Category Archives: Creativity

Inspiration, Motivation and jump-starts to inspire creativity.

Angela M. Sharkey, Winter 2009/2010 Featured Artist

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angela_sharkeywww.angelasharkey.com

Angela Sharkey’s eclectic style of art is constantly evolving as she brings her visions to life with an emphasis on color, design and texture.  Having a background in graphic design, she is always aware of balancing shape, color, and line in her artwork.  Working in a variety of mediums, she uses layers of various textures in her paintings along with her hand-designed stencils and her own richly colored papers. She invites the viewer to explore the rich and varied landscapes she creates, telling a story through her work.  Architectural elements, iron works, patterns and ornamentation are throughout her work as she freely manipulates and applies these designs, letting them influence her art.  Angela’s marriage of color and pattern weave a tapestry on the canvas as her visions take shape.  Frequently moving around the world, Angela is continually inspired by her new surroundings and how they affect her perspective on life; Angela imbues this reflection in her work.

In her own words

My love for art and expressing myself artistically is an integral part of who I am and I have been creating art for over 20 years.  My art career started as a graphic designer after I studied at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and has evolved into painting.  My current répertoire consists of acrylic, mixed-media, watercolor, and pastel on a variety of surfaces. Deep edge canvases are my choice for painting; I love the fact that when I’m done I can paint the sides and have a painting ready to hang without framing.  Sketching my ideas, creating my own stencils, and hand coloring papers are all part of the process for me when I start a painting. The meditative act of stencil making and hand painting papers as well as sketching some ideas gives me a perspective and direction as to where my painting might go.

bijouxMixed-media painting has allowed me to tap into my creative well unlike other forms of painting. I am always working towards a tactile and intricate appearance, so I use glazes, heavy body acrylics, and various gel mediums.  I like to use common objects such as a wine cork, plastic wrap, or a brayer  and experiment with bringing texture or even design into my paintings.  Building up a painting with many layers and then scraping or scrubbing away until I get the desired effect or look I want has been very fulfilling.  Inspiration comes from my daily life; whether it is beautiful architecture and all its elements, gorgeous colored flowers I see on a walk or historical design and pattern books–I absorb it all.  As much as I prepare for my paintings, I am still led by my emotions when I paint and I always succumb to my inner feelings.  I have also turned my art into my own greeting card line that I sell locally to friends and through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium where I am currently living.  My greeting cards are a reflection of my love for color and are illustrative and whimsical in nature.  Pushing my boundaries and experimenting as an artist, I really enjoy melding paint and graphic design together, which always leaves me wondering what I can create next.  I take an idea and let it evolve trusting the creative process and my intuition while being open to the unpredictable.  I have participated in group shows and art fairs in Belgium and my artwork is displayed in the United States and Europe.

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THE ETIQUETTE OF LETTER WRITING

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by Georgia Lange

etiquette of letter writing

Original artwork and design by Wendy Patterson of Cafe Baudelaire

etiquette |etikit; -ket| – noun
the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group

 

Several months ago, I was listening to NPR and tuned into a discussion about handwriting. It was under debate whether handwriting is a dying practice in the digital age of communication. People rarely write hand-written letters anymore; the vast majority simply send an email or a digital greeting card. As I listened to the discussion, my inner fine artist started to cringe; I remember hearing similar discussions at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) over the future of painting, museums, hand-drawn animation and so forth. Traditions live on because we as a society choose to honor them by continuing their practice. There is something special about the tradition of creating things with our hands, and it is important not to lose the little things (such as handwriting or hand-written letters) just because modern technology makes it so much easier for us. Whatever your craft, your hands are as unique as your fingerprints. What you create using them is just as unique as you are, and just as precious.

Sending a hand-written letter has a much more personal and classy touch than an email. There are many ways to turn your hand-written letters into something extra special. Try writing with a quill pen or sealing your letters with a wax seal. This adds an artistic element to your letters giving them a more vintage and romantic quality. Check out nostalgicimpressions.com for an excellent selection of sealing wax, seals, and quilled pens. If this kind of etiquette appeals to you, than you are truly an artist at heart. Creating your own greeting cards with your art on them is the best way to turn your letters into gifts.

Giving someone a piece of your artwork, be it a print or an original, is a truly special kind of gift because it comes directly from you, and it makes the recipient feel just that much more special. The same principle also applies to greeting and gift cards. Maybe there are people in your life that you feel you do not have a close enough relationship with to warrant giving them a gift, but you still feel the need to let them know you are thinking of them. You may also have friends who are spread out across the country to whom you cannot afford to ship presents, but you still want to wish them a happy holiday season. Sending a greeting card with your original artwork printed on it is similar to sending a fine art print on a smaller scale. If you have your greeting cards printed in a 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 inch size, the recipients can easily place it in a frame turning a simple card into a work of art that can hang on their walls. It is also cost effective and allows you as an artist to market your work and your talent. Save that box of holiday greeting cards that you bought on post-holiday sale at Barnes and Noble or Borders last year and make your greeting cards more intimate and personal with a touch of the artistic and a touch of you.

Painting and Photography

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by guest blogger Jennifer Simpson

www.JenniferSimpsonArt.com

Jennifer-Simpson

My name is Jennifer Simpson and I’m the artist behind Jennifer Simpson Art Photography. I have painted with oils for most of my life and dabbled in acrylics and watercolor. I became serious about photography about 3 years ago with the purchase of a Nikon D-80 which I still use. My current work involves combining my first love – painting – with photography.    I came across the process I currently use rather by accident. I was getting some artwork ready for an exhibit and decided I would print my photographs onto canvas rather than my usual framing,  I never liked framing anyway, it’s a tedious process for me. Once I stretched my photographs onto a wooden frame, I realized that painting the photograph would be a unique, challenging, and meaningful way to present my artwork and express myself.

To explain my process in detail would be nearly impossible as each piece I do calls for a different technique to get across what I’m trying to say. I believe what they all have in common is a certain dreamy, vintage quality though – that and the fact that I only do them in a square format. Each photograph I do is first printed onto canvas, sometimes in color and sometimes in black and white. I then create what is basically a shallow wooden box to mount the canvas on. I line the canvas up onto the wood and gallery wrap it, using a staple gun to attach the canvas to the back edges of the ‘box’. I then flip the canvas over, put it on my easel and start painting. Sometimes I begin with an opaque wash of thinned out yellow paint over the entire photograph to give it a yellowed, vintage appearance. Then I paint the edges with black or brown paint bringing the color down onto the photograph, adding layers and wiping them off until the right amount of color vs. opacity is achieved.

There’s really no specific science to this,  I just kind of go by look and feel. Depending on the photograph I will sometimes create an entirely new background for the subject, painting a sky with clouds behind it or perhaps an ocean view or just completely changing the color, giving it a solid orange background where there once was forest or a wash of subtle blues and greens where there once was a building. At this point, I usually take sandpaper and start taking off the color in places, deconstructing the artwork so to speak.  It is this distressing that gives it texture and further interest. I take off the paint in some places, I even remove bits and pieces of the photograph itself from the canvas.

Dreams-Before-WakingThat-Seventies-SummerLanding

I create my canvases in all different sizes ranging from 10”x10” to 40”x40”. I photograph my painted canvases and make prints from them as well. I recently ventured into doing note cards after it was requested by several of my customers.   To see more examples of my work, you can visit my website at www.JenniferSimpsonArt.com.

The Art of Giving Art

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by Georgia Lange

The holiday season is here, and many of us are struggling to find gifts for our loved ones. The solution to this problem is an easy one; the gift of art is priceless. In the past, I have often found myself hesitant to give my art as a holiday gift to a loved one. I was concerned that I was not valuing my own work, or that I was imposing my own sense of taste on someone else. I have come to the conclusion that this is nonsense. The truth is that people love collecting art, and when the art comes directly from you (it is your creation), it is truly special, unique, and personal. What could possibly be more valuable?

Prints make great gifts for anyone who is special to you. You can dress up your prints by matting them and placing each print in a protective plastic sleeve. Trust me; this is a classy gift and can be very cost-effective. Here at Oak Creek Printworks, we offer a package deal that includes the mat, back, and plastic sleeve. Depending on the size of the print, you can keep your costs under $20 per person (which is not easy to do! I usually can’t find great gifts for less than $30 per person, and even then it is difficult!). Ease your holiday headache; give art! You won’t regret it, and it will be a welcome gift to whoever receives it!

CreamMBBCombo

AN ADDITIONAL NOTE: EARNING THE MONEY TO SPEND ON YOUR GIFTS

Over Thanksgiving, I was surprised not only by the abundance of savory dishes that were prepared by friends and family but by the onslaught of inquiries as to how to purchase prints of my work for the sake of holiday gift giving. Remember: you have friends, and your friends have friends. Those friends give and receive gifts too. Since we tend to establish friendships with like-minded individuals, it is not surprising that our friends’ friends often have tastes similar to our own. Your art not only makes a precious gift for you to give, but for others to give too. This is a great opportunity for you to earn the money to spend on your gifts this season, and then some.

Establishing an online presence where people can view and purchase your work is extremely beneficial. Etsy, a site geared towards all things handmade, is a great way to set up your work for sales. Another great site geared towards artists selling their work online is Big Cartel. Check these sites out as soon as possible, and figure out what will work best for you. Then make the necessary phone calls and emails to your friends and acquaintances and let them know what a wonderful gift your art would make for someone they know, and where they can purchase it easily online.

Be kind this holiday season, and let the season be kind to you.

 

Bookmarks Can Be Inexpensive, Personal Gift

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Turn your artwork into custom-made gifts that fit your budget

by Stephanie Ferguson

In these tough economic times holiday giving can be a challenge. Many people are turning to homemade gifts, and in my opinion a homemade gift is the best kind. Looking for a great, personalized gift that says “I made this just for you”? Looking for something your children can give? Look no further.

bookmarks1 bookmark fan2

In addition to being something everyone needs and uses, bookmarks can be a great way to show off artwork. Besides having your artwork printed, you can use your children’s original art, or they can prepare art on the computer. Another idea is putting together a collage using mixed media. And you can personalize the gift for someone special. Only your creativity limits the final product. Slip the art into a vinyl bookmark sleeve, add a tassel and your task is complete. If you want to protect the bookmark and dress it up as well, save money by purchasing the bookmark sleeve and tassel together as a “bundle.” The more sleeve and tassel bundles you buy, the more you save.

Gift ideas include:

• Stocking Stuffers
• Enclose with gift books
• Children’s gifts to grandparents
• Child’s gift to teacher. Decorate the front and write a poem or message on the back.
• Showcase your own artwork on the front and put your contact information on the back so the bookmark can do double duty as a business card.

When it comes to tassels, Oak Creek Printworks carries more colors than anyone.  Holiday favorites include Tinsel Twist (red and green with gold tinsel), Christmas (combination red and green), Candy Cane (combination red and white), Royal Blue, Red, Green, The Precious Metals set includes Antique Gold, Silver, and Copper.

Our bookmark sets include the plastic sleeve, and a tassel. You can buy the card blanks separately. If you are interested in custom printed bookmarks, we can do that for you too!

We’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment on this article by clicking on “Add Comment” below, or send us photos of your creations (jpeg format, 72 dpi). Perhaps your work will be posted on our blog!

A little wisdom for the struggling artist

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by Georgia Lange

There are many us artists out there who find it difficult to turn our art into thriving businesses. It is enough of a challenge for us to create the art to begin with; when it comes to actually exhibiting and selling our work, a lot of us start to feel stuck with questions as to how this can be accomplished. There are, of course, many exceptional artists who simply have a knack for the business and marketing of their work. Others hire representatives to help them deal with these issues. If you fall under the latter, good for you! If not, and you are feeling a little lost at “marketing” sea, Sylvia White is your lighthouse.

Sylvia White has been offering career advice for artists since 1979 as it relates to exhibitions, business, and marketing. If you have a question regarding the development of your career as an artist, her advice articles will be of great value to you.

Check out Sylvia White’s site for more information.

And thank you, Sylvia, for the wonderful wisdom you are willing to share! We are eternally grateful!

10 Easy tips on displaying your greeting cards

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OK, you’ve decided that one way to sell your artwork is on greeting cards. You’ve found some places to sell them – craft fairs, farmer’s markets, local merchants. However, displaying them in booths or on the countertop is different than displaying larger artwork. The most common ways to display cards are in spinner racks, on slat walls, on acrylic shelves, and in free-standing displays. Any display that shows the full faces of cards is ideal. Beyond that, greeting cards aren’t exactly a three-dimensional product, sometimes making them difficult to display creatively.

Here are some easy tips on how to display your cards for sale.

1. No room for a table top display at your farmer’s market booth? Show them off on string or colorful ribbon strung between the posts of your booth or hanging vertically. You can even find mini-clothespins at a craft store to attach them. Keep cards for purchase stored in a box under the table.

2. Make shoe boxes (perhaps wrapped in wrapping paper) with dividers for clients to sort through. Just Something I Made is a wonderful blog on how to build a tiered box system for displaying your cards.

JustSomething

3. Sell sets in clear boxes. Prepare a sheet for the bottom of the box that shows all the card designs included in the box, as shown below:

ClearBox ClearBoxInsert

4. Buy acrylic cardholders for counter-top display. These can be very inexpensive, and are perfect for displaying just one or two card styles on a countertop. Oak Creek Printworks carries small and large stands.

AcrylicEaselSm BackEasel BCEasel

5. Use office divider racks to display your cards. Some office supply stores have what they call “junior” racks, which are smaller than the 8.5 x 11 file size racks (too big for greeting cards).
WireRack

6. Laminate your cards together on a large sheet of paper. If the cards are blank inside you can just show the fronts. If there are verses inside you will want to show both the front of the card and the inside.  These laminated “posters” can be displayed on a table or by hanging on a wall.  Depending on the size, they can also be displayed in an album or flip chart. The art always stays clean, and you can even use dry-erase markers to write on the poster, and wipe it off later. Perfect for listing prices or emphasizing sale items. The actual cards for purchase can be stored in a box or file under the table.

7. Display your art online using a website or a blog, such as Facebook or WordPress.

Facebook – Display your designs and cards on your own facebook page. Link to your blog on WordPress. Join groups of artists who will link to your page and blog, like the Graphic Artists page.

WordPress provides public domain blogging software, which means it is FREE! It is easy to set up an account. Here are some examples of sites that are selling cards with WordPress sites:

Rikki O’Neil and Friendship cards

8. Use a scrapbook or portfolio book to display the cards on a counter top, and store actual cards for purchase in a box or file underneath the counter. The scrapbook can be purchased or even homemade.
scrapbook
9. Arrange a 3-D display on heavy posterboard using the adhesive 3-D dots that scrapbookers use for their album pages. The downside to this method is that if the display board or cards get dirty or dogeared they can be hard to clean.

PopPoster-Cards dotPoster

10. Acrylic Spinners – a perfect countertop or floor display.

Blog-spinners

Don’t forget, when displaying your cards, the best way to protect the artwork as potential customers handle them is to use some type of protective sleeve. Check out our card jackets, no-flap bags, and protective closure bags.

We hope that this information has helped you, and would love to hear how you display your products. Leave a comment, or send us an email at info@oakcreekprintworks.com. Include a photo and we will try to post it here on the blog.

A little help with artist’s block

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barbara

Ever suffer from creative or artist’s block? You are not alone in this. It happens to all creative people actually, including visual artists, poets, designers, musicians and writers.

One of our clients, Barbara Shannon, has developed a terrific resource book that can act as a creativity catalyst. This book is often used in public schools and for homeschooling art courses, and has been designed as an introduction to art media, but it can also expand any artist’s knowledge and help break that frustrating creative block.

The book, Exploring Art Media, introduces the incredible variety of media, materials, tools, and techniques available to the artist.  It covers color & design, drawing, commercial art, cartooning, painting, three dimensional art and arts/crafts. There is also a companion California Teachers Guide, for those artists who also teach.

Along with media exploration, the book teaches:
* Observation and drawing skills
* Color manipulation
* Implementation of art elements, concepts, and principles
* Art appreciation
* Environmental awareness
* Historical influences
* Creative thinking
* Painting techniques
* Sculpting methods

Check it out for yourself.

eam_book

Cardmaking Made Easy

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A friend recently asked me to try out the Ultimate Crafter’s Companion (UCC), the latest in cardmaking accessories from Crafter’s Companion, but frankly I was skeptical. What could this “little pink suitcase” do for me that I couldn’t accomplish with a ruler, paper cutter and scissors? While I usually jump at the chance to acquire new crafting tools, I wasn’t convinced that this was really anything different from what I already had. Boy, was I wrong. Actually, I was blown away.

Easy Folding
My first discovery was a simple but important one—the ease of folding cardstock. Anyone who has tried making their own cards knows the frustration of folding the cardstock, only to discover it is slightly uneven. Refolding looks awful. I was amazed to discover that the Ultimate Crafter’s Companion  provided a way to fold any size card in half in seconds, with perfect, professional results every time. No measuring, no guessing, and no mistakes. I’m a fan of saving time, so this was a good introduction to this new product. And it only got better.

Envelopes
After watching the instructional DVD I couldn’t wait to get started making the unique cards, envelopes and boxes I saw demonstrated. They even have what they call an “envelobox” for extra thick cards. I love the idea of being able to make a perfectly sized envelope for any size card, add a contrasting liner and even emboss the flap. I had never been able to master the art of making envelopes, but it will never be a problem again. The creative possibilities are endless.

Make your own gift boxes
Once I tried boxes I couldn’t stop making beautiful gift boxes. Just in time for the holidays! The lids fit perfectly – no measuring on my part. This system is fabulous. Just like the envelopes, the UCC folks have done all the thinking and measuring for you.

Ultimate Crafter's Companion

Ultimate Crafter’s Companion

Speaking of holidays, this winter I’ll be sending out some stunning cards—without the stunningly high price tag. Join me in tackling some fun holiday projects.

Georgia Lange, Fall 2009 Featured Artist

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georgia-langeAlthough collage is not my primary medium as an artist, it is one of my favorites to work in. I find the process of collage to be limitless in its rewards. When I have been painting or drawing for an extended period of time, collage can be a breath of fresh air. The manipulation of text, paper, and found imagery has the ability to generate ideas that would have otherwise remained undiscovered.

I tend to approach collage as a puzzle, and the puzzle always begins with a pencil and a page of old text. I usually use vintage books that I find in alleys, dumpsters, or antique stores (I think I feel less guilty about defiling literature that has been discarded or damaged. I also prefer the look of aged paper for aesthetic purposes). I scan the text for words that grab my attention, and slowly circle those fragments to weave out a stream of consciousness that takes to form of a poem. I then paste small scraps of paper over the unwanted areas of text exposing only the manipulated prose. This “found poetry” is the backbone of the illustrated aspects of the collage.

hard knocksWhen working with a collage piece, I usually choose either a piece of panel (wood of canvas) or a shadow box (using an old dresser drawer is a popular technique for making shadow boxes). When working on panels, my collages are usually double sided with one side showing the text and the other showing images. All of the images that I use in my collages come from books of clip art and copyright-free vintage illustrations.

I also use paper lace, handmade colored papers, and sheet music for backgrounds and textures in my collages. When all the pieces of the puzzle have come together, I sometimes finish it off with washes of acrylic adding touches of color to specific areas of the imagery. When complete, I seal the piece with acrylic matte medium.

lively-preludeMaking a collage is a lot like an act of brainstorming. When an artist feels that his or her creative well has run dry, collage can be a source of newly generated inspiration. To keep our creative juices flowing, it is important for us always to try new things. You never know what you might discover.

http://georgialange.com