Two Projects, One BLog Post

Now that summer is almost behind us, it should be easier to focus on indoor activities, like this whole art-making thing we keep talking about! So a while back we each ordered our Sketchbook from the Art House Co-op and I'm a little embarrassed to report that my book remains untouched. I have taken it to NYC and back with me, foolishly thinking I'd get started there. I did get some sketching in simply for the sake of sketching (in my other sketchbook), but making that allusive first mark in the project book...

So for this month, I demand that we both start work on our sketchbooks! I have concepts and ideas, just need to act. Draw! The fear comes from knowing that this book will be viewed all over the country, without me there to protect or defend it. The same thought also really excites me. So it seems I need a push towards focusing on the excitement. Here it goes- by October 1st, we will each post scans of ten pages. They do not have to be complete but they do have to at least capture the essence of what that page will represent. Maybe when we're done, we can both post them to the Sketchbook Projects' website, as I see other participants are doing already.

Simultaneously, I have another project to dig into: Art Swap! I think this is something that any creative person can relate to- unfinished projects. Whether you write, draw, paint, sculpt, take pictures or blog, I'm willing to bet that you've got at least a few unfinished projects laying around. Sometimes it's really hard to re-engage after taking some time (or lots of time) off. As I mentioned in the previous post, my new studio space is filled with unfinished paintings. Well, if I can't finish them, maybe someone else will!

Here's the plan: I will send Mandy one of my unfinished paintings and she'll send me one of hers. We'll post pictures of them once we receive them and then we will complete each others work. There are no rules, no boundaries or no directive from the original artist other that do what you have to do to make it complete in your eyes. Scary right? I'm actually really excited about this one!

We'll ship the originals out next week and determine the deadline once both paintings are in hand. One last thought- I think we should ship them back to one another before posting the final results. It's always nice to get mail, especially when it is surprise artwork!