Today: Get Messy Art Journal | Brave, Weeks 1-3

I wish I could say I’ve been busy doing super cool things, but mostly I’ve been either at the office or the dentist or reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar to a very hungry fifteen-month-old.  I’ve neglected the Internet, my weekly manicure ritual, and routine art making.  Can’t win ’em all.  

Get Messy Art Journal | Brave, Weeks 1-3

I finally carved out a little time last night to finish up my art journal pages for the first three weeks of the Get Messy Art Journal program’s new Brave season.  While the topic itself is plenty inspiring, I couldn’t get out of my own way.  When we were challenged to make a zine, I reached out to the group for ideas on how to get started (and got plenty!), but I just couldn’t get past the feeling that this one just wasn’t for me.  

I eventually yielded to the ol’ “nothing ventured, nothing gained” thing and made something more akin to a booklet (Is it okay that I just hate the word zine?  I hate the word blog, too.  And when people can San Francisco “San Fran,” I get unreasonably annoyed.).  I tried to experiment with different materials, techniques and styles on each page.  I don’t love it, but I think it was still worth a go.  I’m tempted to photocopy it in black and white (to eliminate some of the here/there/everywhere-ness that’s bugging me) and see if that helps.  Plus, I want to see what sequins looks like when it’s photocopied.  Obviously.

Bubble prints made with soap and tempera paint (I will share a step-by-step soon — it’s so much fun), a magazine clipping of an open window, a bit of washi and a watercolored c.s. lewis quote.

I am much happier with how these other pages turned out.  I’ve enjoyed mixing it up a bit with both materials and techniques and have already come a long way in forgoing perfection.  Things really have gotten messy.  (And I’m not just talking about the floor under Grace’s high chair.)

 

Grey and blue acrylic paint applied with all kinds of things (q-tips, an empty TP roll, large bubble wrap and a piece of corrugated cardboard), giant black card stock letters (you know I love when crap spills off the page), hot pink and black ink, a photo of Grace with some washi tape, and a magazine clipping of flowers

I’m still sorting out my personal aesthetic, but I tend to gravitate toward more white space than less.  This was sort of the opposite of that.  Lots of layers.  Covered with more layers. 

Left side: Laminated pages from Combray (from my college days), complete with my notes in French in the margins, vinyl mailbox letters from the hardware store; Right side: clear jewel stamps from Studio Calico, black archival ink, watercolors

These were my favorites of the past few weeks.  The left hand page felt really personal, without being revealing.  I like to keep a bit of mystery around here (quoth the lady talking about the mess under her child’s highchair).  When I think about being brave, those first few years of college are front and center.   Without getting too particular, or too depressing, I will just say that I am proud of myself and the courage I showed.  

Also, I’m glad I hung onto some of my textbooks and novels.  Most are in French, and the rest are about art.  I was much more interesting as a younger person.  Semi-related: I still regret selling back both my volumes of Jansen’s History of Art (although I remember feeling especially rich once I did) at the end of my senior year.  If you’re in school and you’re reading this: keep those books.  Be brave.  And don’t do drugs.

To see more of my art journal: Love Weeks 1 + 2, Love Weeks 3 + 4, Love Weeks 5 + 6, Get Messy blog hop

Also On Tap for Today:

Who is your bravest friend?

Comments (5)

  • Melody

    April 28, 2015 at 12:40 pm

    Elizabeth, I really love your pages. They spoke to me and I appreciate the materials you chose. I never took any kind of creative class. I was math and science all the way. This Get Messy is my first venture into art. I am fascinated with all of the materials that you girls use. I knew my life was in such a way that I needed to express myself. Wow, all of these sweet ladies have taught me so much. Thanks. Really.

  • Kristi

    April 28, 2015 at 2:30 pm

    Love this and love YOU, my brave friend. <3
    Kristi recently posted…NEW PODCAST: Choosing Love Over FearMy Profile

  • Kate

    April 28, 2015 at 3:33 pm

    I really like your “OKay OKay I’ll make the brave choice”! It sounds so simple but sometimes it takes me sooo long to really start being brave . I also love the bubble pages!

  • Julia

    April 30, 2015 at 6:20 am

    Elizabeth, I loved reading this post. All your pages and your writing as well… brilliant !!!!! <3

  • Today: Get Messy Art Journal | Brave, Weeks 4-6 – On Tap for Today

    May 18, 2015 at 8:20 pm

    […] To see more of my art journal: Love Weeks 1 + 2, Love Weeks 3 + 4, Love Weeks 5 + 6, Get Messy blog hop, Brave Weeks 1-3 […]

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