. I make handmade greeting cards, collage, assemblage & altered art, paper angels & mermaids, pinback buttons, magnets & pocket mirrors. Sweet vintage images and verses are ever present in my work.

where: Visit Emily's Etsy shop: http://RememberMeEmily.Etsy.com
Visit Emily's blog: http://RememberMeEmily.Typepad.com/RememberMe

why this artist stands out: Emily's sweet, simple vintage treasures and creations will bring a sparkle to your eye, a smile to your face and a flutter to your heart. Emily's mottos: "Practice random kindness & senseless acts of beauty" and "...spread love everywhere you go: let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier."

how to make a simplified mermaid paper doll:

1.) Start with an image of a darling child or a vintage beauty. I usually print these out on photo quality glossy paper. Since the entire mermaid will be about 9 1/2 inches tall ~ your "torso" should be approximately 3 1/2" tall.

2.) Design a mermaid "tail" and cut it out of a beautiful scrapbook paper, vintage sheet music or other textured paper. Tail should be approximately 6" long.

3.) Attach mermaid torso to tail. Apply adhesive to back side of mermaid & place it on a half sheet of heavy cardstock for backing. Cut out mermaid.

4.) At this point, you may embellish your mermaid any way you wish. Add a crown, hair, a magic wand or jewelry. You may desire to place her on a "stand". On my "Be Happy" mermaid, I attached a cardboard fold-out "easel back" purchased from a local craft store.

Art: Fine Print

John Clark

who the artist is:  John Clark. I'm from Michigan and currently living in Ann Arbor with my lovely girlfriend. I've been drawing pretty obsessively with markers since I can remember. My main influences are film noir, stencil graffiti and comic books.

what's your story: I bought an old mystery novel at a library book sale for 10 cents. I was inspired by the language and wanted to do a series based on the women of the book. I didn't have anything else at the time so I started doodling directly on the book. I liked the results.

where:  www.johnclark.etsy.com

why this artist stands out: John’s work celebrates the graphic of female beauty in a tone reminiscent of fashion photography. There is a romantically glamorous feel to the monotone pieces which each suggest a secret tale the which the viewer is left only to imagine.

The artist adds...I want the work to have a sense of mystery. I try to give a hint about the subject and let the viewer's mind wander.

how to make a simplified print: My work is amazingly low tech. It's just drawn by hand with a few sharpies. I sketch out what I'm going to do on some scrap paper, and just block out the areas of heavy contrast with a marker over my sketch. Once I know what it's going to look like, I redraw the image onto the book page and color it in. I wish I had an easier way of doing it, but it's just hand drawn.

Fabric Art: Colourful Pin Cushions

From Holland With Love

 who the artist is:    Hello, my name is Marja Winckel. I love to work with fabrics, ribbons and buttons in bright colours and patterns. I live in the Netherlands near the city of Rotterdam. I started selling my crafts in my Etsy shop www.fromhollandwithlove.etsy.com in 2007.

what's your story: I love to create objects that people can use in their everyday life and that inspire them to be creative. My specialty is making pin cushions with lots of different fabrics, colors and detailed embellishments. I was formerly the owner of a lovely bead shop in the ancient town of Delft, the Netherlands. I opened this shop together with my daughter and we designed our own jewelery label and helped people create their own things for six years. My daughter has now also opened a new Etsy shop, selling the fabrics that I use in my projects www.hollandfabrichouse.etsy.com .

where:  www.fromhollandwithlove.etsy.com more photo’s www.flickr.com/photos/fromhollandwithlove/ of my projects.

 

{cassandra’s words:}why this artist stands out: Marja’s vibrant arrangement of fabrics remind me of a scrap booking with beautiful papers and ribbons. Her designs are universally popular as well as spirited She is able to change her designs yet keep her luscious colourful palette of Dutch floral fabrics as her theme. The artist adds...: I try to add cheer and happiness to people’s everyday lives with my creations. I am inspired by the bold floral patterns and bright colour combinations of the famous Dutch company Oilily.

how to make a simplified round pin cushion:  1. Cut out two circles of matching fabrics (using a plate or bowl for example), for the top and bottom of the pincushion. 2. Sew together with right sides facing and leave a 2 cm gap. 3. Turn inside out and firmly stuff with polyfill, then close the gap with a blind stitch by hand. 4. Using embroidery floss in a coordinating color, start at the base and take a few backstitches to anchor your thread. Come up through the center of the cushion. 5. Wrap the thread around the edge and up under the bottom to finish back at the base. 6. Note: I start in halves then quarters etc. Repeat this step moving around the cushion until all the segments are completed, coming up through the same hole each time. Pull your thread quite firmly with each pass. 7. Add some embellishments at the top with felt, fabrics or ribbons. 8. Finish off with a button in the center at the top and bottom.

Fabric Art: Heart Art

Leslie Janson

who the artist is:   Leslie Janson, Westchester County New York.

what's your story: I'm a mom, wife, psychoanalyst and crafter. I took many years off from making things and then began crafting again 2 years ago. I am delighted by vintage textiles and notions; I love the idea of repurposing and using any and all vintage textiles.

where: my webstore is: lesliejanson.etsy.com

{cassandra’s words:}why this artist stands out: Leslie uses the same base shape, the heart pillow and embellishes each to look original. This is one definition of creativity and a possible exercise to try. Why not experiment with using the same base shape and see how many ways you can decorate it while maintaining the same mood. This is also a great way to let a series evolve and to improve your skills.

how to make a simplified cloth heart: 1. Cut a heart out of two fabrics. 2. Baste ric rac, piping, or any trim that you love onto the reverse of one side. 3. Place two pieces "inside out" and sew together leaving a 1-2" space. 4. Turn the heart outside in, iron, stuff with polyfill/lavender/buckwheat hulls. 5. Sew up 1-2" by hand. 6. Add a loop by hot gluing it to the back of the heart. 7. Hot glue a button over the base of the loop to finish it off. 8. You can add hardware, doilies, anything that you like to the front of your heart. Play.

 

Art: Sweet Vinatge Tags

Sweet Liberty Primitives

who the artist is:  My name is Kathleen Robinaugh, I am a mixed media artist. I live in West Liberty, Ohio, where I grew up. I've been married for twenty four years and have four sons.

what's your story: I've been "making things" since I was a child, as well as writing stories and poetry. While home with three small boys in the early ‘90's, I began making things to sell as a way to make money and do something for myself. At that time, I was a decorative painter, but also began scrap booking the boys' photos, which led to my current paper obsession!

where: My Blog www.outonawhimstudio.blogspot.com
My etsy shops
www.outonawhim.etsy.com
www.ineedthat.etsy.com
www.sweetlibertyprims.etsy.com
www.gethappy.etsy.com
My Lollishop
http://www.lollishops.com/out-on-a-whim-studio

why this artist stands out: Kathleen’s creativity lies in her “outside the box” combination of materials in her mixed media work. This is similar to my work so I really can admire what she is doing. You must constantly experiment and not be afraid to play a little!
The artist adds...:I strive for a authentic feel in my work, by using "real" vintage materials as much as possible, and also aging the new materials to look old and worn! My work also tends to focus around old fashioned values that are central to my Faith...Love, Peace, Joy and Hope. The important things in my life: such as dreams, prayer, friends and of course, creativity!

how to make your version of a simplified vintage collage tag: 1. Start with an old looking tag. I dye mine with walnut ink (and sell the blank stained tags in my shop) 2. Gather scraps of old or old looking papers, copies of old photos (I wouldn't use a one of a kind photo on a tag), and various other embellishments such as old keys, paper or silk flowers, words and letters, vintage looking stickers and collage images, etc 3. Layer these in a pleasing arrangement, without looking TOO perfect. I try to make my tags look like various items that would be stuck together in an attic, even telling a bit of a story about the photo. 4. I like to age my papers and images with a brown "cat eye" ink pad from Colorbox, and apply them with either a UHU Glue Stick, or a collage medium like modge podge or Martha Stewart's Decoupage Glue and Sealer. 5. Other embellishments can be attached with glue dots, foam dots, brads, and more! 6. You can use the string that came with the tag for tying or hanging, or use yarns and fibres, old looking or dyed ribbon, fabric strips, seam binding, rickrack...or attach them with brads, etc. 7. You can use tags for gifts, as embellishments on altered books, cards, collages or scrapbook pages. Walnut ink IS acid free, as is most printer inks, but you would want to use some of the great vintage looking scrapbook pages rather than real old paper, on your tags!

More Creations from Sweet Liberty Primitives:

Art: Reclaimed

Viola Hale – voilastudio

who the artist is: Viola Hale, I live in NYC but have recently started to spend time in upstate NY where I have made my home studio in a small cottage. Wishing for a simpler lifestyle and determined to spend more time in the country working on my creations.

what's your story: After years of making handmade gifts for friends and family, was urged to start making some things for the public. I have just recently opened my store, and am thrilled with the response. Its good to know there are so many great people out there that appreciate handmade crafts. I love working with reclaimed, recycled materials, it's amazing what great quality materials, anything from leather to paper, one can find and actually a lot of fun finding it. I can remember watching my mother and older sisters sew, and work on many types of crafts when I was young. I have always enjoyed working with natural materials; right now I am making a lot of the different dolls and stuffed animals out of some really beautiful and different types of wool, suede, and cotton, but plan on adding many new things out of all types of reclaimed natural materials soon. I have always enjoyed making things by hand.

where: violastudio.etsy.com

{cassandra’s words:}why this artist stands out: Viola shows us even the smallest scraps of wool or any other fabric can used to create cards with unique animal cut outs. This is a great beginner up cycling project! Also her use of a solid bright colored animal on brown kraft cards makes these cards extra cool and catchy. the artist adds..: I love the fact that the cards are put together in a simple fashion, out of scrap materials, and sure to bring a smile to the face of anyone that sees them.

how to make a simplified upcycled fabric animal card: 1. Cut out animal shapes from reclaimed fabrics such as wool from old sweaters. 2. Prepare brown paper cards by adding words with stamps or an inkjet printer. 3. Attach wool animal pieces to card with glue.

More Creations from Violastudio:

 

Art: Bottled

Carol Berger – QueenBe

who the artist is:  My real name, Carol Berger. I live in the quaint little village of Holly, Michigan. I am married, and have four children ranging from ages eight to twenty four. I am excited to be starting a new adventure of art of mixed media/collage/altered art. I have been selling on www.Etsy.com for 4 months. She is also helping start up a brand new Etsy team called the Michigan Trolls.

what's your story:   I have always been intrigued by nature, and love to decorate in the nature/vintage theme. I rarely purchase anything new for my home. I am obsessed with antiques, and when nature is incorporated into it, I am hooked. I suppose that is why I am so happy to be doing the type of art I am involved in now. I have always been a crafter, ranging from painting, to sketching, to jewelery and helping friends decorate their homes. But I feel like I have found a niche and I am going with it.

where::  www.queenbe.etsy.com  and www.queenbesalteredneeds.blogspot.com .

{cassandra’s words:} why this artist stands out: Carol shows us we can look for  antique items such as beautiful apothecary bottles to  use an unexpected alterable canvas.

The artist adds... I am not only obsessed with nature and antiques in the form of decorating and art, but I am an advocate of nature and our history in general, and preserving them both as much as we can. It makes me a little queasy when I see people sell old family heirlooms in a garage sale, or toss them out as though they don't matter. I  would feel like I was throwing away a part of my family. Both nature, and our history cannot be brought back once they are destroyed. I think preserving them both is important.

how to make an altered bottle: Any bottle can be altered, whether it is a new jar from food, or an old apothecary bottle, which is what I choose to use. Sometimes my bottles have scratches or some cloudiness, but to me, that just makes them tell a story, and look more unique. 1. I usually will rip a reproduction of an old photo, or dictionary page, etc and place it on the front, flat part of the bottle, leaving room for a second layer of some kind that coordinates a little with the first layer. 2. I might have one photo, and one verse of words or a page from an old book, and layer then so they both show up well, gluing them with Mod Podge. 3. I might "distress" them with brown paste shoe polish so they really look old (remember, I love anything that looks old). 4. Sometimes I add pieces of worn looking muslin, with words printed on it. 5. I usually tie a few strands of fuzzy fibre or ribbon around the neck of the bottle. 6. Then, and hang some kind of metal charm from it.7. If I have a cork that fits the bottle I will add that into the opening, if not, then just leave it without one.

More Creations from QueenBe:

Art: Ripe Ideas

Ellen Mueller – One Ripe Peach

who the artist is:  Ellen Mueller of www.oneripepeach.blogspot.com. I currently reside in Kansas City. I began crafting when I was little, but started creating items and selling them a little over a year ago. I love all things vintage, so it was a perfect way to recycle and reuse while creating something special.

what's your story:  I love finding bits and pieces of vintage items. I am drawn to vintage fabrics, lace trims, millinery flowers, and images from the past. I started creating cards and a few tags for gifts for others and it sort of blossomed from there. I tend to lean towards sewing my crafts together. I love the texture and effect the contrasting stitching has along with the layers of fabric, lace and paper.

where: My etsy shop is oneripepeach.etsy.com. I love being able to sell on Etsy.com. It has been a remarkable experience for me. I have been able to sell to people all over the world. My blog address is www.oneripepeach.blogspot.com, which I actually just created today! I am also an artist on the www.joli-paquet.blogspot.com  and I will have a tutorial there on January 29th. I hope to continue creating with this wonderful group of talented artists.

{cassandra’s words:} why this artist stands out: Ellen’s witty imperfectly perfect hearts show us that not everything has to be symmetrical to be eye catching.
The artist adds...I love to be different, simple and stand out a bit from the "norm". I tend to have a specific "style". Loving polka dots and dotted swiss tend to be my calling.

how to make a simplified heart sign:
I absolutely adore hearts...anytime of the year..not just at Valentine's Day. 1. When I create my heart signs I like to reuse cereal boxes..as the box size is just perfect. 2. I add embellishments like pearls, lace, millinery flowers, fabric, paper, glitter...you name it. The possibilities are endless!

One More Creation from One Ripe Peach:

  

 

Art: Ucycled

Eunice Pitman – The Little Things

Button Covered Heart Ornament By Eunice Pitman

who the artist is: Eunice Pitman , Williston, North Dakota is a mother of six grown children and six grandchildren. She has been crafting most of her life , but selling her creations for nineteen years now !

what's your story: Growing up my mother was an artist and great seamstress, my father was also very good with woodworking so creating was a part of my life. Started out making mud pies with a leaf design, I still remember thinking it was the coolest thing ever and sewing doll clothes! Art was always my best class in school.
As a child developmental associate, I was a pre-school teacher for several years. Then in the course of some turns life hands out, I was in a situation of providing for myself and four children I had to rely on my creativity to support us, so I started The Little Things. I was able to be at home and be a mom! I sold at craft fairs and shops all over the USA. My children are all grown but I still love creating everyday , it is just who I am ! I have been selling on Etsy.com since 2006 and so love being connected with so many other creative people and providing a way for my creations to travel around the world possible!


where: littlethings1.etsy.com & http://www.lollishops.com/the-little-things ,
My not so creative Blog: http://ltthings.blogspot.com/

{cassandra’s words:} why this artist stands out: Eunice’s vintage spin on upcycling makes her work fresh and yet still romantic. Her work reminds us of the importance of the “little things” that can be our personal treasures.

The artist adds: Most of my creations I use things that I have . I love repurposed treasures, and giving life to old things that someone else has discarded !

how to make a simplified button covered heart ornament:
1. Use vintage wool from stash of vintage fabrics

2. Draw a primitive heart shape any size you want and sew on the lines. Tip: use a disappearing pen for fabric.

3. Turn right side out and stuff. Get all of it even and in all the points and edges so it is smooth .Sew opening closed by hand.

4. Gather lots of old vintage buttons and sew them on one at a time until your heart is covered!

5. Using a piece of worn lace sew to the top of heart to create a hanger for your heart! Hang on a peg or hook and admire or give to someone you love!

More Creations from Eunice Pitman of Little Things: