Today I have a story to share about how I found Mandy Steward, her Messy Canvas blog, and her Secret Message Society Zine.
In truth, I don't recall exactly how I got to Mandy's Messy Canvas blog. You know how it goes . . you are looking on the internet for something. You find one thing of interest, then click to another thing, then another thing, and finally you arrived somewhere you did not intend to be, but you are happy that you are there. I am pretty sure that is how I ended up on Mandy's site.
Once I got to Mandy's Messy Canvas blog, I was stopped in my tracks by the cool art, the photos of herself in thrifted, layered outfits, and the sense of mystery that was filling her spot in cyber space. I was definitely sucked in. Maybe it's happened to you when you learn of someone new and you become slightly obsessed with their work for awhile. That's how I felt (and still feel). There is nothing creepy about it. It is just that someone's message is so strong and clear, it invites you in to hear more. That's what happened to me.
I'll admit, I was slightly frustrated by some of the "mystery". Mandy doesn't spell everything out for you. You have to slowly move through her words, her art, read an e-book or two, then finally you might start to "get" what she's all about. I am still learning, still soaking up her story. And I like it. We are not the same, but I can relate to her in so many ways. She's a mother, an artist, she's on a spiritual journey, and she loves connecting with other like-minded artists.
Now, onto the zine part of the story . . .
I love books, the book arts, text, typography, fonts, personal expression through art and writing, and ZINES! I especially like zines with an art focus. I was very attracted to the style of Mandy's Secret Message Society Zine. You can buy back issues in Mandy's MessyCanvas Etsy shop, or you can subscribe for a nominal fee to the Secret Message Society. This year, in 2015, Mandy is doing a Zines of the Zodiac theme. I have submitted some art for the February issue, which comes out around February 20th, I believe. Mandy suggested creating some valentines in a "guerrilla art" style, where people can keep secret messages for themselves, or leave them out in the world for strangers to find and keep. Since you are here, reading this, I'd like to offer you my sheet of secret message valentines. Simply click on the image below, and save it to your computer. You may print them out, color them, or leave them as is. I invite you to keep some for yourself, but also to leave some out in the world for someone else to find. Some suggestions for where to leave your guerrilla valentines would be:
at the library in a book
at a book store
in your favorite coffee shop
at the art museum
in the aisle at the grocery store or market
anywhere you think someone might like to find a special message
Enjoy your FREE PRINTABLE:
You might see some or all of these guerrilla style secret message valentines in the February 2015 Secret Message Society Zine #23.
I also have art published in the following Secret Message Society Zine issues:
Secret Message Society Issue #17 (August 2014)
Secret Message Society Zine Issue # 20 (November 2014)
Secret Message Societ Zine Issue #21 (December 2014)
I am not only happy to share that my art has been published, but I love spreading the word about other artists whom I admire. If you haven't already, visit Mandy's Messy Canvas blog here.
Thanks for being here and reading this blog post about my art in the Secret Message Society Zine. I hope you feel inspired to make some art, do some writing, or both.
Blessings to you,
Briana
