New work and Studio View

5" x 5" paper collages for upcoming handmade collage book

Studio view, new configuration (honestly, I thought it looked better!)

I thought that showing  a view of my new table configuration might be interesting. Maybe not, Who knows? This last weekend it was raining and I was thinking about how to get more organized. Prior to this new table grouping, I had to do my "wet" processes and "dry" processes at one table. It isn't a big deal but I always thought  that I would get paint on something important. These tables are readily available and very inexpensive. I also picked up some table risers at Amazon to raise the height of the tables so that I can work standing up without killing my back. I may add one more lamp for task lighting. (Seeing well as I have gotten older has become harder.) Anyway, it looks kind of sloppy I guess, maybe crowded more likely. It works very well though and that makes me happy. When you get up in the morning and come into your favorite spot it ought to be as you like it. 

I have new work to show (see above). These are small collages that are going to be part of a larger collage book that I am doing. This will be my fourth book. The books are hand bound using the coptic stitch. This stitching is quite the learning curve! Originally the books were a way to use up all of the papers that I have printed (and continue to print) but now I just really like doing them. It has been really important to me lately to put as much of my own tastes and ideas into my art as possible, including these books. I am notorious for seeing someone else's work and thinking that they know better than me; that I need to do what they are doing in order to make better art. In reality, their art is likely better but how does that help me? I sort of see it as wishing that I had someone else's fingerprints, you know? At this point though, I know something too and now is the time for it. I feel like I can see what it is that I like about that person's work and use that idea as a springboard for something very Libby-like.

The papers are all printed on a gelli plate using acrylic paints. The writing and marks are done with an acrylic paint pen or artist grade crayons. These pens are AWESOME! I tried them once before and couldn't deal with them. These Posca pens are really nice though and work well. I am continuing to use the sewing machine to zig zag stitch. It really tamps the various papers down and makes things look neat and clean. I like that plus there is the association with traditional quilting and sewing but in a new kind of way with paper. I like that too. 

I am trying to think of a way to show the books that I am making. A video? Pictures? I don't know. My skill set isn't quite there for the video but I guess I can see about it. Still images are more likely. 

If there are comments please email me: [email protected]
Thanks,
Libby