Self-Portrait Book - My Scary, yet thrilling ride!

Jul 6

Jul 6 Self-Portrait Book - My Scary, yet thrilling ride!

I dunno, recently it seems as if so many of the new mixed-media books that are emerging, are well, all too common... techniques/ideas that have been done in umpteen other books or publications.. and just, well they aren't really fresh - (and I am a big advocate of that fresh feeling.) I stopped buying many of the new books as they left me with that... been there, done that feel. I suppose I am always seeking that special something that will challenge me, make me think... and help me discover a new direction, or hone a skill. Am I the only one that feels this way?

So when I first heard about 'Mixed-Media Self-Portraits: Inspiration & Techniques' I was instantly intrigued, and my inner muse danced with delight at merely the thought! Here is something that has yet to be done -- and man, was I ever mad I didn't think of it first!

Mixed-Media Self-Portraits Inspiration & Techniques

By Cate Coulacos Prato

Get all the inspiration and techniques you need to partake in the hottest trend in mixed media and collage: creating artistic self-portraits. Self-portraits are not only a way for mixed media artists to learn about themselves and their art but also about each other.

Mixed-Media Self-Portraits features a wide range of artists and contributors who explore creative self-portraits through exercises, essays, and gallery art, offering readers inspiration plus mixed-media, collage, and fiber-arts techniques. Essays throughout the book by a variety of mixed-media artists provide an artistic guide to personal self-discovery. Working in mixed media freed many of the artists featured to express themselves in unusual, un-representational ways, allowing these artists to reveal even more about themselves in the process. The book guides readers through different approaches to creating self-portraits, from jumpstarting the creative process to step-by-step techniques to get ideas flowing on paper and fabric in a variety of media and forms from art quilts to assemblage to paper collage, and more. Filled to the brim with a wealth of inspiration, creative prompts, techniques and compelling artwork, this book is an artistic guide to representing yourself creatively in mixed-media work.

Thankfully, my anger was short-lived since Cate was asking me to be a part of this amazing book! Moi? I was like seriosuly oozing with glee folks. Ok, maybe not oozing exactly-- but radiating, yes I was radiating glee! No, not liking that adjective either... let's just move on. It's far too late for me to fret over writing.

The thing is, this assignment terrified me. I initially pitched an idea that was totally within my comfort zone, merely to get it done. If you know me though, you realize that is never enough for me. Rarely do i just 'do enough' to get by... it's beyond difficult for me to accept less then my best. So, I decided to stretch my wings a bit -- and came up with, what I think will be a fresh take on an ancient technique. I hope you'll find my project to be inspiring,challenging, and maybe even a lil bit life-changing. It certainly was for me.

I can't share my project yet, nor photos of it -- you'll have to wait to see it in the book! I promise, to share some behind-the-scenes shots though once it comes out. It's oh-so-hard awaiting this - hands down, this was my ab-so-lutefavorite venture last year. I am eternally grateful to Cate for making me a part of this. The list of contributing artists is thoroughly impressive -- talk about good company to keep! I am so, so honored to somehow be worthy to be among them. Juliana Coles, Linda Edkins Wyatt, Kelly Rae Roberts, Kelli Perkins, The ArtGirlz and Cheryl Prater are just to name a few. Can't imagine why i feel slightly intimidated appearing between these talented folks!