TBX - The Cloth Paper Scissors Book: Techniques and Inspiration for Creating Mixed-Media Art

Additional Photography

: Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson

: Doug Nelson

2011 Interweave Press LLC

All rights reserved.

All of the articles in this collection were previously published in Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, Interweave. Some have been altered to update information or conform to space limitations.

Getting started is often the most difficult part of making art. Sometimes you have a germ of an idea and just cant get going; other times you want to try a new product but need the inspiration. Finding that inspiration, choosing materials and tools, and encountering new terminology and techniques can stop you in your tracks. In this chapter, youll find a glossary of terms, a short list of materials and tools to get you started, and a longer list for when youre ready to really spread your wings. Youll also find inspiring words and projects from some of our favorite artists.

by jodi ohl

Belonging 5" 4" (14.5 10 cm)

How has an emerging artist without formal training managed to lead a creative life? I get asked this question all the time. I dont have a magic formula, but I do know that it boils down to making choices. Its about deciding to do something and taking action to make it happen. Seriously. We all have the same twenty-four hours a day. Its what you do with that time that makes the difference.

Make a commitment to do something, anything, every day to make your creative life a real part of your daily routine. And have a plan so you know where to direct your creative commitments as you work toward reaching your artistic goals.

Decide what you want your creative world to look like. Remember, you cant move forward if you dont at least start to take action.

Coming Home 12" 6" (30.5 15 cm)

A journal is a great way to get all of your creative ideas and artistic goals in one place. Here are some prompts:

Who are you? Write a ten-second introduction of yourself as an artist. You need to have an elevator story prepared for everyone you meet in order to be able to engage a potential client (or at the very least someone who is interested in your art) in a way that clearly describes what it is that you do and why they should be interested in your work. Practice and refine your introduction so that you can say it naturally.

What do you want to do? Instead of thinking about where you want to be in five years, think about the top three things you want to accomplish in the next twelve months. Do you want to be published? Perhaps you want to do an outdoor show this year or submit your work to a local gallery. Maybe one of your goals is to open an Etsy shop or another online sales venue.

Whatever your top three artistic goals are, write them down and be as descriptive as possible. You also need to insert a deadline so you can hold yourself accountable. For example, I want to be published three times in a national art magazine this year. In order to do so, I will submit my work every other month to maximize the chance of having my work accepted.