It was indeed my pleasure to meet, and get to know, the very talented Seth Apter at last year's Art Is...You: The East Coast Art Retreat. Seth and I had both contributed to Pam Carriker's wonderful book, Art at the Speed of Life, and it was such fun for all of us to spend time together at such an incredibly artful event.
At that time Seth was still working on his yet to be published book, but knowing Seth's talent and the wealth of amazing book contributors, we were already so eager for its release.
Seth and I kept in email contact after the art retreat and I am incredibly honored to be a part of the promotional blog hop in honor of his wonderful book, The Pulse of Mixed Media: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed.
In order to help those of us participating in the blog hop feel as if we are a part of the book, and for readers to get a better feel for the book, Seth has asked us to answer questions such as those asked of the contributors in the book.
The questions I chose and my answers are as follows:
How has the Internet changed your artistic practice?
Without the Internet I’m not sure I would have re-discovered myself as an artist. It was through web-surfing many years ago that I discovered the world of mixed media and altered art and prompted me to make time in my life again for art. Certainly the opportunity to share and sell my art to a worldwide audience because of the Internet is something that never existed years ago when, at best, my artwork hung on our living room walls for the occasional visitor to see. And it doesn’t stop there. The online workshops I teach are a way to reach out to far more students that I ever could by teaching at our local art school. However, I think the biggest impact on my artistic practices has been through the connections I’ve made via the Internet with artists who have become friends although we are hundreds of miles apart. Those wonderful friendships have brought artful opportunities and have been a source of inspiration and support vital to my creative life.
Do you enjoy working more intuitively or by carefully thinking through your process?
When I read about other artists who begin a project with absolutely no plan, I admit, I’m a little bit jealous. I really DO want to leap without looking sometimes, but truth be told, I need a plan. The plan doesn’t necessarily need to be sketched out in detail (or even at all) but at the very least, a starting point needs to be mapped out in my mind. I’m not sure if it’s the fear of failure that requires my forethought on a project, but I know I like the safety net that planning seems to offer. Because artful ideas continually dance through my mind, there never seems to be a shortage when it comes time to apply paint to canvas. But one day I imagine I’ll take that intuitive leap with no plan in mind.
Do you create art to work through inner issues, or is studio time more of a distraction to keep from facing your problems?
When worries get me down (and believe me, I’m a world-class worrier) I turn to my art journal to work out what’s preying on my mind. For that span of time when it’s just me and my journal, I can let the burdens of the day spill out onto the page and they lose their grip, if only for awhile. Conversely, when I head to my studio with the intent to create a new canvas, I do so with a light heart. If my mood is blue, or troubles have clouded my mind, I can’t bring the same joy to my art table that I need when starting new artwork.
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COMMENTS CLOSED. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED.
In celebration of the release of Seth's fabulous book, I will be giving away a copy to one lucky blog reader! Simply leave a comment by Saturday April 14th, WITH an email addy or way for me to contact you should you be the lucky winner. (Without contact information I cannot enter your name in the drawing. US entrants only.)
Please do visit all of the great folks taking part in Seth's "book tour blog hop." They have wonderful insights to share and probably a giveaway or two.
April 2 Rice Freeman-Zachery
April 3 Stephanie Lee
April 4 Ali Edwards
April 5 Ro Bruhn
April 6 Roben-Marie Smith
April 8 Kelly Kilmer
April 9 Trudi Sissons
April 10 Melody Nunez
April 11 Dina Wakley
April 12 Stephanie Hilvitz
40 comments:
Wonderful post today, Nancy! A fun read
I've been enjoying my copy of Seth's new book all week - a fun read! Love the insights into so many talented brains :)
Love Nancy's comments about the effect of the internet on the art world. Thanks - what a bundle of creativity she is!
Hello there Nancy, found your blog via Seths and what a joy to look at your work. Your answers to the questions you were given were very sound. Especially regarding the internet.
I was already a bit familiar with your work from "Art At the Speed of Life," and love the way that the overlaid textures and patterns in your collages interact with one another! I agree with those who have already commented, that your take on Seth's question about how the internet has affected your creative life is dead-on in all of the varied ramifications you mention! I also appreciated your take the question about moodiness and creativity, as my answer to that question was included in the book. Though my relationship with creativity and 'the blues' is not the same as yours, I can definitely relate to the mind set difference you mention, here, in terms of journaling as opposed to beginning a new canvas, or more formal project. Really nice to have you as part of the 'blog hop'!
Hi Nancy. Your blog post today really spoke to me and I saw that anything other than the U.S. of A. was excluded so I moved on feeling a bit miffed but then as I am sitting here planning a wee painting your words are resonating inside of my head as I work and so I came back. The internet changed my life completely. Absolutely completely. I now call myself an artist and am growing all of the time in leaps and bounds. Because of the inspiration, the gathering enough confidence to try something, the success and the failures too, have challenged me to grow. Not to mention the friends I have met on line who cheer me on and make me feel like a million bucks. Oh the internet has changed my life. Mostly though, what I wanted to add was the internet has made me better than I am. I mean one has to step up to the plate if the world is going to be viewing what one has done, right? So I surprise myself at my ability. I'm a humble artist, mind you. Just a beginner. Seth's book has inspired me like a firecracker under my behind. Each day, even before my morning cuppa, I'd race to the 'machine' (my name for computer [I show my age here]) and jump to see what is on deck. What artist, what is new, what others have to say, what the artist has to say, what Seth has to say, thinking about what I want to say. And so the community is empowering, inspiring, enabling and all of that.
Gosh I'd love a chance to win Seth's book but I am outside of the realm. I'd happily pay postage is that is the hold back! Meanwhile I love what you do. Your collage is accessible and inspirational. Okay, velcro on my lips now, *smiles* Norma
This is my first visit to your blog, but I truly enjoyed the visit and seeing many of your art journal pages, as well as your new coffee collages. They are lovely.
First time to vistit your blog-and have it bookmarked :)
I think the internet has brought so many people together that would never have "met" otherwise-and given us a way to see and be inspired by so much art!
First time visitor - thanks to Seth"s blog hop.
Looking forward to getting acquainted with your work.
Barb
Gorgeous work Nancy followed Seths blog to see your work its gorgeous
hugz bev
I think the internet has been a great tool in getting many of us to realise our artist talents and become part of this great blogging world.
Fantastic book...please put my name down for the draw to win a copy.
Jacky
Without the internet I think so many of us would be working in isolation, totally unaware of the vast community of similarly minded people doing the same. I am very grateful for the opportunity to both share what I do and see what others are doing.
Thank you for your very insightful answers.
Loved reading your answers to the questions you chose. I just love Seth's book which encouraged artists to dig deep and in doing so they produced some incredible pieces of work.
A few years ago I would have never guessed the power of the Internet in developing an art community. I enjoyed reading your insights today.
this looks like a good book.
michelledgregory@gmail.com
I have seen and admired your work in my favorite magazines for years. I also have Pam's book which you and Seth are in. You are so very right about the computer world opening many doors for artists. I started blogging last Jan and was so afraid. I have dear friends I talk on the phone with now and a huge art community that is a tremendous source of inspiration. I look back and wonder what took me so long to open this door...but now that I have I'm producing more work and I have made myself more accountable to my art and writing. Thank you Nancy for being the artist you are and encouraging others to create.
Yep, I'm jealous. You got to meet Seth. I'm also jealous that you live in New Hampshire. We live in Michigan, but have visited Vermont several times. We crossed over into New Hampshire once. The northeast states are so beautiful. I love your coffee/tea series below!
Just visiting, but I'll be back cuz I love looking at your work! Seth's group or artists really make some stunning stuff!
Hi, I'm a first time visitor. I've found so many inspiring artists through Seth's emails. Yours is on my visit frequently list. Your work has great energy, variety, and a clean look.
Joan
Love your art Nancy! I have seen you published in the Somerset Studio and Art Journaling magazines. What an inspiration you are!
Aloha, Kate
I forgot my email: sooze820 (at) msn.com
Lynn lynncohen66@comcast.net
Trying for all the generous chances of winning a copy of this fabulous book of Seth Apters! I'm in it too and want to give it to my friends and family as gifts!
nancy, i would love to win a copy of seth's book. that would be a great birthday present to me!!! a thank you so much. lollie.lucy@hotmail.com
carlanda
Loved this post Nancy and the fact the Internet allowed us to connect,,
And then the icing on the cake meeting you and Pam and Seth with so many wonderful people at AIY xxxx love your creative mind and think of you every day when I see your art hanging in my home xxx
I too cannot imagine my creative life without the internet. It has opened so many doors for me and given me the chance to meet so many like-minded people who are incredibly supportive and encouraging!
love your work...and your insights...haven't bought my copy of seth's book...yet...maybe I'll win one!
This book looks so wonderful! Thank you for the chance to win.
Cristi
2ifbysea1067@bellsouth.net
Congratulations & Thank You!!
So many familiar artists, this is wonderful!!
~smile~
lunrei at yahoo dot com
Hi Nancy. Thanks to Seth I've found your blog! Such a fantastic opportunity to get my mitts (possibly) on the collaboration.
I am excited to see the book and hoping to win one-I have Pam's book with you in it and I really use it a lot-for both technique and inspiration and yes, dreaming to be as good as all that.
Love the book. It looks like lots of fun!
I am very intrigued by the book - also just love hopping over to others art blogs!
It's been great finding new and wonderful blogs thru seth, thanks for the chance to win!
This book looks so interesting...thanks for the chance to win one!
I enjoyed reading this post and I love your artwork, Nancy. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of Seth's book. Such a great giveaway! Should I be the lucky winner please contact me at bkisrael@gmail.com. Thanks so much!
your art is so inspiring nancy. i'd so love to win seth's book!! please put my name in the hat!
hugs,
abigail
Fabulous post. It is true... without the internet I wonder if I would have gone back into doing it again, despite my love for it.
So much inspiration online and the will to do. Thanks for posting.
Julia
jslee.kim@gmail.com
Wow! It's exciting to see so many comments complimenting your work. This looks like an intersting book. Please enter me in the drawing.
-Lillian
itsadomelife@gmail.com
I found your blog through Seth's blog. I wish I could start a project with no specific idea! I'm always amazed by those with that skill. forgot to leave my contact info kimstoys at gmail dot com
Thank you for the chance to win.
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