Orange Spiral Arts

May 2014 Visual Journal Collective Meeting at MCBA

Last night at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts, the Visual Journal Collective gathered for our May meeting.  We were encouraged to bring some kind of text to work with in our journals, along with any other art supplies we like to use.  For the text prompt, some people brought poems, some people brought collage material, some people used quotes, and some worked purely from imagination.  We had a good hour and a half to work in our journals.  It was really great working along side other visual journal keepers (aka art journalers).  What I enjoyed the most, however, was getting to see other people's journals. Everyone has such a unique artistic style, and it was fun to see inside another artist's journal.  Near the end of our meeting, Roz gathered us all around a table so that we could listen to each other share what we had created that night.  Here are some photos of our sharing time at the end of our meeting.  

Roz shared her pages first.  She showed us how she had a few already prepped backgrounds to choose from. Roz has these amazing extra large alphabet stamps that I swoon over every time I see them used on her pages.  You can't see them in the page spread she worked on, but I thought I would tell you about them anyway. : )

Here is Gwen's grocery shopping list.  (I just love seeing handwriting all over a journal page, don't you?)

You can see it more clearly in the photo below:

Mary (in the blue sweater) was joining the meeting for the first time.  She has not ever kept a visual journal, but would like to start one.  She created her first journal page last night around a recipe that her mother gave to her.  Here is another picture:

Although this picture is blurry, I love it due to the expression of joy on Mary's face.  

Manida, the young woman in the gray sweater, also joined us for the first time last night.  She created a journal spread around the phrase, "Anyone Can Cook".  I don't recall the source stated, but the artist mentioned how this phrase meant more to her than just referring to cooking.  Do you see the easel on her illustration? Anyone can make art, too.  

Next, we had Stacy, who read a portion of a poem aloud to us.  She used emotion to move her artwork.  I unfortunately did not get a good photo of her page, but I do love the picture I captured of her reading poetry (above).

Here's one more where you can kind of see Stacy's journal page.  Though the meeting topic of illustrating with text was her idea, Stacy confessed that she chose it to challenge herself.  Stacy is a prolific sketch artist who enjoys sketching from real life, rather than from her imagination.  

Next, Cyndie shared her beautifully illustrated word, "WELCOME".  I believe Cyndie mentioned the word welcome could be about "welcome home", "welcome here", etc.  

 

 

 I LOVE Cyndie's extra large letters, spread across her page.  Don't they just draw you in?!

I was next in line, and so here is a picture of one of the journal spreads that I finished last night:

I used a Uniball Jetstream ballpoint pen and a set of Angora watercolors, along with a Niji waterbrush.

My journal spread was about spring and fresh things.  The first "F" I used was cut from a magazine.  

 

Then we had the amazing Jean Shannon, who almost always draws Japanese toys.  At our meeting, however, she was drawing from memory, which she said was challenging for her.

Jean worked in two different journals with them same idea in mind.  (I must apologize to Jean; I was so enthralled with her orange and blue art, that I forgot what she said about the text reference.)  I do recall that she stated using Caran D'Ache Neocolor II artist crayons.  

 

Next, Theresa Harsma entertained us all with a story of butter sculptures, turned Mount Rushmore like mountains with faces.  I think someone ended up calling them butter mountains.  (I know, you kind of had to be there).   

Jess was also joining our meeting for the first time.  She is an artist who also loves photography.  I was super inspired to see photographs glued onto her journal cover and her journal page spread that she shared with us last night.  First, she read aloud to us from a quote written in her journal.  She turned her journal round and round as she read.

And then we got to see her fabulous page spread covered in seed pictures + a polaroid:

 

Molly Anthony creates marvelous collaged art journal pages.  Here's what she worked on during our meeting:

I am pretty sure we've all felt like that before.

Barb wrapped up our sharing circle with some absolutely wonderful images to go along with the poetry of Robert Frost.

 Thank you to all of the wonderful visual journalers who attended the meeting.  If I forgot any details about your work, or any links to your sites that you'd like me to correct, feel free to leave me a comment.

I just have to say that I love MCBA, Open Book, The Loft, and Minneapolis, Minnesota!  Thank you Suzanne and Roz for making the Visual Journal Collective what it is!  It is something I really look forward to attending every month.  

To wrap up this post, I'd like to share a few photos I took on the way out of our meeting.  Thank you Jean Shannon for knocking on the door to share that the sky was looking rather magnificent.  

I hope you found some inspiration and some good ideas for using text in your art journal!

Until next time, happy creating!

Blessings,

Briana

A Walk in the Woods: A Story for You

Hello Dear Reader,

Thank you for visiting my blog!  

A WALK IN THE WOODS

Yesterday, I was not feeling all that great.  In the early morning, I turned to walk down the hall, and I did something weird to my neck and spine.  I did not do anything out of the ordinary.  Is stuff like this really supposed to happen?  I think we should all be able to live on earth pain-free.  Wouldn't that be lovely?  My neck, shoulders, and back were feeling stiff, sore, strained, and awkward.  I needed a distraction.  I needed to get out of the house, too.  I decided to take my son out for a drive.  First we dropped some books off at the library.  Then we went to a local park reserve and took a walk.  I had the fantastic BOB stroller in the trunk, so we were set for most anything. At least that's what I thought.

This is what the first part of our walk looked like:

Happy Mama, mostly happy baby.  He was slightly unhappy, because a few minutes ago, he was doing this:

And this:

But then his Mama said, "It's time to get back into the stroller."

I was able to persuade him into the stroller with an offer of water.

I snapped a couple of pictures while we strolled along, listening to the many birds singing their songs.

(If you know me, I sneak in self-portraits when I can).  Plus, I was proud of my hair twists.

The weather was cloudy and around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  I knew that some thunderstorms might be brewing, but I was not aware how soon or how close they were.  

We walked the trail until we got to a bridge near some water.  I could see the sky well, now that we weren't in the trees as much.  Here's what it looked like:

Guess what was coming?  A thunderstorm.  Almost as soon as we turned around, the thunder started booming.  I didn't have the BOB weather shield with me, and I didn't want my son to get drenched.  This mama, who doesn't run, started running, while pushing the stroller, towards our car.  I also had on two sweaters and a backpack (which we use as a diaper bag).  

(Side note:  My only real complaint about the BOB Sport Utility Stroller is that the compartment under the seat to carry stuff is kind of small).  

I was wearing two sweaters because I am almost always cold.  

But running in humid air with two sweaters on, a backpack, while pushing a crying toddler, makes one HOT!

This is what I looked like after I got the baby safely in the car and the stroller finally in the trunk:

Do you see how red my face is?  I think it almost matches the color of my shirt!  

I am sharing this story with you for a few reasons:

1.  I wanted to try something new with my blog post

2.  I wanted to sort of explain the photos with out saying, "This is . . . ."

3.  I simply wanted to share an experience I had

4.  I wanted to share an experience I had as a mother

 

This weekend is Mother's Day.  I would like to say thank you to all of the mothers out there.  In my eyes, a mother is a person who cares for one or more other beings and tries their best to keep those beings safe and well. You don't have to have birthed a child to be a mother.  But those of you who have gone through childbirth, I must say, you are amazing!  

Happy Mother's Day weekend.  Be safe and well.

I will see you again next week.

Blessings and Peace,

Briana 

 

Tips for Photographing Your Toddler

Hello Beautiful Souls,

Thank you for visiting my Orange Spiral Arts blog.

Today I have some tips to share on how to get great photos of your toddler.

As you may well know, toddlers don't often stop moving.  Can you relate (or remember, if your children are now grown)?

So, I think it is best to let the child do what she or he naturally wants to do-PLAY AND EXPORE!

TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR TODDLER:

1.  Get outside in natural light on a cloudy day

2.  Let him or her do what comes naturally

3.  Follow your child around and snap pictures all the while

4.  Try taking pictures from different angles and directions-behind, above, below, from the side, and in front of the child.  (Note:  If they see you running ahead of them, they just might think you are playing a game, which will produce a big ol' smile!)

5.  Look for interesting backgrounds.  Do you see a textured wall?  A wooden fence?  A bunch of greenery?  Try to direct your child to play or walk in front of those backgrounds.

6.  Take some photographs of your whole child:  head, arms, hands, legs, and feet all in the frame.

7.  Focus on a special feature you are loving about your toddler right now.  

8.  Have fun and your child will have fun, too.

If you find these tips helpful, I would love to hear about it!  

Also, feel free to share in the comments below, a link to your blog or flickr site that feature your photos.

PICTURES OF MY TODDLER

Have a beautiful day!

Blessings to you and yours,

Briana

 

21 Secrets LIVE 2014-My Experience and A Completed Art Journal to Share

Hello and Happy Day (or Night) to YOU!

I want to share my experience, so far, in 21 Secrets LIVE, an online art journaling workshop.

About 21 Secrets LIVE

Connie Hozvicka, the creator of the successful 21 Secrets, wanted to do something special to celebrate the fifth year of the 21 Secrets "art journaling playground".  She decided to gather people virtually, once per week, for a live art journaling session. On Wednesday evening (in my time zone), there is a host, either Connie, Lisa Wilson, or Hali Karla, and a featured teacher.  The teacher often shares her art journals with us, then demonstrates how she works in her journal.  There is a live chat happening to the right of the screen where participants can connect and ask questions.  It is an AWESOME hour and a half!  It is like we are all hanging out together at a coffee shop, working in our journals.  (Except the only journal we see, is that of the instructor).  However, there is a private Facebook group where people often post pictures of the pages they created while working through that particular lesson.  

My Experience with 21 Secrets LIVE

As you may all know, technology is not perfect.  So honestly, sometimes it is hard to see what's happening on the screen.  This can be slightly frustrating.  However, the wealth of information that the teachers share, makes up for any glitches in technology.  Often the teachers will post pictures on the private Facebook group, which is really great.  It is nice to see their finished journal pages clearly.

Here's how I prep for 21 Secrets LIVE:

• Read email sent prior to each session. 
• See if there are any supplies I need to gather ahead of time.
• Set my phone alarm to remind me one hour prior and again 15 minutes before showtime.
• Login in to Spreecast, so I know I won't be late (I don't want to miss anything) : )
• Rush around gathering stuff, like a cup of water for rinsing paint brushes, and water for myself to drink (art making can make one thirsty).

Once the Spreecast session starts, I usually type a quick hello in the chat box.  It feels nice to read all of the "hellos" being called out from all over the US and sometimes from the other side of the world!

I am a note taker by nature, so I usually leave 1-2 pages in my journal for notes, then I work on the following 1-2 pages and create along with the teacher.  I start with writing a heading like, "21 Secrets LIVE-(the date)-(featured teacher)-(theme)".  There is not always a theme for the lesson, but sometimes there has been.  Typically I am not someone who is drawn to working in themes, but I have really enjoyed the times we have worked around a theme.  A theme gives one a starting place and can sometimes help eliminate the fear of the blank page.  

Because of participating in 21 Secrets LIVE each week, I have completed a journal.  A completed journal is such a delight!  (Since I have a blank journal addiction, I often start many, and finish few.  Anyone else out there have that problem?!)  Anyway, not everything in my journal is 21 Secrets LIVE material, but the majority of it is.  The teachers that Connie chose have all been amazing!  I have been inspired and impressed by each and every one.  (I just realized that the teachers for 21 Secrets LIVE have taught in one or more previous 21 Secrets workshops, so you know they are good).  To read about all of the amazing teachers, visit Connie's 21 Secrets LIVE teacher page.

Here are some of my pages done during 21 Secrets LIVE, including some pictures of my completed journal.

And if you really want to see inside my journal, here is a video I made, flipping from page to page.

 

There are not very many sessions left for 21 Secrets LIVE 2014 (visualize my sad face).  Registration is closed, but on Connie's site, I see that 21 Secrets LIVE will be offered as a self-paced program and will be available this summer.  

If you are in the market for a new online class, 21 Secrets Spring is currently for sale on Connie's site. Also, check out Connie's free offering called Total Alignment.

 If you have any thoughts or questions for me, please leave a comment below this post.

Thanks for being here!

Many Blessings to YOU!

-Briana

 

 

What's New and Cool and Starting NOW on the Web (for Art Journaling)

Hello Ya'll,

I hope that you are having a wonderful day.

I thought I would share a couple of things that are happening right now on the web for art journalers.  

The first share I have is brought to you by Strathmore Artist Papers.  Strathmore has recently been offering some free online workshops.  The one that just started this week, May 5th, 2014, is from the Journal Fodder Junkies, Eric and David.  

That's right, the rare men who enjoy art journaling!  I love it!  (Also look up Danny Gregory, Tracy V. Moore,and Dan Price, just to name a few other good men in the art journaling field.) Anyway, to take the Strathmore Online Workshops, you have to set up an account with Strathmore's Online Workshops site, but other than that step, the workshops are FREE!  I'd say that's pretty AWESOME! Thanks, Strathmore!

 

The second share I have for you has to do with one of my favorite art journaler/photographers on the web. Her name is LK Ludwig.  If you don't know of LK, you can peruse her site Gryphon's Feather right here.  The offering that is new and exciting is a Book of the Month Bookbinding class.  

I have taken many of LK's online workshops, and she does not disappoint.  She is an excellent teacher and bookbinder.  If you want to learn to make some of your own journals to write or make art in, or simply bind loose painted papers you already have, I encourage you to learn from LK.  The first workshop opened on April 24th, 2014.  There is no time limit once you register.  The first workshop is only $15!!!

Here is a free video tutorial that LK has on YouTube in relation to her book Creative Wildfire.  All of LK's books are fantastic.  Look her name up on Amazon.com and enjoy her luscious work!

 

There are a lot things being offered on the web these days, but I thought I would draw your attention to these two recent learning opportunities.

Many Blessings and Happy Creating,

Briana

Self-Portrait Photography

Hello Wonderful Soul,

I am on another adventure in self-portrait photography.  I have been taking self-portraits since Junior High School.  I remember a particular picture I took of myself in 8th grade.  I had just moved to Minnesota from Texas in the middle of my eigth grade year.  I am not sure what kind of camera I was using.  A simple point and shoot camera with film, I am sure.  Anyway, I remember standing in the bathroom of our new townhome.  I had on hot pink lipstick.  I really don't remember what I was thinking or why I decided to take a picture of myself.  It was just an impulse.  I am not sure if that was my first self-portrait, but it certainly stands out in my memory.  Can you picture the scene?  

Here's another little secret about me. Before self-portraits, I would look in the bathroom mirror and pretend I was very upset.  I think I was emulating the drama in the soap operas I used to watch with my mother.  Anyone remember "As the World Turns", or "Guiding Light"??  "Guiding Light" might still be airing. I am not sure.

To get me back in the swing of using my nice camera, I signed up for Vivienne McMaster's online e-course, Your Beloved Camera Class.  Vivienne's self-portrait work is quite inspiring to me.  I love her mission and what she is doing for women--teaching us to love ourselves and see ourselves with compassion.  Who doesn't need more of that?  

I am sure you can still sign up for Your Beloved Camera Class, or maybe you'd be more interested in some of her other offerings, as well.  I encourage you to take a look at Vivienne's site.  She's just wonderful!

If you are local to the Twin Cities area, one of my offerings is The Art of Self-portrait Photography.  If you are interested in working with me, I can be reached at orangespiralarts AT gmail DOT com.  

Without further ado, here are some of the self-portraits I have taken so far for class.  

 

See yourself with love.  It is sometimes a difficult task, but it is oh so important for your spirit and soul. You are a beautiful being.  You are good, lovely, and worthy of self-love.  Practice, practice, practice.  It will get easier.  Things in your life will shift.  All is well.

Blessings to You,

Briana

PS  Thanks for stopping by!

PPS  Please leave any thoughts you might have in the comments section.  

How to Find "Comment"

It is a little tricky to see it, but under the post, you'll see a list of words past "Posted".  One of those words is "Comments".  Click there to leave a comment.  Thanks in advance for your kindness!

Matisse at the MIA

Hello Dear One,

Thank you for visiting my Orange Spiral Arts blog.  I have been neglecting this space, but I have been longing to write and share more with you.  Here's the first of many posts to come!

Thank you in advance for being here.  I appreciate you! 

 Matisse at the Minneapolis Institute of Art

I went to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) this week with my 17 month old son.  We made it through the hassle of parking a looonnggg block away, then walking in the rain to get inside to the beautiful, crowded, but cozy, art museum.  It felt like a brave thing to me to venture out to the museum with my son; I really wanted to see the Matisse exhibit before it closed, so off we went!  (It closes May 18th, 2014). Since my son is walking around now, I debated on whether or not to bring a stroller.  I am sooooo glad I brought a stroller!!!!  It was especially helpful on the long block we walked in the rain to get into the museum.  Once inside, we had to use the elevators, but that wasn't really a big deal.  When I was leaving however, I could see the door only six stair steps away, so I tried to carry my son, while hopping the stroller down the steps.  I was ready to go, anxious to beat rush hour traffic, and I didn't want to make the trek to the elevator again.  A kind young woman said, "Ma'am, would you like help getting that stroller down the stairs?"  I said, "Sure" and "Thank you so much."  Thank you kind lady!  (I am so appreciating the kindness of others these days.  I feel like there are angels all around.)  

I have quite a few photos to share from the Matisse exhibit.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn that photography was allowed (without a flash).  

This painting was my favorite, so I took a close-up, too.

It was wonderful to see the array of Matisse's work from drawings, to paintings, to sculptures, and finally collage.

 

I love the colors that Matisse used in his art, especially his collage pieces and books.

Isn't his handwriting fabulous to look at?  It is like a work of art in and of itself.

I just loved this giant photograph of Matisse cutting papers.  

 I really liked this yellow wall to offset these framed pieces.  I tried to take a couple of self-portraits against it with my son.  Here are one or two to share with you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking of self-portraits, above is a drawing that Matisse drew of himself.  (Sorry for the slightly blurry photo.  It was tricky taking them one handed while holding a toddler in my arm).  

Being at this special exhibit reminded me how great it is to have art museums nearby.  What shows or exhibits have you been inspired by lately?

That's all for now.

Be well, and I will share more with you soon.

Blessings, 

Briana