Zine Fest

Wow the last day of April- seems very strange for some reason- time seems different now-and the underlying fear makes for some challenging times throughout each day.  Several of my artist friends have said they are frozen- can't go to their studios to make something- I found myself getting totally into making zines. These are made with one sheet of paper and one cut is made and they fold into a book form. I add a cover for mine.  There are many variations. Zines were popular in the late 60s and then again in the early 80s for the punk scene- then there was a rewed interest in the mid to late 90s.  I have always loved them- it's a way to make something that I can share with my friends. I have made several different ones in the last few weeks- some I made the collages and then scanned them into my zine template to print out.  One I did digital collages for but mostly they are actual cut and paste collages. This zine has 4 double page spreads. I will share them  one at a time.  Here is the first one.

Hope this finds you all safe- healthy.

This is the front cover- the background is an altered gel print.

This is the back cover of the zine.

 

First spread- gel print background and pieces, collage  and

text from an art education text from the 1950s.

Second spread-gel print background collage elements and 

text from that art education book.

Third spread- gel print background, collage elements

and found text from a magazine.

Fourth spread- gel print background, collage elements

and a vintage vocabulary card used in a school in

the 1950s.

This the the diagram for making the zines.   Why not

try one yourself?

 

The Fragility of Being Human

Greetings-I wanted to post this spread I did yesterday. I am in a collage group that puts out regular challenges for the members. The latest challenge is the title of this post. I did this spread in a journal I made that has some fold outs- when opened this fold out is 22 inches long the spread is 7 inches tall. While making this spread did feel cathartic I have to say it did not lessen the fear factor. I hope you are all doing the social distancing- staying home. I have stopped going to the virus news feeds several times a day- Once a day is enough. Take care- stay safe.

Empty Chairs

I did this series of  eight inch square collages. It is The Empty Chair Series.  I use chairs a lot- I am drawn to them- I have always been it seems.  They are rich in meaning for me. There are a few different meanings here some personal and also it seems the virus is always present in my work of late- how can it not be- it has changed all of our lives. So sad there are now many empty chairs because of this plague. Be safe my friends- and please stay home.

Empty Chair #1

 

Empty Chair #2

 

Empty Chair #3

 

 

 

Pleasant Distraction

This is such a hard time for so many- the virus has forever changed things. I find myself going through many emotions from fear to anxiety to anger.  I am so glad to have my art as a tool to express my feelings.There is a terrific artist that has a free online collage class going. Crystal Neubauer is a terrific collage artist- her class is just what I needed- I will share some things from that- the first couple of lessons we did 4 inch square collages that are timed- you have 5 minutes to complete each collage. I ended the post with a journal spread that I did in response to the social distancing.

First set of 4 inch collages each done in 5 minutes.

Second set of 4 inch collages each done in 5 minutes.

the next assignment was to do an eight inch square

collage using just 3 pieces.

This is a journal spread I did. The social distancing or self-isolating

we are to practice was the subject of this spread.

Fear & Anxiety In The Time of Coronavirus

There have been a few movies about pandemics. I never thought I would be living in the midst of one. Ron and I are in an at risk group- we are in our late 60s and both of us have cardio issues and Ron has Emphysema. We are staying in as we were told to. I turn to my art journal when I need to express my feelings about all of this. I hope you are all ok and are able to avoid this dreaded virus.
Here are two journal spreads.

Viral Apprehension

QUARENTINED

 

There is debate about the spelling of this. One site said this is the correct way....

This is in one of the journals I bind- in this one there are several foldouts and this one is 22 inches long.

The 4th irregular page book

I have completed four of these books now and that will be it for some time I think. I really got into these and am glad I pushed past my resistance of working on irregular edged pages. Like usual I have several other things in the works.  I am doing some prep for my gel plate printing class I am teaching March 21st.  Scroll down and you will see my class listed. https://www.remarqueprintshop.com/
Can you believe it is March!

Front Cover

First Spread- 

Second Spread

Third Spread

Fourth Spread

Center Spread

Sixth Spread

Seventh Spread

Eighth Spread

Ninth Spread

Back Cover

Yes Another Book!

Still winter here in Albuquerque- nothing like what my friends in Minnesota are dealing with- we had a half an inch of snow yesterday- anyway they city freaks when it snows- late starts and some closures- I realize some got more in other parts of the metro- I stayed in- they drive crazy already  but add snow and yikes... so best to not be on the road!!
For what every reason I am still loving these irregular painted paper books- I completed one yesterday. I am so thankful to be retired and can spend a day in the studio.

Front Cover

Conversation with my heart

Love Work

Thinking Things Through

Key To Understanding

I Can't Outrun The Memories

Can't Escape The Ticking Clock

Easier Said Than Done

Unwanted Traits

New Chapter New Connections

Back Cover