I'm a Man, and I can change, if I have to...I guess.

Now that April 2015 is over, it's time to reflect on my Fake Journal. Did I meet my original goals? What did I learn, and how will it change my day-to-day art journaling?

The goals for 2015 were: (click on the image to enlarge)

Did you catch that first phrase?  My character was a man. (That's why the post title is a "Red Green" quote.)

If you've never seen The Red Green Show, you should. 

 It's a hoot. 

 I tried to make pieces that weren't feminine.  My character liked all things vintage, especially old toys or tools, and worked in an antique shop. I am not sure that a man who is an artist has a 'typical' male mind- I understand men 'compartmentalize' a lot more than women do, and frankly I don't presume to understand how they think.  But it was an interesting exercise.  

Simplify- Easier said than done. But I think this style of collage helped me transition to a less complex composition. That doesn't necessarily mean it's easier. On the contrary. For me, it's more difficult. I decided to use a square-ish format, inspired by Randel Plowman's book, The Collage Workbook. 

Recycle- I used a book from the dollar store that was nearly square in shape. I deconstructed the book, so I had loose sheets to work on-- much easier to scan. The pages were gessoed and then collaged; some of the original images and text showed through, and I liked that. I  also added pages of white card stock or watercolor paper. I intend to re-bind the pages and covers with a spiral wire binding.

Every Day Habit- I ended up with 28 collages...quite a few more pages than in previous years. I think the specific format and goals that I set helped with this.

Vintage-  I used old magazines, books, game pieces, various papers, and images people have given me for the collages. I tried to use what I had, but did buy a couple of old issues of Life magazine (1956) for the ads and illustrations. Normally I try to use just my own drawings, so this was different for me. But it also made each day's project less time consuming.

Drawings- I did pen and watercolor sketches of toys and vintage items I have.  I did use images from the internet for reference for the old shears, and the bed spring.

30 Minutes or so- Well, maybe. I think it still took closer to 45 min. or 1 hr. for each collage. I didn't keep track of the time. It's done when it's done. Sometimes I had to stop and come back to it later.

Random Phrases- this was fun! I started collecting phrases from billboards in February while on vacation. But I didn't have enough for the whole month of collages, so I had to start paying attention for possible quotes from tv shows or books or even radio.  I wanted to add some quirkiness.

ASK FOR BABY CHICKS- sign at a greenhouse

HOW TO SUCCEED IN HEDGEHOG FARMING
old Diesel advertisement (designer clothing)

Grumpy/Sarcastic/Marketing- I don't think I was truly able to identify with a male mind, but I could ask myself: "is this something a guy would create?" As for grumpiness, I really didn't get into it too much, but did avoid positive 'feel good' quotes that I often use  on my pages. 

Avoid my 'usual'- It was tough not to use my brightly painted papers with doodles and marks, or stitching, or 'girly stuff.' I decided from the start that those were not in my character's style. Straight lines, diagrams, texture, vintage and old papers. I also decided to write in cursive, since in my art journals I usually print. All in all, I like the results!

WHAT MAY CARRY OVER INTO MY ART JOURNALING IN THE FUTURE?

This square format, with the area roughly divided into 'fourths' or 'ninths' can certainly be an approach for me to continue.  Color saturated painted papers, ink and watercolor drawings, blocks of color, and calligraphic lines can all be used in this format. 

I definitely want to continue the use of the random phrases in my art journals.  It makes me more aware of what's going on around me, and lends another layer of humor/meaning to the art work.  

The IFJM project was a catalyst.  On busy days, I would think "I still need to do my collage for the day," or "How can I squeeze my collage into the time I have?" 

During the month of April, my hubby had outpatient surgery, so there were doctor's appointments, ice packs, pain relievers, and lots of 'helping' the recovering patient. Plus my part-time job.  But my perspective went from "I wish I had time to make some art today," to "I have to fit some art time into my day. How can I do that?"

We make time for the stuff that's important to us.

Considered Truths.