Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Challenges - New Beginnings


Reindeers Hide in the Forest
Originally uploaded by m.Lee
#5 - Collage Challenge

#1 - Collage Challenge

Sure, I have been able to post new work. But it was work created at the end of 2007 that is still being scanned in. Hoping your year is off to a bang as well. I know it is for at least some of you. The world might be scary but this isn't part of that world is it?

This work is so new that it is very unfamiliar territory for me. The challenge is to do a quick collage a day for two weeks. Or at least that is the original challenge as I have really run with it and am currently doing a couple a day. Ever since December or late November I have been pushing myself artistically. Of this I am proud. I am proud of every failed piece because it truly is a learning experience and overjoyed by each little success. It started out small with me getting out the washi paper I had been given many months prior and cutting little leaf shapes into it. Then I glued those papers onto black cards and made some ACEOs. They were different, they were fresh and not only did people buy them but I had a new energy and desire to explore. And a taste for new paper starting with washi.

Now here I am cutting up an out of date dictionary I dug out of my closet and uses pieces of super old prints of mine that I destroyed for scraps long ago.

More! My tiny exacto blades are my new favorite tool. I even maticulously set up a portable washi paper cutting station so unlike my woodblocks I can do these everywhere.

And I have been sketching more than I have in a long time. In fact I only have a couple pages left of my current moleskine. Great timing since I have a 25% off one item coupon at Dick Blick burning a hole in my pocket.

Now I need to get back to work. My energy level is near frantic as I can't do everything I want to do and have such a hard time focusing on one task. Too many ideas with limited time. I'm thinking that I may be a wee bit manic but what am I to do other than ride it out and enjoy it while I can. Put it to use and try not to overwhelm myself.

I'm not feeling negative lately and that is something. Far from it. Using art to keep my mind from thinking about what is going on out there is my escape. If I didn't have it I would be a mess of anger and worries all the time.

Eeek! It is way past the witching hour for me, I need to get to bed pronto!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

#5 is gorgeous. your color choices are superb.

Katherine said...

yay for new stuff. i've got a goal this year of making 500 pieces. I need to track down what i've made so far, I'm pretty sure I'm at the equivalent of 1 item a day. But there are plans a-brewing and I hope to up that very soon!

Keep up with yours and I'll keep up with mine.

Marissa L. Swinghammer said...

Thanks for the compliments, I am getting the hang of this and seeing myself get better at wielding the exacto. (still kinda suck with scissors, possibly from being left handed and having to use my right hand). Carving wood and cutting paper are not that similar after all.

There are 365 days in the year so 500 is considerably more than one piece a day.

Ana said...

So nice! I love what you're doing with collage, I've been meaning to try this as well, maybe I will :) Thanks for the inspiration!

Kellybot said...

These collages are really great. I love the use of your old prints!

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

I'm so happy for you and your inspired new take on your artwork- you certainly seem up to the challenges you're taking on. Congrats!

Anonymous said...

I've enjoyed collage in the past, particularly for the ability to layer and employ found objects . . .

Georganne said...

Lovely! You're quite talented! :o)

Jazmin velasco said...

This is lovely stuff! I had seen your avatar everywhere but I don't know why I never clicked on it! wow!

Megan said...

I saw these on your Flickr. I love them!

stilettoheights said...

the new pieces are wonderful, I can see and feel your energy in them and it is wonderfully frenetic!

Marissa L. Swinghammer said...

Thanks for the feedback loves! I'm really excited and anxious about what I am doing lately. I just want to keep going and going so I can get better at it. I'm not the most patient person.

I'm actually using very old block print elements of mine. Pieces that are far from my current standards still have a use somehow. I hate throwing out things, especially art.

While I didn't actually make anything yesterday (though I was far enough ahead in the challenge that nobody is the wiser) I cut paper until my eyes started to blur.

Today will be a glue filled day!

The Bookish Life said...

these are beautiful! i love the reindeer collage. great work!!

Patricia Phare-Camp said...

Happy Birthday Marissa! Welcome to the Overthehillgang!

Cheers,
Patti P-C