inspiration

Boundaries create Space – art approach

inspiration / /

Boundaries give you limited choices and then you figure out how to make things work.

gelatin prints on tea bags

What would be a boundary in gelatin printmaking?

  • Limit your stencils to 3 – 5
  • Work with only 2 colors
  • Print 3 layers or less

So often we are so excited to play with lots of stencils and mark making tools. And as a result our prints can be confusing and chaotic.

art fuel your local center

So as the physical excitement to use all your tools at once mellows, I challenge you to create a boundary for your next printmaking session. Pick something that supports your style. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but that when the magic starts to happen.

delicate gelatin monotype print by linda germain

One way to impose boundaries is to join a class, then the teacher gives you exercises and assignments.

The 100 Print Project starts soon and is structured to guide you to take many small steps to create a 100 print installation. READ the details on the printmaking workshop page.

installation of gelatin prints

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Ritual – end of the year

inspiration, monotype print / /

I like to review my year in photos. I choose happy images that remind me of good times. Enjoy this 2 minute video.

Another ritual that I like to do from time to time:

  • Write down anything I want to let go of on a small slip of paper
  • Burn the troubles and paper in small jar
  • Give the ashes new life

Today, I wrote down everything from 2020 that I want to release and let go of.

release your worries ritual

And I had so many slips of paper that I was afraid that I would set off the smoke detectors/sprinkler system in my studio, if I burned them inside. So I headed to the beach.

beach a healing place for letting go ritual

The beach is a healing place for me. I walked out to Rye Ledge with my worries, some matches and a jar. The winds were light and the tide was low. And I set my 2020 worries free – up in smoke.

let worries go ritual

The final step will be to do something new with the remains. That will be for another day.

let nature inspire art making

I encourage you to embrace a ritual of review, celebration and letting go! It may clear your energy for the new year.

Consider supporting your printmaking habit in 2021 – join us in the 100 Print Project, online printmaking class. Read all the details on the workshop page.

installation of gelatin plate prints

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Woods, Walk – Work

inspiration, monotype print / /

I think as artists we are always “working.” This is because we are always seeing the world as a catalyst for creation.

gelatin prints with botanicals on tea bagsCups of tea and found botanicals informed this series of prints.

“Work” could be defined quite broadly and will different for everyone.

found object stencils

I found these masking stencils on my daily walks.

For me there are many steps to working:

  • Daily Habits  – like writing morning pages
  • Image creation or capture – like photos and doodles
  • Studio play – when I start to put marks and materials together

I played with hand written fonts.

Each step is valuable and serves a different purpose. I do think it is important to let each step have it’s own style of expression. And to remember that each step in it’s own way is part of the act of creation.

shadow to inspire stencils

So a walk in the woods and doodling with morning coffee is an important part of the process that supports studio time.

screen printed napkin and coffee

Need help sticking to your studio practice, sometimes a class is a good place for ideas and support. Check out the current online workshops that I am offering.

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Do you have a design wall?

inspiration / /

Do you have space in your studio for a wall that inspires you? Or where you can have a revolving art show of your own works?

installation of gelatin plate prints

Prints from the 100 Print Project Class

If you don’t have a space like that, see if you can make one.

Trace Monotypes from the See, DRAW, Print Class

When I finish a print or series of prints that I like, I want to look at them and enjoy.

make art with books

My work from Books as ART Materials

Some artists make a design wall with a sheet of homasote. It is easy to pin papers to and moveable.

gelatin prints by linda germain

Gelatin Prints from the Simplify Class

Things to put on an inspiration/design wall:

  • Completed work
  • Series in process
  • Quotes
  • Goals
  • Reminders

I hope you have some space to claim as a design wall!

 

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How do you make your Marks?

inspiration / /

There are lots of ways to make marks.

playful mark making

Consider these questions in relation to how you approach mark making in your art work.

  1. Do you like to make quick or slow lines?
  2. Would you say your line is confident or cautious?
  3. Are you planning marks or playfully making marks?
  4. Is it all about the process of making or the product you make?
  5. Do you prefer realistic or abstract?

There is no right answer. But it may be helpful to identify the approach and qualities that you prefer to use in your art making.

mixed media print

I like to make quick lines with confidence. I am usually all about a playful process of discovery that is mostly abstract with a bit of realism.

artist book in progress linda germain

This helps me understand my default approach to mark making. And I know that if I can add some planning, or think about the end product or some slow lines to my project, it will expand my skills and expression.

Some of my favorite mark makers:

If you would like to explore your mark making skills check out the current classes being offered.

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