Sunday, January 25, 2009

Self-portraits and mixed-media musings


I’m thinking of making a self-portrait collage or quilt to celebrate my upcoming birthday in March. It's a big one and all I can think is "How did THAT happen?" I’ve started with the photo collage here. I’m still trying to find my “ultimate” art style. It’s definitely in the mixed-media genre. I love making collages and other compositions composed of fabric, paper, digital images, and adding all sorts of embellishments…beads and buttons, flaps and tails, ribbons and fibers.

Anyway, for inspiration, I’ve turned to the following books…

Mixed-Media Self-Portraits: Inspiration & Techniques (http://quiltingarts.com/Shop/MixedMediaSelfPortraits.html)
by Cate Coulacos Prato (http://vintagecate.typepad.com)
This is my new favorite book. It’s got lots of great exercises (and I’m going to do at least THREE of them, damn it, per my New Year’s crafty resolutions and my last post!) focusing on making therapeutic self-portraits (I love the "craft to heal" connection there) such as a “new identity” self-portrait and a “choose a new adventure” self-portrait.

Taking Flight: Inspiration & Technique to Give Your Creative Spirit Wings
by Kelly Rae Roberts (www.kellyraeroberts.com)
I love the designs in this mixed-media book, and it has a great resource section at the end. Ironically, this author's work also appears in the self-portraits book. I sense a theme here, folks!

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Nancy,

I woke up to your post and the "inspire yourself" part hit me. I totally agree with the healing aspects of crafts. I continually find myself frustrated and intimidated about my comfort with the creativity side. I've requested Kelly Rae's books from the library. It sounds like she may help me dig deep and unlock some creativity. Thanks for recommending it. And I can't wait to see your self portrait. It's another thing that initmidates me - I'm glad you're leading the way.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the shout-out. I'm really glad you like the book and I hope you keep in touch and tell me how the exercises work out for you.

Sheryl Kraft said...

Nancy,
I'm enjoying reading all your posts. I, like you, like to create. It always calms me and focuses me. But I don't do it enough! I find it hard to schedule the time - and find all kinds of excuses. Not sure why...
I love mixed media - and enjoyed looking at your photos at various times of your life. I know you'll do something great with this project!

Anonymous said...

Cool post you got here. I'd like to read more concerning that matter. Thank you for posting that information.

Anonymous said...

Rather interesting site you've got here. Thanks the author for it. I like such themes and everything connected to them. I definitely want to read more on that blog soon.

Bella Swenson