Tuesday, October 15, 2013

The Mixed-Media Artist

About this time last year, an email from Seth Apter of The Altered Page arrived in my inbox. His second book was in the works and he wondered if I'd be interested in participating. Several happy dances later, I composed what hopefully was a semi-intelligent thank-you-for-inviting-me-and-why-yes-I'd-love-to-participate note back.

Another email arrived very soon after which brought with it numerous insightful questions to be mulled over. Several were fairly easy to answer, like my motto, while others required pondering.

The most difficult thing for me was to create a self-portrait.


Really? A self-portrait - 


from the person who can't draw


or paint


or create anything that actually resembles


some recognizable thing? It was just too funny. But I did it.


Know what else I did? Not long after receiving Seth's invitation, I got to meet him...in person. Seth is delightfully charming and makes you feel as if you've known him forever. Really...what's not to like about a fellow rust junkie?

Many thanks to you Seth for including me in The Mixed-Media Artist! Congratulations to all the artists who grace the pages.

42 comments:

  1. Yay Rust Muse!
    I am lining up the stripeys
    and raising a cuppa tea to you...

    xox

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    1. Raising my cuppa right back at you Elizabeth!

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  2. I am thrilled that a fellow lover of rust is represented on the pages of this book. And people will be equally thrilled when they see your self portrait, your other art, and read your words as well! Thank YOU!

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    1. Thank you so much Seth. It was a delight to be included in your book...now if only Amazon would hurry up and send it out. November is just too far away...

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  3. Wonderful to be included in the book! I remember a self-portrait assignment in college that specified we could not draw ourselves, it had to be symbolic. A good exercise.

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  4. So glad you're in the book Jennifer. Congratulations! Looking forward to getting a copy.

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  5. Lovely to watch your what-if journey -- an inspiration to all of us. Congratulations! I have a book on order and will have you sign it one of these days!

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    1. You are just too funny - wanting my signature!

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  6. Great images, just what is it you can't do? The book is on my wish list. Congratulations

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    1. What can't I do? Oh...we really haven't the time...

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  7. Congratulations! I will order it just as soon as Amazon UK gets its act together.

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    1. Thank you Charlton! I'm awaiting my copy as well. Can't wait to see all the artists and info.

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  8. Oh yay! I ordered my copy on Monday - now we all just have to be patient, Sigh. I too would be challenged by the notion of a self-portrait. Congrats again and looking forward to seeing it once it arrives across the waves...

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    1. Writing artist statements are difficult enough, but the self-portrait nearly had me telling Seth that I just couldn't do it. It was quite a challenge...to create one purposely. I tend to think that each piece we create is a bit of self-portrait - conveying our feelings or views at any given time. But, that's just me.

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  9. Hi, found you through Seth's blog. (Lucky me) Can hardly wait to see your self portrait. Your work is rustacular. (A special word for you and Seth to use.)

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    1. Welcome Darlene! It's been humbling to have so many new visitors to my little blog via Seth's blog and book. I hope you come back often. By the way, love your rustnacular! Enjoy!

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  10. Pictures paint a thousand words you know Jennifer!! Your images speak volumes!! Cheers and congrats!!

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  11. Congratulations Jennifer!
    Your work is wonderful, engaging and soulful.
    I look forward to seeing more in Seth's book.

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    1. Thank you so much Jacki! Never thought of my rustiness as soulful, but love the sound of it. Enjoy!

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  12. Thank you for the reminder about The Mixed Media Artist! I just pre-ordered it from Amazon!

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  13. This book just gets better and better. Playing with rust and tea bags right this minute.

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  14. J - congrats - I will look forward to checking your contribution out when Fiona gets her copy. Go well. B

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    1. Thank you Barry! Hope you and Fiona like the book.

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  15. congratulations, indeed, and i will check out this book! so glad for you.

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    1. Thank you Velma! It should be a great book - and not just because I'm in it. Ha!

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  16. I cannot get enough of your work. I love it. Congrats on the book inclusion.

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  17. I've been away fr the blogosphere but congrats to you my dear! Can't wait to get my copy!

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    1. You've been very silent lately...working on your project? Me too...should have something to you soon. Enjoy!

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  18. Congratulatins Jennifer! I'm enjoying finally being able to meet all the artists in the book and look forward to seeing more of your art work.

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    1. Thank you Juana! I've enjoyed meeting more artists as a result of the book and Seth's blog posts. Come back and visit.

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  19. Warm congratulations Jennifer! So nice to be invited to do something that you love - so nice to be paid that kind of attention and given recognition.
    Very happy to read this post.

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    1. Many thanks Judy! Being invited to participate in Seth's book was so unexpected that I remember reading the email 2 or 3 times just to convince myself that I really was reading the words correctly. It's been an honor to be included.

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  20. WOW congratulations Jennifer! I too so look forward to not just flipping through, but sitting down to immerse myself (with a cup of tea) and devour this book. It looks spectacular. It took me years to realize creating didn't have to be drawing or painting (unfortunately that is why I didn't go to art school many long years ago) I agree with your words and too think that everything I make is a bit of a self portrait. I too am doing a huge happy dance for you (thanks for the one you did for me!) CONGRATS!!

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    1. Oh Kim! We have so much in common. I majored in business management in college rather than art because I couldn't draw (unless copying counts) or paint to save me. The good news is that I know what to do business-wise, although applying it to myself is more difficult that I'd have thought it would be. Not always easy to separate myself from my art and the business of my art. Can't wait to hear what you think of Seth's book. I've seen a copy (ran into Seth in NY and he had an advance copy) and it is great. Enjoy!

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