Inspired by the book CHAOS making a new science by James Gleick; another good read. The Butterfly effect (sensitive dependence on initial conditions). Tiny changes can have large consequences following a chain of events. (this is only a small portion of what the book is about – he explores randomness, patterns, science and maths and other theories). Again this double page has watercolour pencils, inktense pencils, black Pitt pen and some butterfly stamps.
This double page was inspired by microbes and zentangle. It is all so often the tiniest things that matter the most. I love doodling these kind of things. It was created using mainly watercolour pencils, inktense pencils, water soluble graphite and a black Pitt pen.
This double page spread is about some of the things that go into making life. Water and chemicals, chromosomes, DNA etc. But what gave life that vital spark?
I used acrylic paints, water soluble graphite, white Prisma pencil, a doily, letter mask, and handmade chromosome stamp (wool glued onto foam).
The first pages of my little book. I used the verse from The Big Bang Theory (by the Barenaked ladies) to get the book started then the first page depicts Daisy world from the Gaia theory of James Lovelock. He describes a kind of planetary feedback mechanism to maintain Earth’s homeostasis. In one very simple model he talks about black daisies and white daisies bringing this about and this is what I imagined as I read it. I used acrylic paints, black pen, Prisma pencils with sansador and some sequin waste as a stencil.
I finally finished my Sketchbook project for 2014 and it is now in Brooklyn and will go on the Northeast tour in 2014. I like the idea that my little book will be going on tour and not just sitting in my bookcase at home.
The theme I picked was ‘Greetings from…’ so mine is Greetings from this extraordinary place called Earth and is named Organised Chaos. What makes out Earth unique? Is it just chaotic randomness or is it all structured and within the laws of nature? Why do you find similar patterns emerging on different surfaces. I don’t give any answers I merely depict what was going on in my head while I daydreamed about the questions. I took out the rather thin paper that was in the journal and used bamboo paper instead as I like to use all kinds of media. I also changed the cover from the plain brown card one to a grunge board one which I then painted with gesso and acrylic paint. I sprayed the cover with a light coat of sealant but it reacted a little with the ink on the label so I hope it still scans ok.
With this card I was trying to capture the likeness of an Opal. I had found an image of an Opal on the internet then wondered how to go about painting something similar. I used alcohol inks on one side of an overhead projection film and drew the lines on the other side using acrylic inks and a dip pen. The original acetate painting is A4 in size, I scanned it and printed another piece of acetate (inkjet) and cut out the bit I liked the best for the card.
Inks: various alcohol inks and acrylic inks with pearl and copper mixatives, a few dots of colour from Copic pens in places
Card: white, black, acetate (overhead projection and inkjet printable)
I had an idea to add a painting to the easel that I stamped out. At first I tried transferring the image using the nail varnish technique from an inkjet print but it didn’t turn out very well so I just printed it out instead. You can find the original painting here . It is one of my mum’s paintings (Ormiclate, South Uist); the colours are really earthy and it has a very Scottish feel. She is a very talented artist.
Inks: Stampin up crumb cake, Black India ink
Card: white card and brown card (It is actually a white card but photo taken on brown card)
Stamps: Tim Holtz Urban tapestries, Stampin up Sanded, Clarity Easel
Other: stick on paint tubes and palette
When someone is retiring early to go and do other things in their life it is nice to call it ‘moving on’ rather than ‘retiring’ and I think this sentiment is quite apt for this occasion. This card is another one made form a page I had originally created with art journalling in mind.
Inks/paint: Black document ink, Acrylic paint Lime green, Red bird, Black and Antique white.
Card: Bamboo watercolour paper, White card, black card.
Stamps: Tim Holtz Fairytale frenzy, Dylusions Around the edge
Other: Napkin, Collage podge, spiral paper clip, Prima pebble, black nail heads, Pitt pens 118 and 109 to colour in the text.
Here is a card made using a background page that I made during a demo at my local scrapbook crop. I was demonstrating how to begin art journal backgrounds but these pages can be used for other purpose too.
Inks/paint: Crafter’s acrylic paint Spa blue, Light antique white. Turquoise and Basic primary yellow and gold. India black ink.
Card: Bamboo watercolour paper, white card and black card.
Stamps: Tim Holtz Fairytale frenzy and Mini muse, free stamp (craft stamper mag).
Stencil: Balzerz designs Mini cubist
