The Altered Sisters have begun a Round Robin that will last for about 10 months. We've not challenged ourselves in this way for quite a while and it's time. We've each chosen a theme and started our books with one spread.
My book theme for this Round Robin is Altered Photography. I have always enjoyed Karen Michel's artwork and I've had her book, The Complete Guide to Altered Imagery: Mixed Media Techniques for Collage, Altered Books, Artist Journals And More, for years as I've always hoped to do more with my amateur photos. Not only is my book theme Altered Photography (in which all participants use one spread in my book and have to alter a photograph in some way) but I vow to alter a photo for each of their books as well, no matter the subject. I think this is the only way I'll begin to explore the technique.
Remember that book page I started at the Portage District Library Book Fair? If not, see the January 11 post for more info. Anyway, I started with an old Winnie the Pooh board book and turned one page into this:
And this is what the spread looks like now:
Foreclosure on a Sunny Day
The spread uses my typical bright colors but marries them with a horribly serious subject. Since I often use houses in my artwork I've been struggling with how to broach the subject of the banking and housing crisis. This is one attempt. One advantage to using a board book as a canvas is that I can carve into the piece. The word "foreclosure" is not written on the artwork but actually carved into it and helps provide a bit more dimension.
I've gotten some new subscribers lately. Welcome! And, as always, thanks to all for looking!
Lorrie
4 comments:
Thanks for popping by:)
I like the idea of carving the word into the book. Makes it really hit home.
Cheers, Shelagh
Hmmm,
Why didn't I think of carving into board books...will have to remember that one. Your statement on foreclosure, banking/housing crisis really makes one stop for a minute to reflect. I love the bright colors..they sort of lessen or subdue the topic. And I mean that in a good way. No one wants to think about how horrible the situation is here in America...but your piece dilutes enough of the nastiness to make one really think about it. I hope that makes sense. At least that is what I felt when I looked at your spread. I really love it.
The carving adds a dimension to the topic - a literal depth of feeling.
Joanne
Carving into the board is a nice effect but you really have to use a sharp blade and keep extra fingers out of the way!
Thanks Kathy for your words. I think you got it exactly. It is a horrible thing but I, for one, am becoming desensitized to the whole mess because of the media. I wanted to remind myself, and others, that yep, it's bad. And, it happens on beautiful days as well as bad.
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