Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Use your stuff!!!

On Sunday, my good friend Marilyn and I taught our first class of the season, entitled Let's Get Plastered. Below is my sample, created in class. I shared my technique for using drywall spackle to create texture, form and dimension, and Marilyn did a great texture study, using found objects and textural elements. (my sample for this technique also pictured below).

When we teach, Marilyn and I always come laden with boxes and bins of "stuff" to share with out students during class - things collected through many years of art making: collage papers, one of a kind books and ledgers, buttons, vintage lace, dress patterns, stencils, beads and charms... whatever we think might be fun and useful during class. And our students are always excited to look through our "stuff" for the perfect elements to enhance their creations.

Frequently, they marvel at our ability to part with such treasures. I will admit that there was a time when I hoarded my "stuff." Even now, I do have a few favorite finds that I cannot bear to use OR share -- for now. But one of the many things that I have learned as I make art and collect the found objects that make their way into my art is that there will always be more "stuff." And that allowing my favorite finds to gather dust in my art room does not do them the honor that I envisioned when I found them.

I don't want to be the one who dies with the most toys (or stuff). For me, that's not winning. Really, I don't want to die at all, but so far, I haven't figured a way around that one. So, in the meantime, I will share my "stuff," as well as my ideas, and my passion for living a full and creative life, with everyone I am blessed to know.



6 comments:

Createology said...

Hi Kerri. I love your avatar with your hair so long and beautiful to match your fabulous smile. Your post today really identifies exactly what I am trying to do...use my good stuff! Stop saving it for the next person or worse the landfil. This Martini piece is perfect. Happy Spring and Birds Who Sing...

Peggy Beck said...

Kerri, I do so love this painting you did with Marilyn. And, I love your new header. It is so YOU!. I laughed when I saw it. Much love and hope we can get together soon.

Anonymous said...

Sisser, I love both pieces but, you know the martini is one of my favorites.

xo
Jesse

lisa cox said...

You 2 put on another awesome class. I always have a great time. Oh, and your "stuff" is much more exciting than my stuff! :)

julie king said...

love working with plaster altho i'm not always pleased with my final product. when i left my husband last september my son and daughter came over to help me pack up and move. i assigned megan the task of boxing up my art room. she confessed later that she was totally pissed at me for hoarding so much junk. she thought it bordered on unhealthy. i laughed at her but it's funny how i've looked at the situation differently after seeing it thru her eyes!

B Positive said...

These are just awesome. I love mixed media. It's so fun to take recycled items and make art out of them. I found your blog from Artful Blogging and I'm glad to be following you now!

~B
http://BPositiveBFree.blogspot.com