It’s a dreary albeit Spring-like day outside. I’m waiting for it to stop raining so I can get out for my run and thought I’d start my spread in Seth’s Contexture. I usually think on my approach before putting “pen to paper” and this thought process might go on for days, weeks even months before I get started. Once started however it might only take me hours to start …and finish… a piece. Drying time not withstanding.
Such is the case for this spread.
I knew I wanted to add crackle paste to Seth’s pages. But how? Given that the signatures were quite fragile as Seth used old book pages joined together with 4 eyelets in the corners. I tucked and glued cardboard into the center of each “block” of pages giving me enough rigidity for the crackle paste. That’s the theory anyway. We’ll see how they hold up once dried!
Here’s the book drying …
On another tack entirely… is anyone else out there an Improv Everywhere fan?? Perhaps a little known historical fact, but I used to be a Drama Queen. In high school I had ambitions to be in theatre, going so far as to audition for the National Theatre School in Montreal. I bombed miserably but I still have a soft spot in my heart for improv.
The latest mission, Subway Art Gallery Opening, hits all the right notes for me on this grey day. I love how something that started as a simple prank turned into such a philosophical debate on “What is Art?” At the very least providing a smile to those who “got it”, at the most a deep and thoughtful treatise on “Art in the Every Day”.
Be sure to read the descriptive placards for each “art piece” … wouldn’t I love to have HIM write up my next show! And, if this is your first trip to Improv Everywhere do NOT miss The Moebius. One of my all time favourites!! (Charlie Todd is a God!)
Jen…how did I miss this post?? Thanks for the glimpse! I am so excited to see what you have already done here and I am eager and curious to see how it all turned out. It looks great already. I know the book will be back to me in just a few days. Cannot wait to see the pages you and Bridgette have done!
The book looks wonderful… oh if only I could hold it and feel the textures! What an intriging project! I love it! Roxanne
Roxanne, the book is going to be a knock out I think!
The vignette you created with book drying in the forefront gives the feel of a hallowed space with an amazing presence in the collection of objects you have assembled. It looks like something that could be in my house only perhaps with a more weathered surface and a generous sprinkling of dust (should I be admitting this for anyone to see?!?!).
Anyway, it's just wonderful, Jen! I love it.
Kerin, thanks so much for your kind words. It's amazing what bringing up the contrast in Photoshop will do for dust!
Nice texture in that contexture.
How's it goin up there woman?
Thanks Karen. I'll be posting a "fin" shot just as soon as Seth receives the book. Life continues.
The crackle paste texture looks great. Looking forward to seeing your next step.
Thanks Sonya!
Coming soon …
Bet this will be one fabulous book!
I think it will Joy. Seth's cover alone is drool worthy!
Can't wait to see how the page turns out. And I LOVE the skull!!
Mary
The skull was a Christmas present from my son. Guess my kids know me, huh?!? Stay tuned. I'll be posting more photos as I go along.
Jen,
I think this is going to turn out really great. I am not sure about what happens with the book when you are done with it (will it fold back so someone else can add to the pages beyond what you are adding?) but the texture you are doing is really nice. Linda Day and Joan Moment do things that are in that vein, only with less texture–they use their paints but add circles. Thanks for the link to the subway art. I will check it out. Is it anything like Basquiat's (sp)?
Teri, the crackle paste (shown) doesn't impede the closing of the book, though the pages might be bulky, Seth allowed alot of space for thicker pages. This is just the base coat, that I add other elements and paint/distress within in an inch of its life. Stay tuned!