Patti Edmon Artist

Working on a series of pieces incorporating black and white prints from the archives has kindled a deep sense of satisfaction.  I haven't worked in the darkroom for nearly twenty years and I didn't start experimenting with acrylics until 2007;  tying then and now together on watercolor paper, I realized that while the medium might be different I have always had the need to see what's around the next corner, behind that weathered door.  My primary reason for using the watercolor book was because I don't need another dozen canvases loitering in the studio. I found it quite liberating, not nearly as serious as prepping a 12x12 board with gesso.  A lifelong writer, I've had trouble getting art journaling to make sense; they've always been separate disciplines. Then I realized it's just about playing, experimenting and I opened the watercolor book and the fun began.  If I had a dollar for every word I've written I'd be having lunch with Bill Gate...

One of my goals for this year has been to create every day and while I haven't quite accomplished that it has given me a real boost! Between large projects I sometimes find myself looking for ways to create while dreaming and incubating.  I decided that, since I like to use my own paper in collage, I'd create a few backgrounds. Talk about fun!! I used both 90# for easy tearing and140# for the heavily textured and layered pages. My copy of Serena Barton's Wabi Sabi Art Workshop book just arrived and I can't wait to dive in, explore, learn. I wonder how different her methods are from the way I do backgrounds. My method is to shut my brain off and start grabbing - paint, ink, embossing powder and stamps, whatever I can reach and as many processes as possible. I suppose it's a bit wabi-sabi considering the number of happy accidents that happen when I call a piece a background. It's not always easy to work with that kind of abandon on ca...