Topic #21--"Miniature" Entry

Greetings Kindredspirit!--a fellow Mainer just around the bend!!

"I made two books for the current challenge "Miniature". Both hardcover books are cloth covered, have one sewn signature and patterned endpapers. One of the covers incorporates the latest craze: 1 inch collage. I don't what it is about little things. Full size these two books would be nothing special but reduce them down to an inch or less and they are some how take on a magical quality. I have always loved miniatures...."

Topic #21--"Miniature" Entry

Windyangel's magical fairy house and furniture!

"I was recalling my most favourite magazine of the recent past, Victoria. I believe I only missed one or two of the magazines in the entire time it was being published. I feel proud to own this treasure. I was very touched by one particular story of someone that made tiny houses and furniture from objects of nature. They were building homes for fairies and enjoyed putting them in places throughout their yard that were somewhat hidden. This is my first attempt with found items. They are quite fragile. The table actually lost one of its legs after I'd finished the photo shoot. I used bark, thin tree branches, flower petals (dried), tiny viola flowers, hollyhock flower and seedhead, and some old grape vine pieces. The top right hand photo shows a forest of grass so you can get some idea of the size. The photos were taken by some moss on our front walk.
Dear fairy friends..."

Topic #21--"Miniature" Entry

From Amanda--brilliant!

" Little Red Book of the Body
Dim. (closed) 5cm x4.7cm; (open) 5x28cm
For Artwords this week I am submitting a miniature concertina book. It is really a maquette for an artists book I am working on and will be part of my MFA work investigating impermanence. The finished book will have quite a different feel from this miniature. For the final piece I will use more fragile paper and the covers will be translucent porcelain. I am thinking of dipping the paper in wax to give it a preserved "feel". I am also planning to use solvent transfers for the imagery to create a more mysterious and aged effect.

So...this little miniature is really nothing much like the final version will be, except for the imagery. It has been a great opportunity to play around with the layout and lots of fun!"

Topic #21--"Miniature" Entry

A beautiful entry from Joan--welcome to you!!

"Title: "She would have given her left arm for one more day with Modi"
After seeing the movie 'Modigliani' about the life of Italian Expressionist painter
Amedeo Modigliani, I was moved to paint this little rendition of one of his most famous paintings.
(Andy Garcia 's portrayal of Modigliani is so beautiful, and so heartbreaking that I highly recommend this film to anyone with the spirit of an artist.)
This piece is painted in acrylics on a 6x6 gallery wrapped canvas. The difference between this miniature rendition and the original is that when he painted it he included her left arm...
I ommited her left arm and replaced it with her broken heart... hence the title "She would have given her left arm for one more day with Modi". What follows is the tragic story the movie was based upon..."

Topic #21--"Miniature" Entry

A warm welcome to Brandie! Check out her miniature entry....

"I create small pieces of art, it's kind-of my thing. I wanted to choose a piece of mine that to me looked like a miniature painting rather than art created on a small surface. "Anchor" was created on a 4x4 inch piece of matte board and canvas. I used acrylic paint, copies of vintage photos, molding paste, decorative paper and vintage sewing threads."

Topic #21--"Miniature" Entry

Here is one of the first ATCs that I ever made (2.5" x 3.5"). I like to work on both miniature and huge canvases--each have their own rewards and challenges. Something I've learned--working with a tiny space is not necessarily any easier, in fact it can be more challenging, since you need to make the same elements (color, balance, etc) work together in a very limited space.

Topic #21--"Miniature" Entry

A splendid tiny entry from Lara:

"min'iature
n. a small painting or portrait
a. on a small scale
I decided this prompt was a perfect way to join in with the fun on Art Words. I will work through the rest of the prompts not necessarily in order, but as times allows, so do keep checking back.

Everything I know about painting landscapes on the back of a postage stamp! The coin is shown alongside the image, as a reminder that I will never be allowed to live down something I once said about not being able to work small."

Topic #21--"Miniature" Entry

Wow--a collection of fine miniatures from Johnnynorms:

"My usual artworks are littl'uns that most people would regard as being miniature. This is because it's grown out of doodling in the margins, and I just won't stop using that biro. I run a series of even smaller almost-overlooked 'mini masterpieces' and have dubbed it 'School of Miniscule'. Here is a spread of my favourite ones.

To get a rough estimate of scale, look out for the one in the middle with a paper punch-hole. (It's next to the little crittur under a magnifying glass.) I find interesting the way that putting tiny things on the computer can make them massive, and gives a really intimate close-up of the line and texture. I used to blow them up (sorry, enlarge them!) on a photocopier which would magnify every ink splotch."

Topic #21--"Miniature" Entry

Darcy's entry--very sweet and full of wisdom.

"Sometimes it's the small, miniature things in life that teach us the biggest lessons!"

Topic #21--"Miniature" Entry

Wow--check out these tiny 1"x1" art squared--incredible! Be sure to visit Zorana's blog for the full post.

Topic #21--"Miniature" Entry

Many thanks to Patrick for his contribution. Be sure to check out his blog for the full post. "this one came to me pretty quick. its inspired by the mini-comic i never got around to drawing."

Topic #21--"Miniature" Entry

Check out this fun, whimsical entry from Megan!

Topic #21--Miniature

Topic #20 "Confession" Entry

A very touching, gorgeous entry from Lia! Be sure to check out her entire post by visiting her blog.

"I often find it difficult to make an art piece or collage when given a theme. I believe it is because it challenges me to share more than I want to. This is one of the reasons why I stopped doing meme's this summer. So, I chose the following art piece I did this week to "fess up" about things. I also don't often go into explaining my artwork. I am going to break both of those rules this week and just confess away. I think this piece will sum up some of my feelings and thus "confess" what has been going on with me emotionally pertaining to blogging and sharing online....."

Topic #20 "Confession" Entry

Kate's entry--wonderful art and words!

"this word conjures up a lot of scary stuff...feeling guilty because we've done something wrong, or revealing something that we've been hiding because of fear of what revealing ourselves might mean.

we've all hidden behind layers of opaqueness, showing that which we hope people will find acceptable. if we're lucky there's at least one person in our lives that sees us as we are...and loves us because of it.

as we get older, it's easier to just be who we are. no need to hide, no need to confess.

clear, visible, transparent, translucent, serene, crystalline.."

Topic #20 "Confession" Entry

A beautiful rendering from Amanda!

"Sometimes I think confessing can be quite selfish. It can operate to make the confessor feel better, to cleanse the soul, but only leaves the confessee feeling totally betrayed. Some sins are better left unknown, unsaid. And if that means you have to learn to live with your guilt, then that is just how it is. In a sense, by confessing, you may just end up wronging the person twice. It's not always better to know the truth."

Topic #20--"Confession" Entry

Mary Ann's entry makes me think!

"my confession about telling lies
stems usually from my desire to keep the peace.
or out of fear...
i don't want to hurt anyone's feelings...
so i hide my true feelings.
i avoid confrontation/fights/bad scenes like the plague!
i want to diffuse tension,
to keep things light,
to remain neutral,
to minimize stress,
to be nice,
to save face,
to get along,
to stay sane.

that's why i tell lies.
not all the time mind you.
i'd rather tell the truth...
it's just that
certain situations call for it
or when i need
to feel "safe"."

Topic #20--"Confession" Entry

Welcome to Megan!

Topic #20--"Confession" Entry

Many thanks to Patrick for his entry this week!

"wanted to say so much with this one...
i did my first sequental piece.
my confession for whats it worth
sometimes i hate myself"

Topic #20--"Confession" Entry

Ooooo--thank you for this stunning entry Windyangel

"The River Lethe: I decided to share a small part of myself this week for "confession" at Artwords. Sometimes this piece seems bigger than I would like but I did surround the entire picture here with hope and the sky and the heavens. If it pulls you down too much on my behalf please look at the brightness of the banner above.
Note that "Lethe was the river of 'forgetfullness' in the underworld. From it souls would drink and forget their experiences upon being reincarnated."
Please click on the image to get a larger size so print is readable."

Topic #20--"Confession" Entry

A warm welcome to Palasandra from Spain!

She says, "I had been thinking about the saying 'Confession is good for the soul' My only confessions in my life have been in my prayers and to one extremely wonderful friend. I am however ever more aware that since becoming ill and the severity of the operations I've had recently (with more to come) I have a need to pour out my heart, for good or bad.
A cleansing of the soul, and I am not alone in this respect..I have known many people do the same, it's a sensation that comes from within, and develops into a powerful need. I visited a spiritual sanctuary recently and I cleansed my soul with a vengeance, (although that wasn't why I was there). It was the most powerful and enlightening thing I have ever experienced, so the saying is right...confession is good for the soul."

Topic #20--Confession

"Confession" by Christiane Vincent
Plaster, pigment, cloth, copper mesh on canvas, 2006

Topic #19--"Voice" Entry

An excellent entry from Ian!

He says, "Absent-mindedly playing around with this idea, I ended up with the whispering pair and thought they looked a bit ethnic. I imagined them in bold primary colours on an urban wall, advertising some festival or multicultural exhibition. So where would I see such a thing?

In London, I spent a ludicrous amount of time standing on tube station platforms waiting for trains. There are two things that relieve the boredom of tube travel - advertising artwork and buskers. Busking was illegal during my time in London, I'm not sure about thesedays. Being illegal meant that performers ability on their chosen instrument was varied; you didn't get gifted musicians so much as ones who didn't mind getting arrested. Since then, I have lived in places where it is legal - and organised! - and the difference in quality is amazing.

Though I have no desire to go back to London to live I still have fond memories of the place and I suppose I can't help drawing tunnels, trains and buskers."

Topic #19--"Voice" Entry

A stunning entry from WindyAngel!

Topic #19--"Voice" Entry

Mary Ann--very nicely done! Many thanks!

She says, " i used acrylic paints, homemade dot stencil, oil pastels & pencil & the piece measures 9" x 12". i appreciated this week's aw topic because as a speech therapist, i have dealt with folks with voice disorders & have felt their pain & struggles when they don't have what's considered a normal voice. the larynx is our speech mechanism & in layman's terms, it's called the "voicebox". so, this is my take...couldn't resist the play on words!"

Topic #19--"Voice" Entry

Welcome to Kate! Thanks so much for this gorgeous entry and words of wisdom!

She says, "what does it mean to find our voice?

for me, it's not just about speaking and making sure i'm heard, it begins with listening. when we begin to listen to that quiet voice that's within us, the voice of the heart, we can begin to speak with passion and conviction, with truth and with compassion.

it usually takes years before we realize that there's a voice in there, never mind listening to it, but when we do, there's no going back. "our voice" becomes OUR VOICE and we not only feel comfortable using it, we feel compelled!"

Be sure to visit Kate's blog for more wonderful commentary on the subject.

Topic #19--"Voice" Entry

From Patrick--a very moving entry.

He says, "this is one of those prompts that hit me right away. it was the thing that came to mind the second i read this weeks topic... voice.

this is about god, or rather, god and i."....visit his blog for the full commentary.

Topic #19--"Voice" Entry

Many thanks to Darcy for her entry entitled "Is Anyone Listening To Me?"

Topic #19--Voice

Logo used by Lucent

Topic #18--"Surrealism" Entry

Many thanks to Amanda for this entry!

Entitled "Automatism"

Topic #18--"Surrealism" Entry

Wow Ian!

"I had some ideas for images after compulsively playing contacting my angel some weeks back - it's such a dreamy, ethereal enchanting, moody track. At first, the image presented itself as a photograph, then a grand painting! Maybe in pastels. Maybe one day..."

Topic #18--"Surrealism" Entry

Check out Darcy's beautiful entry for this week! Go to her blog to read up on miracles.

Topic #18--"Surrealism" Entry

Many thanks to Windyangel for this adorable entry!

"Surrealism ~ Shine Like the Sun: I've been having so much fun playing with these photos of a very important young lady in my life. Enjoy."

Topic #18--"Surrealism" Entry

Check out Mary Ann's funky entry!

"here i've looked to the world of science fiction...no, i'm not a hardcore sci-fi afficionado, just a fan of tv series like the wb's charmed, bbc's dr. who...& i'm weirdly fascincated by the vampire movie, blade:trinity. seeing these tv/movie characters who "shape shift" is surreal to me...& for the record, i created this collage with those shows in mind>>>there's no hidden meaning behind it & i am not into the occult or such like that. it's just creative expression...& besides, i've got halloween on the brain, as i am working on a few projects to put into my soon-to-be opened etsy shop!"

Topic #18--"Surrealism" Entry

Sue's very cool digital entry!

" I used a digital photo taken by my great nephew, Tom (nearly 6) and altered it using HP Image Zone. "

Topic #18--"Surrealism" Entry

Woh--love this piece from Karen!

"I digitally created the image above, Bird World, as my surrealism entry."

Topic #18--"Surrealism" Entry

Check out this wonderful contribution from Johnnynorms! Be sure to visit the full blog post for interesting commentary.

"Taking a lobster for a walk, having fried eggs for eyes...I think it's easy to be superficially surrealist. It's very hard to be originally so, but a different matter altogether to genuinely draw deeply from one's unconscious dreaming mind, and doubly difficult to then shape that raw material into profound finished work. I speak as someone who has merely nibbled at the edges of Andre Breton's Surrealist Manifesto."

Topic #18--"Surrealism" Entry

I love how Patrick captured this experience! Has this ever happened to you?...

"so i had a few ideas for this one, i decided on a more light hearted pic than what ive been doing lately, maybe this is indicative of a shift in my mindset.

this was kind of (sadly/disgustingly) based off the other day when i opened the firdge and found that there was som broccoli that my roomate had bout and forgot about in the crisper (dont get me wrong, hes really anal when it comes to stuff like this, i guess he just forgot) and i was assailed by these waves of eeeeeeeeeevil. like the tendrils of a kraken emitting from the the fridge.

it was like i could almost see the odors reaching out to grab my soul.

it was pretty surreal."

Topic #18--"Surrealism" Entry

"All in Good Time" mixed media collage, 6x6

Topic #18--"Surrealism" Entry

Welcome to Inge. Thank you for this excellent contribution.

Title: Captured by Mortality
Medium: Watercolor
Size: 8" by 10" before cropping

Topic #18--Surrealism

This is a surrealist piece by Man Ray entitled "Tears"

Topic #17--"Synchronicity" Entry

From Ian--an amazing drawing!

"yes, indeed this piece is inspired by my hippy subconscious; I'm in the process of venturing into Robert Pirsig's sequel to Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Lila, an Inquiry into Morals. Okay, that's bedsit philosophy and Jung is psychology - but it's all somewhat tied up together in my mind. I suppose it's the lack of space."

Topic #17--"Synchronicity" Entry

From Ascenderrisesabove--many thanks for this beautiful entry.

"Synchronicity is God sending us messages anonymously."
Deepak Chopra