Found Art#1

Here is my first attempt at creating Found Art. I decided to make bookmarks because they can be left anywhere you find a book and they are more likely to be kept by the finder, because they are useful as well as being a small piece of art. Most of the designs are made with ink pen and water colour pencil and some with gel pens. They only take about 15 to 20 mins to complete, so I don't get too attached to them.

Now all I need to do is locate them in a book somewhere to be found, and wait and see whether I hear back from the finder.

I have been enjoying reading some very "arty" blogs, which I have added to my list if you are interested. They are very inspiring and I love seeing what other people are doing and hearing about their creative processes. Oh, and I found a great blog for booklovers a work in progress

What is Guerilla Art?

"Guerilla Art" or "Found Art" is a piece of art that gets left behind by the artist and found by someone else. Sometimes the artist will leave a website or an email address on it so that the finder can get in touch, thereby closing the circle.

Guerilla Art is a way to "make a statement, to share your ideas, to send out good karma or just for fun". The emphasis being on "the importance of making art with no attachment to the outcome, having nothing to do with money or listening to the ego"

The pieces of art are generally small so they could be left in a cafe on a table, for example, but could just as easily be in the form of a chalk drawing on the pavement or a mural on a wall. It would be an excellent way of letting go and just being able to enjoy making art for art's sake. I like the idea.

For some examples of Found Art visit;

Rosa Murillo's Journal
or
Kathy's Blog

I have some great ideas for my own Guerilla Art and will post the results when completed.

The still life above, I created using wax crayons, just like the one's you used in kindergarten. My approach was one of fun and spontaneity, choosing colours that appealed to me, and working very quickly.

Improv Wisdom

My sister has told me about a book called "Improv Wisdom" by Patricia Ryan Madson.

"A book that teaches the principles of improvisation as a guidance for a life of adventure and meaning"

In order to help people live more creatively the book suggests maxims such as: "don't prepare, just show up" and "be average", offering simple exercises to do, to help you to achieve this. I listened to a 20min Podcast with Patricia Ryan Madson which was quite interesting, so see what you think. Patricia, a retired Drama Professor, originally used her maxims while teaching drama courses, but soon realised that her wisdom could help other people too, especially in the business and IT sector. I look forward to reading the book. If you are interested have a look at the improv wisdom site or visit Patricia's Blog The Wisdom of Improv

The sketch is of my son and our cat Phoebe. He had just climbed out of bed and was still half asleep, which was good, because it meant he was prepared to keep still for me while I sketched.