And I love altered art - books, journals, what have you. I remember the first time I saw an altered book. It was only in a photo in a magazine; even so, I thought it was just the coolest thing. But I've never tried one myself. (I even have a book that I read years ago and saved especially to alter.)
I've scrapbooked - always on paper, never digitally. I need to be able to touch it and feel the edges of the papers, and the layers of paint on the chipboard, and the other embellishments. That's a large part of the appeal for me.
I have discovered so many great artists and photographers since I began blogging. And there are heaps of opportunities and invitations to explore and expand my creativity. And I love jumping right in. Usually.
But I haven't ever been able to sit down and just start an altered project. And I don't know why. I know that there is no right or wrong; all I have to do is start.
So I finally did.
I chose a magazine that had some page spreads that just seemed perfect to use as a starting point (since I have plenty of magazines). I painted on one page, around a word that I liked. And it looked pretty good. Then I decided to add a second color over the top of the first color. Also pretty good. But then I started free-handing some swirly vine thingies. Not so good. More paint to cover it up. Not so good. But I really wanted to use that page, because I really liked that word. So I added some paper over the top of the page, but cut out a window so that I could still see the word. Now, time for paint again. Pretty good. Now some writing. Alright. (except for one misspelled word, drat!) Some free-handed drawing/painting. And I think I'm done.
I am not in love with it, although it's grown on me some today. But I did it. And so I'm putting it up here. It is a part of me -- my artwork, for what it's worth, and my words. And that makes me happy.
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