 Arranging different textures together with metal embossing is so much like collaging. One can arrange and affix them onto a canvas or a small wooden frame with heavy double-sided tape. Recently when my good friend artist Wendy Southin asked me to assist her with a metal embossing workshop for teens, I jumped at the opportunity! I was happy to have the chance to work with younger students again, plus I love metal embossing – it’s a great sister art of collage*.
The workshop was held at a local west-end visual arts centre. That morning Wendy and I found ourselves surrounded by over a hundred high school students from all over the city interested in art. We rounded up our enthusiastic group of 13 (half boys and half girls) who’d chosen to spend the day embossing with us. At first, we were surprised by the number of boys taking the class; we sure hoped they wouldn’t be put off by some of the more girly-style embossing plates we used. Much to our relief, this didn’t deter them at all. Boys and girls transformed conventional plate designs into their own unique compositional ideas. Three or four students integrated their own drawings into the intricate ones of the plastic and metal moulds/plates. We were thrilled to see a reptile’s bony fingers emerging from the black space of a student’s metal canvas; while a scene from “Alice in Wonderland” arose in another’s; a third one painstakingly embossed the lyrics of a favourite Beatles’ tune into her piece! (See Wendy’s Blog for a sample of these!) It was wonderful seeing what the student’s imaginations unleashed. They all came up with incredible designs! Metal embossing requires much patience and skill; we were equally impressed by the student’s dedication to the task of designing and finishing their pieces by the end of class. I overheard some students revealing to visiting teachers and friends that although embossing appeared easy, it was a lot harder than it looked! I was glad to see they appreciated the fine skill involved in this centuries-old craft.
 Wendy Southin (front) giving a teacher an embossing demonstration. Many high school art teachers visited the workshop as well. They were over-awed by the imaginative potential of embossing with tin. They were also dazzled by the beautiful display of embossed samples and plates Wendy had laid out on her demo table; like sparkling jewels, her hand-embossed designs transformed the canvasses, mirrors and books they covered. By their excitement and interest I’m hoping Wendy will secure a number of workshops at schools in the near future. She’s one of the few instructors I know who can teach something so intricate in a fun and practical way (she’s so organized too!); and why not? She’s spent years perfecting the fine art of metal embossing! As I basked in the glory of all the amazing creative energy surrounding me that day (it’s great having someone else lead a class so you can really take things in!), Wendy, petite pixie, quiet, contemplative soul and cool as a cucumber chick that she is wondered if she’d done enough. Can you believe it?! Hello, Wendy, YES, you sure did! It was a super workshop I’d highly recommend to anyone. I was so fired up by it, the next day I was on the Ten Seconds Studio website, dreaming of all the new plates and coloured tins I would purchase with my next paycheck!
* Note: With metal embossing you can design your own drawings or choose to compose them from various pre-made designs found on metal plates or plastic moulds from Cuttle Bug embossing plates, Spellbinder or Sizzix folders or anything with a raised surface. You draw into or rub onto embossing tin with special tools. Wendy uses beautiful metallic coloured tin which is available in a rainbow of shades from Ten Seconds Studio. One of the coolest samples she showed us was a piece of aluminum tin from a Coke Can with a design she had embossed on it – this really wowed the students! For more see Dragonfly Dreams workshops information.
 Connie Howes-Davidson's second journal page (Collage, 5 x 7 inches, February 2012) which was inspired by a favourite quilt. Quote: “A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.” Arsène Houssaye Connie Howes-Davidson was lured to my Collage Journaling Workshop by her friend Ruby who caught my show at the Atrium Gallery. It was fun having these two intelligent and light-hearted friends who were so supportive of each other in my workshop. In our discussions regarding the use of daily ephemera in the collage of Kurt Schwitters, I was so impressed by the insights they brought to the class. When I learned Connie was an avid quilter I was elated. As a collagist, I’ve long admired the way quilters transform fabric pieces into wonderful works of art through colour, pattern and texture – they’re such kindred spirits of collagists! In my opinion stitching is just another form of adhering something to a surface. So when Connie said she had no experience with collage I had to laugh! I was so pleased to have her and hoped that her quilting sensibilities would find their way to some of the journal pages she made; they did! Here she is with more about the workshop…
 Connie Howes-Davidson 1. Connie, tell us briefly about your background…
I am a happily retired Business Systems Analyst. I very much enjoyed my working life, but have found new joys in retirement. I love having more time to read, exercise, walk my dog, cook and pursue creative activities. I have enjoyed quilting for years and have recently started making fabric jewellery. I particularly enjoy combining fabrics – patterns, colours and textures – to create interesting combinations.
2. What drew you to the Collage Journaling Workshop?
A good friend saw Michelle’s recent exhibit at Centrepointe Theatre and suggested we take the course. I visited Michelle’s website and happily agreed.
3. Had you collaged before? No.
4. What kind of neat daily ephemera elements did you collect for the class?
I collected concert tickets, photos, brochures, used stamps, feathers and pages from an old book that was going into the recycle bin.
5. How did you find working under a 20-minute time limit to create your two pages? Did you find it stressful, freeing?
It was initially daunting, but ultimately proved freeing. It prevented me from over-thinking the page.
6. Did you make any discoveries about yourself during making or upon completing your pages… or perhaps a specific page?
I found that my quilting aesthetic showed up in one of my pages. I created a page reminiscent of a much loved quilt. The quilt is a wash of colour made with tiny blocks that move from pale pastel shades to deep jewel tones. This play of colour and textures just appeals to me and I was very pleased with the page.
 Connie Howes-Davidson's first journal page (Collage, 5 x 7 inches, February 2012) inspired by her Mom... so cool. 7. Connie, who inspired your first page?
As I prepared for the course, collecting various materials; this theme around my Mom just seemed to emerge. My Mom was a wonderful person who surrounded her circle with her love and care – the angel images fit perfectly. The reference to Mother Nature was recognition of her nurturing spirit towards her children, her extended family, her home and her garden. The medal represents her community spirit and her contribution to her larger family. The quote “In the beginning … things got a little out of hand” brings me back to my childhood – we have a very large family and Mom managed to tame the chaos while still allowing us to explore and learn.
8. Do you think collage journaling with daily ephemera is something you can see yourself incorporating into your life?
Yes! I find myself looking at magazines and junk mail very differently now. I have a collection of ephemera and a couple of supplies on the ready and I enjoy retreating to my work room to create a page that reflects my mood or thoughts.
Thanks for enlightening us Connie. I loved both your pages and how they reveal diverse approaches to collaging a journal page. Each had a different compositional feel: one loving and commemorative; the other a more abstract series of impressions of soft colours, textures, shapes and patterns. Your transparent overlays on this second page are brilliant! It’s great that your collecting led you to include some more challenging objects in your journal like your Mom’s medal. It’s a good thing we had some heavy duty 3M double-sided tape to secure it to your page! I think it’s wonderful that precious items like this aren’t locked away in a drawer but can be easily accessible to draw from in a personal journal so you can flip through it and remember what a great nurturing soul your Mom was. As you know, your second page just made my heart sing – I was thrilled to find the quilter in you emerging and experimenting with extending your creative materials to include papers! I’m so happy to hear that you’re beginning to see the materials of your everyday life as fodder for artistic potential as well. You have a great sense of colour, design and creativity! One day I hope you’ll share those amazing fabric jewellery pieces you’re making with me, too! Happy journaling!
Other Related Links:
Creating Collage Using Daily Ephemera
 "The Impossible Dream", Mixed Media Journal Page, June 10 2011 Lately, I’ve been thinking about how art helped me survive family turmoil during my early years. We had a lovely house, clean clothes and good food at the table, but at the heart of our home something was terribly wrong. By the age of 10 I began to sense how important communication and expression of feelings were, but I had no one to share my ill feelings about family life with. Being open about sources of personal pain and conflict at home wasn’t something my parents endorsed. Like their parents before them, they learned that these were secrets meant to be left unspoken and contained within a tormented soul.
It’s with a heavy heart that I go back to that period of my life to journal the pain away. Being the oldest of three children (and eventually five), I was expected to be the mature and responsible one; this was a huge burden on me emotionally. Especially when I realized I would have to spend most of my time trying to find ingenious ways to keep the peace between my parents who constantly fought with each other. Sometimes things got physical, but mostly theirs was a war of words; of flaring tempers bound up in words as sharp as swords which they mercilessly wielded against one another. Often I went to school worrying whether I’d come home to find that my parents had split up. If they broke up, I couldn’t imagine what we’d do – living in Canada with only a few relatives, all we had was each other. Becoming North American citizens radically altered my parents’ attitudes towards life and each other; each harboured their own incompatible dream of success and desire.
With all the fighting going on at home, my ability to concentrate on my homework and any aspirations I had for my future began to slowly dissipate. My role as peace keeper and the seer of things virtually unseen (the little gestures and dramas that precede an argument) became everything. To relieve myself from the anxiety of this full-time job, I rewarded myself emotionally by escaping into the arts: reading books, watching movies and creating art. These activities allowed me to regain a sense of control over a small portion of the world that was mine. I remember skipping school so I could watch the afternoon matinee on TV. I loved seeing Hollywood characters pursuing their dreams in movies and, almost always, having them come true. If I wasn’t allowed to fulfill my dreams, then the next best thing was to watch others fulfill theirs. I loved reading stories, in which silent, intelligent, marginalized heroes and heroines like Jane Eyre overcame their emotional issues and demons. And, I coloured, cut and drew my way into worlds I created with my own hands and imagination. In these places, I found a power and a voice within myself I never knew existed as well as a calming force that kept my spirit stable and alive. Even today, beyond showing at galleries or making a name for myself, for me art continues to be one of life’s most profound coping mechanisms; a strategy for staying sane in a sometimes merciless world.
Other Related Links:
Making “A Memory of a Photo of My Parents”
 Mini Book for Elaine, Collage / Mixed Media, 5 x 7 inches per page, 2011 As promised in my spring newsletter, I’ve just posted a new portfolio of a few mini books I made last year. It includes a couple of the books whose stories (Kevin’s and Gillian’s) I’ve shared with you already and a couple of others that are new. It was fun to allow my collaging to flow in a more fantastical and whimsical direction than my art journaling. The new images are located on my Mini Book Portfolio Page. I’d love to hear your thoughts about them.
Special thanks to my photographer Peter Farris-Manning for transforming my work into such beautiful images for the website. Equal praise goes to my web designer Pat Velte for helping me set up such a great portfolio page… all while under the stress of potential tornado threats in Oklahoma the other week! As well, thanks to my husband and loyal editor Kevin Casey for his patience in reviewing hundreds of drafts of my very wordy texts!
Other Related Links:
My Valentine’s Day Mini Book (for Kevin)
A Mini Book for Gillian
 "Namesake" (for MM), Collage (in progress), 5 x 7 inches, April 15 2012 This week I watched a concert* on TV given by French singer/actress Vanessa Paradis. I sat spellbound by the star’s stylish looks, lithe figure and wavy blonde hair as well as what emerged from her lips (along with the familiar gap between her two front teeth): a voice like no other: childish and sultry – a contradictory combination of little girl and woman. From the moment I heard it long ago I fell in love with it. Of Paradis’ songs that pivot around the theme of love, my favourite is “Marilyn et John” inspired by the secret love affair between Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe and President John F. Kennedy. In the late 1980’s, at the tender age of fifteen this tune raised Paradis to international fame. Listening to its lyrics, I became intrigued by how someone so young could relay this story as though she too, like a fly on the wall, was an intimate part of their relationship. Its broken lyrics gave me glimpses into their lives as lovers … mysterious phone calls, Monroe singing in her bath, dreams of a secret marriage and more; it was a dangerous liaison. After watching the concert, I ripped through YouTube replaying all the versions of “Marilyn et John” I could find. Taking delight in Paradis’ various recordings over the years; younger ones where she sounded sweet and vulnerable like the young Marilyn herself or older and deeper voiced like the Marilyn that might have been. Whatever the case, each is a reverent homage to the late star. Soon I found myself also browsing through Wikipedia and discovered Monroe inspired Paradis’ foray into show business. Upon uncovering this, the girlish, sexy singing styles of both women fell into place. As an actress who took her trade seriously, I think Monroe would’ve been proud of the blossoming of Paradis’ career. A hopeless romantic, I wondered if perhaps Vanessa may be the reincarnation of Marilyn and got goose bumps. I thought of the many female stars that have emulated Monroe… Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Nicole Kidman, Lady Gaga to name a few – her legacy has been a powerhouse for women (and men) to draw from and re-create in their own image. All week, I listened to “Marilyn et John”. As I collaged, I drew on the images Paradis conjures of Monroe and remembered my own connection to her. Did you know Marilyn is my first name? And, yes, I was named after this star whose light shone so brightly it traveled across oceans and continents over the Arabian Sea to the shores of Pakistan to bewitch the imagination of my young parents. So much so, that instead of naming their first born after one of their Christian saints as was the custom, they christened her after a Hollywood sex goddess! I was born a few years after Monroe’s death and, upon learning she was my namesake, I’ve been haunted by the story of her life. It’s as if, along with the naming, a part of Marilyn slipped into my soul.
*Note: 2010 Vanessa Paradis’ Versailles Concert: “Marilyn et John” (at 3:21 minutes on video)
My Favourite Marilyn Monroe Movies:
“Some Like It Hot”; “Bus Stop”, “Niagara”; “The River of No Return”
My Favourite Marilyn Monroe Songs:
“Diamond’s are a Girl’s Best Friend”; “The River of No Return”
 "Words to Live By", Anne B.'s Vision Board, Collage, 16 x 20 inches, January 2012. Anne's board is composed of 50 images; 48 of which are words or phrases! My first few email discussions with Anne B. led to a flurry of misunderstandings on my part. When she described herself as a retired, single woman needing to build a positive outlook in her life, I envisioned a little old lady stuck at home alone (even though I should know by now that 60 is the new 40!). When I discovered she was still a spring chicken, and a former athlete at that, I was so embarrassed! Upon learning of her health-related afflictions, I didn’t know what to expect or if I should specially prepare my studio for her visit, but she assured me she’d be fine as she’d been living with these ailments for quite some time. Come workshop day, I was greeted by a vibrant, thoughtful personality, and although I noticed her hands were a bit shaky with a pair of scissors, I was impressed by her sense of ingenuity in making the process of collaging work for her… varying her cutting by ripping papers instead of only tearing them or using a paper cutter to make straight edges where needed. At home when she didn’t have a brayer handy, she used a rolling pin to flatten her images! Once complete, her board was a visual, technical feat of wonder as well as a great source of inspiration for her spirit! Here’s Anne with some further insights into her vision board journey…
1. Anne, will you tell me briefly about your background…
I am a 48 year old single woman. I am retired due to poor health (MS and Lupus). I am very oriented towards sports and medicine. I had recently tried some forms of art therapy. I found them very enjoyable and revealing, but unfortunately focused on drawing and painting; two artistic skills that I lack. Art was something I enjoyed and admired, but did not create.
2. What attracted you to the Vision Board Workshop?
I had seen a completed vision board and was fascinated by how clearly it revealed the artist’s ideas and feelings. I was encouraged to make my own board, but had no idea how or where to begin. The workshop seemed like the perfect way to learn the fundamentals, get a starting point and see if I enjoyed the medium.
3. Did you have a vision/dream in mind before you began the workshop? If yes, what was it?
At first I had three or four ideas. I was trying to figure out how they could all be well represented on the board. The pre-class homework helped me narrow down my ideas into one vision. One week before workshop, my vision changed. The more I had been thinking about it, the more the idea seemed to narrow down and appear more focused.
My vision/dream was to find words and/or pictures that were positive and motivating. They were to focus on a positive attitude and what I desired to accomplish with my self-healing work/journey.
4. How did you find the process of collaging your vision board? Was visually setting down your ideas helpful to you or revealing?
The process was fascinating. It quickly showed a pattern of what I wanted to express. Putting everything all together on the board made each individual piece become one very powerful piece. It was as if a magnifying glass had focused on who I wanted to be. It was clear and obvious to me. I saw many different techniques and patterns. The finished board was expressing what I had been feeling inside.
5. Where is your vision board now? Is it working for you?
It is in the living room, leaning on the wall behind my reading lamp. Having to focus on one clear idea and then have each picture or word validate that vision was, and continues to be a powerful experience. It reminds me not only of the message, but of the hard work that I did both mentally and physically to achieve the end result of a finished board. The final piece is a revealing and honest expression of my feelings and ideas and that is what makes it a piece of art to me.
Thanks for your reflections, Anne. I love the way you describe your vision board as being a kind of giant magnifying glass – what a perfect way to think of it! It certainly does bring things into focus like never before. I’m glad to hear you feel its power invoking that positive outlook you wish to have on your life. I feel a great positive energy flowing through the words and phrases you’ve chosen to place on it. I’m glad that you’ve found an art form you feel you can finally express yourself with. Collaging has always been such an easy medium for many to adapt to. Judging by your fine sense of colour and design, I see the skills you learned from painting and drawing shining through. I love too how you’ve seamlessly integrated a couple of key images into your texts. You’re a pro at collaging and I look forward to your future adventures with the medium… whatever you do, I know it will be amazing! Keep smiling!
 Anne B. after finishing her vision board! Vision Board Quick Tip:
Text gives you the opportunity to put all those advertising slogans used to seduce you into buying products, into creating your very own dream /vision. When using text as the driving force of your vision board, consider varying the font types you use so that each word/phrase stands out on its own. Using a variety of fonts in different colours, forms, sizes and cutting styles gives each thought a unique personality and voice. Anne’s board is a great example of how text size /colour can evoke a sense of volume (loudness / softness), power, humour or importance. As well, arrange your text so that it can be read in various directions: up, down, left, right, across or on an angle; this will make your board visually dynamic and enables you to appreciate it from various vantage points.
Stay tuned for a peek at another student spotlight from my winter collage journaling workshop coming soon!
 "Venus & Adonis", Collage Journal Page, 7.25 x 6 inches, March 31, 2012; Text: "Some days I can't imagine my life without you." In our teens, my best friend and I would often visit the National Gallery of Canada (NGC). Our favourite spot was the Pop Art section where Claes Oldenburg’s zebra print bedroom installation and Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s soup cans were displayed; these pieces never failed to elicit uproariously laughter from us. Oblivious to the strategies of these artists, we wondered where the state of art was headed with stuff like this at the NGC. We were puzzled by the artists’ use of everyday materials to make art. Nevertheless, it was pieces such as these that kept us going back for more to see what outrageous things current-day artists were creating!
One day while roaming the gallery, I found my way to the Contemporary Art section and saw a piece that transformed my view of art. The work was non-traditional… a film being projected in two parts on a wall. The top half revealed the tiny figure of a young man who reminded me of a silent film star. Terrified, he stood comically teetering on the edge of a ledge. Directly below him on the lower half of the wall, was another small projection of an old woman sitting in a rocking chair. Engrossed in knitting, she was oblivious to the calamity looming above her as the young man debated taking his life! Unlike a scene from a movie, there was no end to the sequence; these few moments of the film were endlessly looped – I’d never know its outcome! Used to striding through the gallery as a dispassionate observer, I found this unusual encounter arresting; it drew me in. I reflected upon it for quite some time and, even though I knew it wasn’t real, the fate of these two characters mattered to me. I wondered if the young man was really going to jump. I was intrigued to know what had driven him to the edge. Did he plan to kill the old woman on his way down as well? Was she to blame for his fateful decision? Was this story a clash of the generations (old and new)? I didn’t know for sure; this was a mystery for each viewer to solve in their imagination. As a result, I felt as much a part of the story as the characters involved. And, I found it exciting.
Through this encounter I realized that perhaps the role of artist was not just about perfecting technique; it could also involve finding enticing ways to get the viewer actively involved in the art work unfolding before them. Far from being a static object tucked behind a frame or on a pedestal, art had the power to make the viewer care, think and respond emotionally to it. It had the potential to go past the artificial 2D/3D boundaries it created to strike right at the hearts and minds of viewers! For me this was mind blowing. It’s one of several transformative moments in my life that made me want to become an artist… and someone who eventually learned to appreciate the bedroom suites and soup cans of Pop Art.
Do you remember a moment when a work of art transformed your life or view of art? I’d love to hear your story…
 "Home Sweet Home", Collage, 7 x 10 inches, March 25, 2012 Did you know it’s been three years and I’ve barely taken a break from running my art business! Time’s taken its toll; so I decided to get some much needed R&R this month.
Well, it was seven glorious days off, sleeping in, pampering myself and going wherever the wind blew me. Here in Ottawa, I found a few oases of my own to retreat to: a local mall, the marketplace, my favourite restaurants, art shops, hair salon and spa. I even made time to read – for fun! It was great to curl up with Molly Peacock’s Paper Garden and Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. Several years ago the latter was recommended to me when I was making the transition from office worker to full-time artist. A few years ago I bought the book for my hubby who was considering other career paths. On one of my recent whiny days this past winter he too insisted I read it; so I did! It was just the remedy I needed. I felt an instant connection to the story’s protagonist, Santiago. I saw his dream journey reflected in my own struggles to maintain my art career and business. Life has such a way of making you wonder if you’re on the right path even when you’re pursuing your passion; Coelho reminded me doubts are part of the journey of following your heart – no matter how lost I felt, one day, with a continued awareness of the challenges I encountered and the lessons I could learn from them, things would coalesce to help me achieve my dreams.
That week, I was also compelled to make a mini collage book for an ailing artist friend. Hoping to ride the tide of positive events of recovery that are occurring in her life, I was fixated on fashioning something to keep up her optimism. It’s hard to know what to say or visualize for someone whose livelihood and life are slowly slipping away, but eventually I found some encouraging words and, as usual, the right pieces found their way to my work table. The piece was finished in no time and sent off. It was good to make art; it was good to give away a piece of myself to someone I love. It also helped to put my own miseries into perspective – I counted my blessings. A few days later I was elated to receive a call from my friend who’s sounding better ever! Miracles abound – thanks Great Creator.
Coincidentally, this same week I was the recipient of several appreciative notes. Their timing was perfect – after three years of working 24/7 on my business and not necessarily reaping the financial rewards I’d hoped for, there’ve been times when I’ve really felt like throwing in the towel. The thing that always keeps me going are the encouraging words of others… spurring me on, giving my new entrepreneurial wings and creative spirit flight… I’m so grateful for this.
My week ended on an inspiring note thanks to friend Wendy Southin who insisted I listen to a talk on the RBBP Summit given by Artizen art biz coach Jennifer Lee and her colleague Jeremie Miller who discussed using Livestream to connect with on-line audiences. Their talk was rejuvenating and a great way to ease back into my work routine. I’m excited about the prospect of adding video and other interactive components to my website. In the future maybe I’ll give you a tour of my studio… or introduce you to an artist colleague… or host a live student spotlight! Wow, all of a sudden, the world seems like my oyster again!
 Michelle Casey, November 2011  Michelle Casey, November 2011  Michelle Casey, November 2011  Michelle Casey, November 2011  Michelle Casey, November 2011  Michelle Casey, November 2011  Detail of a mini book for Gillian Jansen, November 2011 This January, I was delighted to receive a series of portraits of myself taken by my friend photographer Carmin Davidson. As some of you know, I really dread having my photo taken. In the past, my sister and husband have taken hundreds of photos of me only to have me gasp: “OMG do I REALLY look like THAT?!”; “Is my skin really that blotchy?!” or “Am I REALLY that fat!!?”… the usual things we women worry about when having our photos taken. While many are blessed to look pretty decent in snapshots, I’ve always felt cursed! Believing that lighting (among other things) is the main culprit, I started hiring a professional photographer to take the photos I use for my business. Despite this, as a perpetual drama queen I still have other issues with having my portrait taken… makeup for instance.
I don’t normally wear makeup, but because I’ve been advised it’s a good idea to wear some during a shoot to define features, I also hire a makeup artist. So the next major issue I have is with the overly zealous makeup artist. You know, not too many of them understand it when you say: “Just a little makeup please!”. For this photo shoot, I implored the makeup artist…“Now, I just want a little makeup – after all, I’d like my friends to recognize me!”. She replied: “Don’t worry honey, I’ll just be accentuating your best features!” So I relaxed a little as she oo’ed and ah’ed reassuring me of the amazing transformation that was taking place on my face. Upon finishing beaming she handed me the mirror. Glancing at my reflection, I gasped inwardly while simultaneously having a mini stroke upon discovering that I was now ready for Red Carpet Night at the Oscars!!! My eye shadow was bedazzling! And, my lips… well, you can imagine! It seems silly to say this but I actually felt like a complete freak looking so, well… glamorous! At the same time, I wondered where I was under all this makeup?! Practically speechless, what could I say to this girl who’d poured her heart and soul out onto my face except: “It looks wonderful – I can’t believe it’s really ME!”. And off I went to the photo shoot…
It was an unusually warm November day (at least the weather gods loved me) and Carmin assured me that, despite my discomfort over my makeup, everything would be okay. We could adjust, soften and alter things, so no worries she said in her usual calming manner. I’d chosen a setting in a secluded park which featured a number of natural and architectural elements I liked. I was wearing a simple black dress for the occasion; my pièce de resistance: a ridiculously expensive spicy orange scarf I purchased at the Lucky Brand Jean store. Carmin walked me through a story plan she’d formulated regarding where I derived my artistic visions from. Pleased with her imaginings, I performed – appearing to daydream and search a nearby field for creative inspiration. From the photos, you’d never know Carmin and I trekked through muddy fields to accomplish this task. Lost, in her role as story teller, Carmin gently guided my movements around structures and spaces, allowing our story to unfold. She didn’t mind tramping around in the mud for me one bit! Noting she’d photographed in much dire circumstances out West – a good shot was worth braving the elements for! By the end, we were both pleased with the shoot. The next day she came round to photograph my Pieces of Me III Opening. I take great pride in sharing some of her photos with you.
You can check Carmin’s website: C Davidson Photography. It’s amazing to see how she transforms her clients: playing up their features, revealing their spirits and exposing their talents in a playful way. Going beyond the role of portrait photographer, I believe her work is special, because like the best fine artists she’s always interested in exploring new visual territory. It’s one of the reasons she attracts so many creatives to her business. It’s little wonder she was recently accepted into a prestigious visual arts program in Spain! Congratulations Carmin – I look forward to seeing your career take off in exciting new directions! Thanks for another gorgeous photo album – I’ll treasure it always.
Other Related Links:
Collage Artist Portraits by Carmin Davidson
Please Note: I’ll be away for a couple of weeks. “Talk” to you again on March 25, 2012!
 A Student's Collage Journal Page, 5 x 7 inches, February 2012 Last week I gave a Collage Journaling Workshop to a group of local high school students. Generally I teach adults, so it was great to be able to expand my experience to include teens. It’s been a while since I was in high school, so when I took on this project I felt the need to get to know the students a little better — I asked them to fill out a brief questionnaire regarding their art/journaling experience and favourite leisure activities. As a fun element, I also asked them to provide me with their favourite song(s) for my workshop music playlist. This proved very interesting as I discovered what an eclectic group they were through the wide variety of hybrid musical styles they chose: rap, R&B, alternative rock, pop, metal and country to name a few. Wondering if the Internet totally dominated their leisure time, I was amazed to find it included activities such as: reading, listening to music, creating art, watching old movies and playing sports as well as video games. I was surprised to learn nearly all of them journaled and felt comfortable with art. I felt this was going to be an introspective artsy group I could really relate to and learn much from! See end of post for a short video of their pages…*
A Little Background on the Students’ Collage Journal Pages…
As per my daily ephemera journaling suggestions, before class students collected materials for their pages. During the workshop many opted to create two 20-minute timed pages to get the feel for spontaneously creating a page while a couple who really got “into the zone”, devoted their time to just one page. Regardless of the time factor, their pages revealed a depth of character I would have never guessed by looking at their faces – despite their youth, their pages were rich with life experience and personal insight. There I discovered many facets of their lives and personalities: their musical, literary and artistic tastes; flair for style; fears, hopes, wishes and dreams; media savvy, courage and ability to question things. Another eye-opener for me was that despite living in a digital age, these kids enjoyed expressing themselves in book form through writing and collaging – many were very appreciative of the exotic fragments of papers I provided them with. I was equally impressed by their ephemera collections from a wide variety of sources: Google image downloads, personal snapshots, doodles/drawings, scrap booking materials, tattoo designs, used concert tickets/sports memorabilia, magazine stats, notes from friends, stickers off CD covers, iron-on patches, sequins and lace! I just loved seeing these contrasting materials on their pages – I realized what a rich time period they’re living in and how skillful they were in integrating both their digital and lived realties into their journal pages. It impressed me to no end to see them working on their pages, not minding to delay their break time even a little further to complete their pieces… totally engaged in the world of collage journaling… as an instructor, I couldn’t ask for more.
Students, I’ve spent a week taking in your journal pages – I’m so touched and inspired by them. Like your signature, each one is a unique piece of who you are. Thanks for participating in the workshop and for allowing me to share your pages. Thanks too to Mary Crawford, my school contact, for arranging the workshop and giving me much needed insight into teen culture. My deepest appreciation goes out to the school’s librarian Ambreen for providing us with a warm and relaxing atmosphere to work in. Last but not least, I’m grateful to Wendy Southin and Kevin Casey for volunteering to help me run the class as well as re-vamp my notes for a younger audience. It was a great day and a memorable learning experience!
Video of Students Collage Journal Pages (for PC click here)
Video of Students Collage Journal Pages (for MAC click here)
*Please note the video takes about a minute to download… I appreciate your patience 🙂
Video Music: “Invincible” by Hedley
|
|
