The page on the left was created by me. I chose this paper because it seemed to almost continue the theme from the previous layout. I also liked it in contrast to Judy’s beautiful black and white design. The words are really simple, with “found poetry” created from pre-printed phrases from a Tim Holtz sticker book. VANISHING VISITORS chronicled from time to time sometime in the middle of the night THE STARS ARE ALWAYS SHINING.

This is my contribution for the Inner Spirit prompt. This mixed-media layout was created using several different materials and techniques. Caran D’Ache and Inktense for the background, craft paint used for stamping and colored pencil for shading and emphasis. The words on the pages say: Shaman - Stone Guardian - Symbol Keeper Symbols are miracles we have recorded into language. – S. Kelley Harrell We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.

This is the other side, with the page flipped over to the left. Again, I chose to put these similar pages (yesterday’s and today’s) back to back and use them together because of the similar colors, icons and theme. I also added the metallic paper, between the two pages, that shows through the square holes along one edge of each layout. The tag in this pocket says “LIVE WITH PASSION” and features wooden butterfly wings and a tiny key.

From Patron Saint, the book moves into the contributions for Inner Spirit. This layout is from Judy Wood, with my contribution being the background paper. When Judy gave me her pages for inclusion, she made no specification for which prompt she followed, if any. So I made the choice to include these here, as an introduction to this section. I did this, because to me, they just “felt” like they belonged here.

The fourth layout introduces the third and final artist of the book, Madeline Hill Kasian! She has created the Patron Saint of the Stars based on the Saint prompt. Madeline has a wonderful, dimensional style. She also journals quite a bit so there is hidden information that you can only see when you view the book in person. Because of the raised elements on this layout, I chose to put a sheet of clear plastic between the two pages.

If you’ll recall, I mentioned that we had prompts that we could follow, if wished. This third spread in the book is my response to the Patron Saint suggestion. She is Saint Leah of Biloxi, Patron Saint of Astral Travelers. The words on the side are: “The last time I went on a road trip, I left my body at home. I didn’t want any restrictions on where I could go”

The is the second layout, created by turning Judy’s smaller page over against the other side of the layout. I chose to make the additional papers on each side different to better showcase each of Judy’s pages. Then she added her own magic to each of the new papers. Left: Judy Wood Right: Judy Wood

We started out with a list of prompts that each artist could follow, or ignore. There were six categories: Patron Saint Inner Spirit Princess Shrine Element Self Portrait Each artist could follow all, some or none of these. The general hope was to have 12 “pages” from each artist. These would then be mounted, back to back, in the order of my choice. This first layout is by Judy Wood.

I’ve been teasing everyone for some time now with “sneak peeks” of a collaborative project that I’ve been working on with two other artists. Well, pull out your popcorn and grab a seat! Over the next few weeks, you’re finally going to get to see it all! Today’s image is the front and back cover. This is not the originally planned cover. I ended up having to make a new front and back, that was larger, to protect the inside of the book.

is art what you see or WHAT you see or what YOU see is an artist what they see or WHAT you see or what YOU see ?

Over the last two months I’ve shown you some little peeks at a collaborative project that I’ve been working on with two other artists. Our project will be delivered on Saturday for everyone to see, in a showing with other collaboratives. So today, I’m showing you a final peek. But don’t worry… Starting next week, I will show you, in various posts, the project in it’s entirety!

Still having fun with Lilah Beans, created from the examples in Sandy Steen Bartholomew’s “Zentangle for Kidz!" book! I think, for me, the most fun is inventing unique hair styles!

I went to the Phoenix Museum of Art yesterday. While browsing in the gift shop, I came across this little book. The title is “Urban Scrawl Pocket Notes”. It is sold for $5.95. The measurments are about six inches high by a little over four inches wide. Inside of the book, there are many 2-page spreads featuring a variety of urban photographs. Some of them are fairly simple.

If you want to have some fun, try your hand at drawing Lilah Beans from Sandy Steen Bartholomew’s “Zentangle for Kidz!" book! You can make an entire town of tiny, bean-shaped characters.

Inspiration.