Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Goldfish Fantasy

Goldfish Fantasy
Mixed Media Collage on illustration board 8x10" $100 SOLD


There are fleeting moments when I have an overwhelming amount of courage and decide to try things that are not well formed in my imagination. It begins with a teeny idea, and then I just do what the painter Jasper Johns suggested:
 Do something and then do something to that.

One hopes things work out, but there is no net for this kind of tightrope walking. I used lots of found objects, which in this case means painted canvas, and watercolor paper, as well as sketchbook drawings which I painted and drew over and pasted onto other pieces of painted surfaces. Then I attempted to draw it all into a composition with pens, pencils and paint.
When I play like this I run on adrenalin and endorphins, holding my breath as it comes together. I feel more alive doing this and then when it is finished there is a great sense of getting off a roller coaster, having survived the experience.

10 comments:

  1. Very nice. Is the fish fabric?

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  2. Anonymous9:03 PM

    Go baby,go. You are on fire...Cassi

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  3. Sounds like what I have been doing lately. Bought the book" Stitch Alchemy" out of curiosity about paper fabric, or fabric paper. It's a lot of experimenting. I can feel you.

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  4. I would like to see this in person.

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  5. It's wonderful! I love your description of your process as well.

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  6. Anonymous5:59 AM

    Marvellous. I always doubt if I am doing the right thing, but I think, you just have to DO it.
    Greetings, Ineke (from Holland).

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  7. Patty7:52 AM

    If it's your own design, then there's NO mistakes! Like being a kid again in an art class! Just have fun. It is exzillerating. (Ok, I didn't do too well in spelling class.) I think alot of people give up trying because they think it has to be a successful, grab-you design everytime. The only way to get better is to try things out of your comfort zone. Then that expands. Like going down and different road and seeing a new vista. It's been there all the time!

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  8. Cheryl11:25 AM

    This looks like REAL Mrs. Mel! Looks like your quilts. I feel the energy and the endorphins that you have laid down. Your still lifes are very pretty, but this I love. Your work always excites and inspires!

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  9. Anonymous6:50 PM

    Love it! I wondered when your goldfish would find their way into your art!

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  10. love it, great colors as always. it's kinda exciting stepping out of your comfort zone isn't it?

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