Plaster Makes Perfect

Recently I blogged about Plaster Studio, the new book by Stephanie Lee and Judy Wise. Plaster Studio presents a series of well-explained projects on painting, sculpting, casting, carving, and book making -- all using plaster and related materials. Talk about texture! In my previous post, they each shared some personal thoughts about writing this book and working together as co-authors.

And now they are sharing more than that. Hot off the presses, Steph and Judy have just announced their Workshop E-Book based on Plaster Studio. Their eBook contains all you need to complete a 4 week workshop on everything plaster. Included is all the videos, written instruction, photographs, questions and answers from former students, as well as internal and external links to products and supplies. Your eBook can be downloaded so you can access it from your computer or accessed directly from the discs.

You can find more information by reading their general announcement here or go directly to Steph's recent blog post for additional details. And happy plastering.

An Even Dozen

Issue number 12 of PASTICCIO QUARTZ has arrived. Sarah Fishburn and Angela Cartwright are the writers, artists, and masterminds behind this QUality ART Zine. I have always said that this publication is more than a zine and the current issue is no exception. Between the covers you will find 60-pages packed with artistic inspiration.

This issue features an interview with artist Amanda Marie Ploegsma, an article featuring ceramic artist Laurie Beth Zuckerman, and a workshop project by Suzi Blu. There are book recommendations and reviews, website recommendations, apps for artists, quotes, wordplay, recipes, and of course the Palais d'Art section which highlights the original artwork of more than 15 artists. And there seems to be endless tidbits of cool information sprinkled throughout, including info about eco-friendly products, chalkboard paint, Japanese cloth wrapping, and so much more.

And a big thank you is due to Sarah and Angela for also including a feature about Winds of Change, a collaborative project and self-published book that I completed with Roxanne Evans Stout from River Garden Studio.

You can purchase all 12 issues of Pasticcio here.

An Object Found

I am happy to announce that my handmade artist book, An Object Found, will be featured as part of the 36th Annual Printmaking Center of NJ Member Exhibition. The exhibition runs from June 11 to August 20. This book will also be exhibited at the New Jersey City University Gallery from September 15 to October 26. 

An Object Found was created for and featured in Pam Carriker's book Art at the Speed of Life. An image of the cover was included in her book but the inside pages are being shown for the first time.

a sudden shower

raining down

a surge of power

an object found

 painter's palette

splattered stains

filled with rhythm

endless chains

An Object Found is also being featured on Top Artists' Directory, where I am Artist of the Week as of June 6th. Thanks Kim!

Available for purchase. Please send email to shap97@gmail.com for additional information.

The Sunday Paper

Three new survey questions are now on my sidebar. Head on over and have your say!

If you are participating in the newest edition of The Pulse, please remember that your responses are due on June 12th, one week from today. If you are interested in participating but have not yet signed on, there is still time. Email me at shap97@gmail.com for information.

The next post in my new series Your Blog, Your Way goes live this Tuesday 6/7 at Create Mixed Media. If you haven't yet seen the first post (or done your homework), you can find it here.

Sending out a thank you to kimalousartsyfinds for including Fides from my Making Waves series in her newest treasury Can't Stop Looking. Fides is available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.

I designated yesterday as a book only day. No art making, no blogging, no chores. Thanks to everybody who commented about this on my Facebook Page. I really enjoyed the books I revisited from my collection. I read them cover to cover and managed to go through seven books -- a drop in my library bucket. I found the day both mellow and exhilarating at the same time and it reminded me of what I did so much of before the days of the Internet. I recommend this 'Day of Books' to all and will definitely be scheduling another soon.

My reads...

Acrylic Revolution by Nancy Reyner: Filled with an endless number of well-explained techniques for acrylic paint and acrylic mediums but a resource for so much more as well. The two page 'essential acrylic tips' section alone is worth the price of admission.

Art Making, Collections & Obsessions by Lynne Perrella: What artist doesn't love to collect? And what could be better than page after page of collections, obsessions, studio shots, artwork, stories and quotes from 35 artists. Lynne Perrella knocked it out of the ballpark with this one.

Artists' Journals & Sketchbooks by Lynne Perrella: The perfect blend of gallery photos and how-to advice. This book is one of my favorites and has a ton of post-its marking pages to return to. There is a lot of inspiration to be found here and it is a great source of imaginative ideas.

Collaborative Art Journals and Shared Visions in Mixed Media by L.K. Ludwig: I am all about the collaboration and this book highlights an endless array of collaborations that have been done by mixed media artists. There are great visuals but also the collaborative process is broken down step by step.

Art Making & Studio Spaces by Lynne Perrella: My third book by Lynne. Her books always tap into the most fascinating themes but more than that, she is simply a very talented writer. This book invites you into the studio spaces (and the heads) of 31 artists and makes you feel right at home.

Kaleidoscope - Ideas + Projects to Spark Your Creativity by Suzanne Simanaitis: This book is filled with fascinating projects, how-tos, inspirational stories, strategies to become more confident as an artist, and much more. Over 30 artists have contributed and It is like an all you can eat buffet for art.

Journal Revolution by Linda Woods and Karen Dinino: This book is part manifesto, part how-to, and part self-help manual. Follow along not only to learn how to journal your life but also how to free yourself from the inner critic and let lose in your journaling and artistic styles.

Plaster Studio

Plaster Studio: Mixed-Media Techniques for Painting, Casting and Carving by artists Judy Wise and Stephanie Lee has just been released by North Light Books and is now available for purchase.

This is a wonderful book that has opened my eyes to a whole new way to create textured art. The book includes a series of well-explained projects on painting, sculpting, casting, carving, and making books -- all using plaster and related materials. Also included throughout the book are gallery pieces created by other artists. I am happy to share that one of my artworks is in the book as well.

Stephanie and Judy have generously shared their personal thoughts for the readers of The Altered Page about the creation of their book and the process of working together as a team. 

Judy Wise...

"We started on this journey over a year ago and it seems like from the very beginning it was inevitable. Back then it was Stephanie the Plaster of Paris queen meets Judy the Joint Compound fanatic. The more we compared notes, the more we realized that we had a lot of experience between the two of us. More than that though was the friendship and desire to work together on a common goal. Whenever artists combine their vision, things get done. It has been nothing short of thrilling for me to team up with someone as talented and rewarding to be with as Stephanie. She could have easily written a plaster book on her own but I can't believe it would have been as much fun as holding the hand of a friend and riding this roller coaster together. Who knew that collaboration could be this much fun? It has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me; a real "bucket list" experience and I am savoring every sweet moment."

Stephanie Lee...

"This book has been a long time coming. More than a couple of years ago, I spoke with Tonia, my editor, about featuring the medium of plaster in a book. She was more than game for the idea knowing that there were few, if any, books that specialized in the medium. When I was exploring the medium myself, I spent countless hours in search of books that would inform me more about how I could use  plaster in my artwork. While I was having no luck finding such a book, I experimented on my own to see what I could figure out in the meantime. At one point I was whining to my husband about not being able to find ANY books on working with plaster. His [typical] response was, 'I guess you need to write it.'

Right away, I knew he was right. I had done so much research and trail with the medium that I had learned a lot about how it worked and how I could work it. I wanted the book I would write about plaster to be the very book I would have wanted to find on the shelves and so it wasn't something I rushed into. Getting the book going was a stop-start process for a long time. I didn't know what was missing until I had the idea to ask Judy if she would consider co-authoring the book with me. I admired her passion for understanding materials and her experience and wisdom with the creative process is second to none. Once she was on board, we hit the ground running and haven't looked back and I'm so glad. With a year or so behind us and the entire process of writing this book to be very recent history, I can honestly say that it has been the most rewarding creative collaboration for me to date.


I have learned so much about observing Judy's process, her approach, and her ways of being that have planted a deep and sincere trust that I can be totally and fully authentic in life. Of course in relation to my artwork, but also (and more importantly) in relation to me as a human being. She has been the best example of art-is-life for me and has reassured my belief that one can be totally and completely immersed in creative exploration and still be a well rounded human being. No one dispels the "troubled artist" persona myth like Judy. I want to be just like her when I grow up. :)


If you find yourself struggling to know how the urge to satiate your creative inklings fits into the day to day routine of life, I only have to say this: You cultivating your creativity in a way that enhances your life and your ability to be your most authentic self is a big deal. I mean that. When you listen to that little nudge that tells you to honor your creativity, even if you're not quite sure what that all means for you, you are giving a message to everyone around you that they can do the same. When we all honor our creative inklings, we honor our essence and therefore are able to be our highest, truest selves to the world and to those around us. And when we are our highest, truest selves, we vibrate with authenticity and THAT is the kind of energy that creatively finds ways to feed the hungry, clothes the naked, comfort the lonely, uplift the weary, and shine light in all the dark corners where dust is gathering. Just remember that if you get frustrated along the way of your creative journey."

Thanks Judy and Stephanie for sharing your thoughts with all of us!

Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams

Welcome to my stop along the online book tour for artist and author Kerin Gale's new book Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams: Mixed-Media Projects in Epoxy Clay. 

Kerin's book is a big hit and when you see it you will understand why. Her book focuses on epoxy clay, a material which opens up a world of artistic possibilities and just might change the way you make art. You can use this material to create or recreate just about everything. When this two-part clay is mixed, the substance cures and can be drilled, riveted, and sanded, used to make a mold of any object, used as an adhesive for hard-to-hold objects, and so much more. Not only does Kerin introduce this magic substance, she also helps you to become an expert in its use via easy-to-follow instructions complete with step-by-step images. The endless uses for this clay are highlighted in gallery projects created by a number of very talented artists. In short, this book is exciting, unique, and inspiring.

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Kerin shared with me some of her personal experiences with this book...

The personal experience that I'd most like to share about having written this book is what it's like to receive the find of feedback I'm getting now that it's out. You see I had this big dream of showing the people what the clay can do and letting people know how much of a difference it made for me. I do mention that in the book. Along with saying that my wish is for other artists to have that same thing happen.

There were many obstacles along the way in writing this book -- much more so I'd say than the typical author experiences. What kept me going was that intention. And when things really weren't going well I had to decide if I should even do the book at all. I decided that I had already done so much work that it should be finished because of the people it may help. My thought was that if it even helps on person then there was enough reason to finish it and get it out there.

Now what I'm experiencing is that it actually is working out the way I had hoped. I usually get one to several people a day writing to me about the book. Some are saying that they really love the book and are inspired by it. That part is such fun and so exciting! Then there are others that are really profoundly affected by it. That is quite sobering. It seems a little silly to say but I guess I just wasn't prepared for this kind of response. Like what did I expect?!?!? I literally poured all these really strong good wishes for other artists into each project I worked on and so of course this is what would happen. I know about the power of attraction and all that. But right now I'm just in awe that it is working so well. Literally in awe that my intentions and dreams and hopes really are coming true for those people. And that will take some time to absorb and process.

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Giveaways! Part One

Every blog participating on the book tour will be giving away a treasure chest of prizes to some very lucky people. Please note that all physical prizes (i.e. non digital prizes) can be awarded only to US participants. Online workshops and digital collage sheets are available to everybody worldwide. To be eligible, all you need to do is leave a comment to this post by May 26. Please note in your comment if you are a resident outside the US.

The Prizes

1. One Aves Power Pack (selection of their most popular formulas) from Aves Studio.

2. Fluid Chalks Online Workshop by Lesley Venable on her The Art of Altering site, which features many other workshops as well.

3. Two Digital Collage Sheets by Alicia Caudle of Altered Bits. See her cool collection here.

4. Sample pack of Silputty 40 silicone putty mold mix from Silpak. This is the formula recommended in the book that has a longer cure time. You can call Jerry at Silpak at 909-625-0056 to order this directly or ask questions.

5. One ounce ICE Resin and a mixed medal bezel from Susan Lenart-Kazmer's site Ice Resin.

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Giveaways! Part Two

Any reader who writes a review, however short or long, of Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams on Amazon before July 31, 2011 and sends an email with the title 'Inspired Remnants Review' to remnants.art@gmail.com will be entered in a drawing to win one of the following prizes. Please note that your honest opinion is wanted on this review. Again, all physical prizes (i.e. non digital) can be awarded only to U.S. participants. Online workshops will be available to all citizens of Earth.

1. The art piece featured on the cover of the book, 'Sacred Totem'.

2. Power pack plus extra Fixit Sculpt clay from Aves Studio.

3. A frozen Charlotte Doll with digital tutorial 'How to Crackle Charlottes' from Alicia Caudle.

4. Resin Clay Pendants online workshop by author Kerin Gale.

5. Vintage Gentleman online workshop by author Kerin Gale.

6. Choice of any one workshop being taught by Kerin and Charlie at Art is You retreat in Petaluma, CA. The registration fee and workshop cost are both waived.

7. One copy each of Jen Cushman's book, Explore, Create,, Resinate and Susan Lenart-Kazmer's book, Making Connections plus ICE Resin and a selection of bezels all from Ice Resin.

   

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Tour Stops

May 1
Kerin Gale
Remnants of Olde: http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 2
Alicia Caudle
Altered Bits: http://alteredbits.wordpress.com/

May 3
Lesley Venable
Flatwoods Folk Art: http://www.flatwoodsfolkart.typepad.com/

May 4
Christine Lehto
Lilly Bug Studio: http://lillybugstudio.com/blog/

May 5
Seth Apter
The Altered Page: http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/

May 6
Nancy Perennec
Little Bit Wired: http://littlebitwired.blogspot.com/

May 7
Jen Cushman
ICE Queen Zine: http://www.iceresin.com/category/inspired-remnants-blog-tour/

May 8
Happy Mother’s Day!

May 9
Beth Robinson
Strange Dolls: http://strangedolls.wordpress.com/

May 10
Brenda Schweder
Brenda Schweder Jewelry: http://www.brendaschweder.com/

May 11
Esther Verschoor
Vanessie Art Dolls: http://vanessies.blogspot.com

May 12
Kecia Deveny
Lemoncholy’s Flight of Fancy: http://www.lemoncholys.blogspot.com/

May 13
Rachel Whetzel
A Year In The Life Of An Art Journal: http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/

May 14
Shannon LeVart
MissFickleMedia.com: http://missficklemediacom.blogspot.com/

May 15
Marlaine Verhelst
Marlaine Verhelst Art Dolls: http://marlaineverhelst.com/blog/

May 16
Lisa Jurist
Mud Hound Studio: http://mudhoundprimitives.blogspot.com/

May 17
Michelle Bernard
Yesterday’s Trash: http://michellereneebernard.blogspot.com/

May 18
Kerin Gale
Remnants of Olde – Alan Rogerson feature: http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 19
Facebook Party!
Apoxie Clay & Epoxy Clays Page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_158159677562761

Back on Board

I just received a copy of the new brochure from the Printmaking Center of New Jersey. Two of my handmade books had been part of an exhibit, Below the Surface, at PCNJ in 2009. I was excited to see that one of the pages from my book Billboard was used as an image in the brochure.

If you are not familiar with PCNJ, please take a moment to visit their site. They offer workshops, rent studio time, hold exhibitions, and provide valuable educational opportunities to children as well.

The Book Review

Thanks to everybody who has joined in on The Book Guild over the past two months. I will be bringing this feature back periodically but for now, meetings of The Guild are adjourned. I thought it would be nice to highlight the books that were recently reviewed one more time...

Curiosa by Barton Lidice Benes

Art at the Speed of Life by Pam Carriker

Flavor for Mixed Media by Mary Beth Shaw

Book + Art by Dorothy Simpson Krause



The Printed Pattern by Yvonne and Rebecca Drury

The Elemental Journal by Tammy Kushnir

Surface Treatment Workshop by Darlene Olivia McElroy & Sandra Duran Wilson

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Congratulations to Jann Gougeon from ...with an artist's hand who won a copy of Surface Treatment Workshop in my giveaway.

Look for more book reviews, author interviews, and giveaways when The Book Guild returns.