Something New

Although art is a journey, leading us to unexpected places, every once in a while, it's possible to become stuck in a rut - the same palette, the same materials, the same method, the same subject matter, and so on.

As a Halloween artist, I obviously tend to revisit the same themes; childhood memories of setting out, treat buckets in hand on All Hallow's Eve, witches and black cats, the glow of a full harvest moon, and all that goes along with the *magic* of Halloween. And if I'm doing my job right, something in my work will spark emotion; fond memories of celebrations gone by, or anticipation of celebrations yet to come.

But the process...well, sometimes one feels the need to mix it up, just a little.

To this end, I've reunited with a very old friend - the oldest perhaps, and the first medium with which I was ever enamored: pen and ink.

While I fully expect this old love will eventually translate to some two dimensional work (and possibly prints), I've begun with a few highly detailed three dimensional pieces, like this one...

Labor intensive and time consuming to be sure, but with happy results. Like an etching, but on a functional piece.

I actually explored this method a few years ago, in an art "challenge" thrown down by EHAG (The Eclectic Halloween Artists' Guild). The idea was to create a piece inspired by the work of Edward Gorey. Here's what I came up with (now residing with a collector in the Bay area)...

 After the challenge, the idea was tucked away, and only recently resurrected - the result being that my head is now spinning with possibilities for new work - a treat bowl for starters!

The tried and true acrylic pieces will of course continue, like this other little oval box, bound for the October Ghoultide Gathering...

But every once in a while it's fun to step outside the comfort zone, and explore something new.

I'm off to the studio now, and will share a few of these new pieces as they evolve, both here and on facebook. And if you have a few moments, I'd love to hear feedback on the new technique!

Until next time,
♥ Carolee