Try something new.

As an artist working towards a full-time career, I always feel pushed to stay within my "medium" and keep that "consistent body of work." While I see it necessary, I think an artist should be able to try new things and not feel like all of a sudden they're going astray or having to create a whole new body of work. So I have began experimenting, thanks to a Fibers class I recently took while obtaining my Masters. Instead of "reinventing myself," I wanted to take my consistent body of work and push it further.

The piece shown here works well with my current paintings, but shows another avenue of expression. This is a handmade book I created using the following materials: linen book canvas, wood, oil paints, india ink, watercolor paper, acid free glue, and book board. The two outside covers feature two 2x2" paintings while the inside features an accordion folded map/painting. One sides features a hand-painted map of Route 66 while the other side features a painted collage - both completed in india ink (my new favorite medium). 

Preparing for a few shows in 2014, I feel like this piece would be a great addition to my current paintings. I hope to continue working with these mediums, and see what happens!