The tag line I have at the end of my emails is “Use What You Have.” I like to think that we can do this in many areas of life including art making.
I think that it implies that the answers, skills and ideas may be with in each of us.
I love buying art supplies. And yet I really have more than I need. So I gently remind myself to use what I have.
When I am working on a project that calls for paint, ink, glue or paper that I don’t have, I often test the process with something that I do have. That way I can:
- Get started right away
- Save money and a trip to the store
- See if I even like the process
Sometimes the “right” supplies do make a big difference. Some supply combinations that are important to me are:
- Speedball water based block printing ink and the homemade gelatin plate – I like how they stay alive and how I can get the delicate marks that I like
- Akua intaglio ink and the Pacon 90 lb sulphite drawing paper. I like how the ink stay wet and workable and is absorbed by the paper.
- Lineco – PVA glue and any paper for making glued books. When I am patient enough to let things dry this glue is strong, flat and flexible.
Maybe you have supply combinations that work best for you. I think you should celebrate that. Those select tools could be one of the qualities that makes your work uniquely yours.
I invite you to test out your supplies and join me in the Bound Prints Workshop. Transform a pile of papers/prints into lovely journals and books. Read all the details on the workshop page.
