Back to the studio - yay!

I don't know how so many of you manage to keep up the creative pace during the holidays... maybe you have studios in far better order than mine, are able to work late at night, or maybe painting in your sleep? Perhaps it's an illusion. But during my blog visits I saw a lot of work in progress - journals, paintings and assemblage, digital collage... I had to 'do' Christmas in a two-week period, unable to focus on anything else until I delivered the journals that were commissioned in November. I'm happy to report that someone along the way asked the gallery owner if there were any left... fortunately for me she wants more! And that's a good thing because once I completed the 8th piece I was surprised to find myself in withdrawal.

I only had time to make a few gifts, two of them, of course, were journals.
The background started out, as usual, gesso and a few layers of gel, some bits of paper and stuff to enhance the texture. I had an idea, albeit vague for the concept but I don't worry about specifics until later in the process.



More scribbling and stamping with gesso then the Turner's yellow. It's one of my favorite colors though it usually ends up covered up by so many layers of paints, media and texturing elements that it only shows through here and there.



Ready to collage I started to think about the recipient - in this case Karen, who has been my best friend for 40 years (oops, am I revealing my age??). It didn't take long to come up with the elements and then the concept... coffee, conversation, much of it via letter and the wires, the denim and watch face; the tiny slip of paper that says "make your rules," which speaks volumes about our teenage years and the journey we are traveling on today.



A few more symbolic embellishments, finishing off the inside covers and painting the back and in the bubble wrap in the nick of time.

Christmas may be over but during the time I spent away from the studio my subconscious was brewing... I believe I could create these without ever running short on ideas. I think I'll go up and spend a few hours (days?) cleaning, so that I can resume with an open path. That and my New Year's plans, the values I want to embrace in the coming year, a few old habits that need to be relinquished... more on that later.


What are your thoughts and traditions for approaching a new year? I'd love to hear about them!

Comments

Jasmine said…
Your journal is beautiful. I know how you mean about when you are so busy and the project comes to an end. It can be so deflating, I love to feel a new project evolving...

All the best to you for a wonderful new year x
Seth said…
What a great journal cover. Your friend will love it!! And a happy new year to you!!
jill Zaheer said…
Patti- what a wonderful Journal for your dear friend! She will love it- the bright colors- the cup, beads, birds, all beautiful! I think it's difficult for many people to keep up with their art at holiday time- with so many activiites, responsibilities and things to do. But, regardless of what you see people blogging about- as you have said- with your cleared spaces- you will be ready to go!! Happy healthy holidays and here's to a creative new year filled with much love!
Beautiful journal. Very whimsical.I always buy a new daily planner at the first of the year with the hopes of becoming more organized. Doesn't usually help.
Karin Bartimole said…
Karen must love her journal gift!! I can see your colorful close friendship in all the elements.
I have no real traditions for the new year. It's shifted over the years to hold less and less meaning as a time to separate apart from any other time. I think I use my birthday as more of a 'new year' symbolically. I mainly see it as nice for extra days off to spend with my husband!!
happy days to you :)
Ragamuffin Gal said…
As I am sorta a "fly by the seat of my britches" gal, I have to say my studio is a wreck (and I am working on getting the rest of our house there day by vacation day)and my New Year traditions are to spend it quietly with friends and games (if I ever get my house picked up in time)But I love reading your words! Blessings!
Caterina Giglio said…
I think of the new year as a collective world wide turning point. together we release the old and move forward to a new fresh year. My birthday is a private new year but I treat them the same, by taking stock of where I have come and where I want to go.
so I send you blessings of health and wealth and happy creations for 2010 my friend! Cheers!!
Debrina said…
Beautiful work Patti! As always, you are so inspiring! So that's why I haven't heard from you these holidays! It is a crazy time, isn't it? I was hoping to find out from you whether your friend got my card or not? Remember I was concerned that because I sent it from school (the place I work, not go to, lol!) I might have missed the post, as I forgot we were closing early. Anyway, that's by the by now, but if Linda didn't get it, please let me know.
Oh, and a big Happy New Year to you! 2010 feels like a very special year. I hope we manage to do an exchange or a collaboration together some time this year.
Love Debs
Mandi said…
Lovely Patti, it's good getting back into the creative zone again.....I still can't get back into my workroom! lol
Anonymous said…
May your creative juices continue to flow into the new year!
Hello ~ I (another Patty) am visiting you from Eliza in Poland's blog ... we are all connected by LaWendula's great paper swaps!
So glad I got to stop by for a visit, there is so much to take in here, warm and caring words and thoughts ... wonderful and inspiring artwork!
All the best to you and yours!
oxo
Unknown said…
Found your blog today and absolutely love it. Will check back often.
Joaniebolognie said…
The coffee cup journal is absolutely magnificent! You are so darn creative....

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