TBX - Art at the Speed of Life: motivation + inspiration for making mixed-media art every day

pam carriker

I have to admit that I thought about what I would write and who Id thank for helping me bring this book to life long before it got to this point. Now that Im here I realize just how many people it takes to make a book!

First it takes someone believing in you, someone who gives you wings and teaches you to fly. Being married to a pilot with a flight instructors permit comes in handy for that! To my dearest husband, Nathan, more thanks than I can possibly voice, from the depths of my heart.

To my three wonderful boysall right, one boy and two menyou are my inspiration. As I watch you grow and try to manage our home, Ive realized how quickly time flies by. You teach me every day to appreciate the ordinary and revel in the extraordinary. Watching you spread your wings gives me the courage to spread my own.

Most people have two parents, but Ive been blessed with four. As far back as I can remember each has encouraged me on my artistic journey. Youve always been there for me, and not one of you has ever seemed as surprised as I am at the artful blessings that have come my way. To my extended family, sister, brothers, and in-laws, youre always there right when I need you, and I so appreciate that.

To all of my artist friends who contributed their amazing talents to this book, I thank each and every one of you. I was told that trying to get this many artists to meet deadlines would be like herding catswell, let me just say that you all are the cats meow!

I want to thank the team at Interweave, and in particular my editor Elaine Lipson for her patience at showing a new author the ropes. She helped me to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and her attention to detail helped make this book what it is. The lessons Ive learned will stay with me a lifetime. Many thanks to Pokey Bolton and Tricia Waddell for believing in this book from the beginning and encouraging me to keep trying.

Finally, I must give thanks to the Master Artist for putting these people in my life, this dream in my heart, and the brush in my hand.

| Suzi Blu

| Julie Bergmann

| Christy Hydeck

| Jodi Ohl

| Cate Coulacos Prato

| Suzan Buckner

| Brandie Butcher-Isley

| Alisha Fredrickson, Glenda Bailey

| Dawn Edmonson

| Gail Schmidt

| Sue Pelletier

| Paulette Insall

| Laurie Blau-Marshall

| Glenda Bailey

| Nancy Lefko

| Christy Hydeck

| Jodi Ohl

| Seth Apter

| Sharon Tomlinson

| Suzi Blu

| Lisa Bebi

| Lisa Kettell

| Seth Apter

| Paulette Insall

The idea for this book started as a small seedactually, as my very first article. I remember vividly the conversation going on inside my head. One side of my brain was jumping up and down and the other was wondering what Id gotten myself into. As that seed was watered with the encouragement of my amazing husband and artist friends, it began to grow roots. I started to wonder, Why cant I do this? instead of What are you thinking?

My journey into publishing started with a desire to share my ideas about fitting art into a busy life. As I created this book I often had to stop and take my own advice or that of one of the contributors. I truly practice what I preach. As leaves branched out of the seedling that grew bigger and stronger each day, and as the plant grew, so did I. I learned that if you put fear aside you can do many things. I also learned that no ones perfect, and we all bring our special gifts to the table.

Art doesnt always just happen. Its a great thing when it does, and the moment should be treasured, but many of us have to plan for it and fit it into the tightly woven schedules of busy lives. If you forget to water your creative spirit every day, it can begin to shrivel just as a new plant will. Your spirit thrives when the right amount of attention is given to it and so does creativity.

Just when you start to wonder whether all of the planning and juggling are worth it, you look at your plant and see a budthe promise of a future bloom! Maybe someone wants to buy a piece of your work, or an art magazine wants to publish your work. That bud then becomes your focus as you wait with expectation for it to bloom. When that happens, youll know without a doubt that you are living an artful life. Others will see it, too, and will be encouraged on their own journey. Creating art is not just about you. Its about all of us on the path to living art at the speed of life.

This book is a tool to access all parts of your creativity, bringing them together to become the art-filled life of your dreams. In each chapter, youll find an Artist Spotlight project from a talented contributor. From textured backgrounds and collage to assemblage and encaustics, from paper clay to mixed-media portraits, the projects provide a multitude of techniques for you to explore. I then offer a second Speed of Life project in each chapter, inspired by the Spotlight project but geared to creating a similar work of art in less time. This hands-on approach, along with tips from the contributors and essays focused on leading a productive, creative life, will help you on your artful journey.

), and at the end of each chapter, youll find ideas for adding to that journal. Through this Seven-Day Journal project, youll discover how easy it can be to keep an art journal and get in the habit of creating every day. By the end of this book you will have completed multiple backgrounds, many finished pieces of art, and a complete art journal. Youll be well on the way to establishing a creative habit that leads to living art at the speed of life.

Art Credits:

Being an artist doesnt have to remain a childhood dream. Despite your grown-up obligations, theres a child inside of you who desperately wants to be an artist, too. Many people enjoy the best of both worlds, and with a little change of mindset, you can, too. I always wanted to be an artist, but fast approaching age forty, I was afraid it wasnt attainable, not as a real job. Being artsy-craftsy is one thing, I thought, but being an artist? That was on an other level completely. Yet with determination, I finally began to achieve my dream of becoming an artist while also living a busy, demanding life. I developed a lot of tricks along the way that I will share with you.