If you're new to Art Journal Every Day, there is a short introduction here. All of the previous posts can be found archived here. There is a flickr group for sharing right here. Remember, it's just ten minutes of nourishing your creative self every day! No need to finish anything or even like it. If you've done some art journaling this week and you've blogged about it, or put it on flickr, please leave a link in the linky list at the end of this post. Thanks!
Today we've got a collaborative guest post from Lori Wostl and Lorri Flint.
The Playfulness and Value of Making Art with Others!
Left to our own devices and the nature of making a piece of art or a
body of work we get isolated and stuck with what already lives in our heads.
But we know that our
best work is the art where we completely open up; leaving us naked and
vulnerable to the criticism of others. These pieces take getting out of who we
were when we woke up this morning and to create art newly. These pieces take
getting something from the world around us.
Of course at first we look to the people we love and live with…but
these people are not necessarily artists. At best they give us room to work –
at worst they are ineptly critical and think of our art as a waste of time and
effort. The knell of doom for an artist is, “nice hobby, honey.” There it is –
our life’s blood – on the table in wet paint or newly dyed fabric, a nice hobby.
So What’s a Woman to Do?
Gather art resources and reinforcements in the form of other women!
When we say resources we’re not just talking about products we are talking
other WOMEN! Having other artists’ input and inspiration is an essential ingredient
to growing as an artist. Also there are studies showing that playing is one of
the most effective methods of learning. And as an adult, what is more play than
making art with other people?
But what if you live in BFE or don’t know any other artists within your
area? What if all you have is a book or magazine article inspiring you to art?
How do you find your resources i.e. playmates?
Below we talk about what we, Lorri and Lori, do and what is available.
We have categorized these resources from the biggest to the smallest and only
talk about those that one or both of us participate in regularly.
You might
have to save up
Art Retreats
Art Retreats are nearest and dearest to our
hearts, besides they are fun! Get away from the hustle and bustle of
everyday life as well as away from the chores and stress. This is where artists
meet and play among their own people – even if only for a
short time. The relief of being amongst your own can rejuvenate and recharge
you for a year or for the rest of your life. Then throw in a beautiful and
comfortable venue with someone else tending to the cooking and daily planning –
you have the perfect creative vacation. Did we mention this is fun?
Low and
reasonable cost
Local Brick & Mortar-IRL (in real life):
Lorri F. participates in a small local art group called Uncommon Cloth.
The group size ranges from 5-10 women and has been meeting as a group for over
ten years. The monthly meeting is used to critique pieces they are working on,
set up art play days and organize exhibit opportunities. Twice a year the women
get-away to hang out together. They take turns cooking the meals and bring projects
of their own to work on.
You could join or make up a similar group yourself. Having regular
meetings and meet ups scheduled out ahead of you is almost a guarantee that you
will make more art and improve your skills while doing so. To make this
planning free and much more fun the entire group could go to an established art
retreat together. Being in this sort of group calls you forward and supports
you at the same time.
Lorri F. is also a member of her regional art group, Front Range
Contemporary Quilters. FRCQ offers speakers, workshops and exhibit
opportunities at very reasonable costs. It also provides a venue for meeting other
local art quilters.
Free or
darn-near free
Online Resources
If you are reading this article you have access to an online computer
and that means a whole world of other art, artists and other fun things.
There are several types of venues online for an artist to get ideas,
inspiration and instruction. Here is our take on three of them:
BLOGS
Blogs offer insights into the life and art of other artists. From the
master-teacher artist all the way down to the struggling student artist and
everyone in between, many share their art and lives in a way that has us see how
and where we can fit into the mix.
Blogs offer everything from art classes, to art, to venues to post our
own recent work. Bloggers tell us what they think of other classes and products
and what they can recommend. Often they show us the resulting work they
produced.
Blogs allow us to relate as artists and break out of our isolation. Two
of my favorite blogs are this one: Julie Fei-Fan Balzer (!) and Kelly Kilmer.
Then for absolute beginners (in art journaling) there is Sarah Whitmire.
ONLINE ART GROUPS
Online Groups come in every shape, size and color. They are free and
offer classes and encouragement 24/7. Most online groups have an option for
showing the current work of the members.
Lori W. participates in an intimate group of around 20 people as well
as two other groups with membership ranging in the hundreds. Most of these
groups are quite casual and drop into fun and silliness at the least
provocation.
Some groups – Artists of the Round Table (A.R.T.)
or Blissfully Art Journaling for example, have various free classes where individual members organize the
class. They do this by scheduling weekly assignments to work through one of the
“how to” art books – chapter or project at a time. They usually have done the
assignment themselves so can offer help when needed. The group also acts as a
forum for any and all questions ranging from how to mount rubber stamps to the “what
are the best water color pencil methods?” You do have to become a member, but this is
free.
Other groups are mainly for swaps and encouraging members through daily
communication to keep going or work through a balky piece. Often these members
also follow each other on Facebook or their blogs and even promote each other’s
online businesses.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
Such as Facebook and Pinterest also provide a dynamic place to connect
and share art and art inspiration.
Here is the linky list for this week:
Thanks for stopping by!
More about
Lorri and Lori:
Lorri and Lori are business partners in Art Camp for Women.
Lori Wostl regularly participates in Julie’s Art Journaling Every Day and was featured on this blog in May, 2011.
Lorri Flint contributed an article to this blog's "Organization Week" last January.
"We created Art Camp for
Women as a mixed-media art retreat because we, like many other creative women,
are interested in many different art forms and we want Art Camp for Women to
fuel the creative juices for the beginner to the experienced Camper."
Both of us are entrepreneurs, business women, artists, mothers, wives,
philanthropists and more. We have a huge commitment to sharing our passion and
our good fortune with other women. We are passionate about living life fully
with no regrets and with nothing left over when we die.
Lorri Flint is an accomplished art quilter and Lori Wostl is a writer
and art-journalist. Both also engage in other mixed-media art forms.
You can see more of our lives and art at the Art Camp for Women blog and you can see more of Lori W’s art at her
personal blog Keep an Art Journal.
Thank you so much for for this valuable information and encouragement! I am very fortunate to live with people who truly think I am talented and have the abilities to be an artist. I have been a crafter and scrapbooker for many years but fall into the category of ‘struggling art student” right now. I used to meet regularly with other scrapbookers but my interests have expanded and I truly miss being around other creative people. Thank you for the help in finding the other artists out there!
Thank you so much for for this valuable information and encouragement! I am very fortunate to live with people who truly think I am talented and have the abilities to be an artist. I have been a crafter and scrapbooker for many years but fall into the category of ‘struggling art student” right now. I used to meet regularly with other scrapbookers but my interests have expanded and I truly miss being around other creative people. Thank you for the help in finding the other artists out there!
Thank you so much for for this valuable information and encouragement! I am very fortunate to live with people who truly think I am talented and have the abilities to be an artist. I have been a crafter and scrapbooker for many years but fall into the category of ‘struggling art student” right now. I used to meet regularly with other scrapbookers but my interests have expanded and I truly miss being around other creative people. Thank you for the help in finding the other artists out there!
Thank you so much for for this valuable information and encouragement! I am very fortunate to live with people who truly think I am talented and have the abilities to be an artist. I have been a crafter and scrapbooker for many years but fall into the category of ‘struggling art student” right now. I used to meet regularly with other scrapbookers but my interests have expanded and I truly miss being around other creative people. Thank you for the help in finding the other artists out there!
Thank you so much for for this valuable information and encouragement! I am very fortunate to live with people who truly think I am talented and have the abilities to be an artist. I have been a crafter and scrapbooker for many years but fall into the category of ‘struggling art student” right now. I used to meet regularly with other scrapbookers but my interests have expanded and I truly miss being around other creative people. Thank you for the help in finding the other artists out there!
I so agree with the you about the importance of play, and the value of making art with others. I remember my first drawing class and how intimidated I felt the first time I put up my work for critique. I was fortunate to have a great teacher, who was not only very good in his ability to teach technique and the elements of drawing, but also created such a positive atmosphere in which to learn and grow. We, as a group, quickly recognized the benefits of learning from each other, as well. Although we lost a few members during the first few weeks, the core that remained made great progress in our ability to ‘see’ and to draw, found inspiration in each others’ work and had so much fun in the process.
I so agree with the you about the importance of play, and the value of making art with others. I remember my first drawing class and how intimidated I felt the first time I put up my work for critique. I was fortunate to have a great teacher, who was not only very good in his ability to teach technique and the elements of drawing, but also created such a positive atmosphere in which to learn and grow. We, as a group, quickly recognized the benefits of learning from each other, as well. Although we lost a few members during the first few weeks, the core that remained made great progress in our ability to ‘see’ and to draw, found inspiration in each others’ work and had so much fun in the process.
I so agree with the you about the importance of play, and the value of making art with others. I remember my first drawing class and how intimidated I felt the first time I put up my work for critique. I was fortunate to have a great teacher, who was not only very good in his ability to teach technique and the elements of drawing, but also created such a positive atmosphere in which to learn and grow. We, as a group, quickly recognized the benefits of learning from each other, as well. Although we lost a few members during the first few weeks, the core that remained made great progress in our ability to ‘see’ and to draw, found inspiration in each others’ work and had so much fun in the process.
I so agree with the you about the importance of play, and the value of making art with others. I remember my first drawing class and how intimidated I felt the first time I put up my work for critique. I was fortunate to have a great teacher, who was not only very good in his ability to teach technique and the elements of drawing, but also created such a positive atmosphere in which to learn and grow. We, as a group, quickly recognized the benefits of learning from each other, as well. Although we lost a few members during the first few weeks, the core that remained made great progress in our ability to ‘see’ and to draw, found inspiration in each others’ work and had so much fun in the process.
I so agree with the you about the importance of play, and the value of making art with others. I remember my first drawing class and how intimidated I felt the first time I put up my work for critique. I was fortunate to have a great teacher, who was not only very good in his ability to teach technique and the elements of drawing, but also created such a positive atmosphere in which to learn and grow. We, as a group, quickly recognized the benefits of learning from each other, as well. Although we lost a few members during the first few weeks, the core that remained made great progress in our ability to ‘see’ and to draw, found inspiration in each others’ work and had so much fun in the process.
Lori and Lorri…thanks for this post. I so relate to the fun and creative flow of working with other women artists. One of my friends calls this the “modern day sewing circle”. How wonderful to share life stories and concerns and ideas about art and inspiration.
Lori and Lorri…thanks for this post. I so relate to the fun and creative flow of working with other women artists. One of my friends calls this the “modern day sewing circle”. How wonderful to share life stories and concerns and ideas about art and inspiration.
Lori and Lorri…thanks for this post. I so relate to the fun and creative flow of working with other women artists. One of my friends calls this the “modern day sewing circle”. How wonderful to share life stories and concerns and ideas about art and inspiration.
Lori and Lorri…thanks for this post. I so relate to the fun and creative flow of working with other women artists. One of my friends calls this the “modern day sewing circle”. How wonderful to share life stories and concerns and ideas about art and inspiration.
Lori and Lorri…thanks for this post. I so relate to the fun and creative flow of working with other women artists. One of my friends calls this the “modern day sewing circle”. How wonderful to share life stories and concerns and ideas about art and inspiration.
This is a very valuable post! Thank you to Julie and Lori and Lorri! And, guess what? I am meeting some ladies for an art playdate today! Hooray! Now off to check out your Art Camp for Women site and start saving up! 🙂
This is a very valuable post! Thank you to Julie and Lori and Lorri! And, guess what? I am meeting some ladies for an art playdate today! Hooray! Now off to check out your Art Camp for Women site and start saving up! 🙂
This is a very valuable post! Thank you to Julie and Lori and Lorri! And, guess what? I am meeting some ladies for an art playdate today! Hooray! Now off to check out your Art Camp for Women site and start saving up! 🙂
This is a very valuable post! Thank you to Julie and Lori and Lorri! And, guess what? I am meeting some ladies for an art playdate today! Hooray! Now off to check out your Art Camp for Women site and start saving up! 🙂
This is a very valuable post! Thank you to Julie and Lori and Lorri! And, guess what? I am meeting some ladies for an art playdate today! Hooray! Now off to check out your Art Camp for Women site and start saving up! 🙂
such a wonderful post about the importance of sharing and supporting each other-thank you!
such a wonderful post about the importance of sharing and supporting each other-thank you!
such a wonderful post about the importance of sharing and supporting each other-thank you!
such a wonderful post about the importance of sharing and supporting each other-thank you!
such a wonderful post about the importance of sharing and supporting each other-thank you!
A great post with lots of good advice, info, AND lovely links. There’s a day’s good browsing here, thanks.
A great post with lots of good advice, info, AND lovely links. There’s a day’s good browsing here, thanks.
A great post with lots of good advice, info, AND lovely links. There’s a day’s good browsing here, thanks.
A great post with lots of good advice, info, AND lovely links. There’s a day’s good browsing here, thanks.
A great post with lots of good advice, info, AND lovely links. There’s a day’s good browsing here, thanks.
I can attest to the wonderfulness of “Art Camp For Women”! Lori & Lorri are generous women that truly care about the “art education and advancment” of women everywhere. Great set of resources!
I can attest to the wonderfulness of “Art Camp For Women”! Lori & Lorri are generous women that truly care about the “art education and advancment” of women everywhere. Great set of resources!
I can attest to the wonderfulness of “Art Camp For Women”! Lori & Lorri are generous women that truly care about the “art education and advancment” of women everywhere. Great set of resources!
I can attest to the wonderfulness of “Art Camp For Women”! Lori & Lorri are generous women that truly care about the “art education and advancment” of women everywhere. Great set of resources!
I can attest to the wonderfulness of “Art Camp For Women”! Lori & Lorri are generous women that truly care about the “art education and advancment” of women everywhere. Great set of resources!
I have long been a member of online art groups and these have been my mainstay for a number of years (still are!),one of which is the same small group that Lori W mentions in her bio. Recently I have been fortunate enough to meet a few other local artists and we get together to create occasionally. It is one of the most fulfilling things to do! It has given me some ideas to make the local get-togethers more regular. Thanks for this informative article.
I have long been a member of online art groups and these have been my mainstay for a number of years (still are!),one of which is the same small group that Lori W mentions in her bio. Recently I have been fortunate enough to meet a few other local artists and we get together to create occasionally. It is one of the most fulfilling things to do! It has given me some ideas to make the local get-togethers more regular. Thanks for this informative article.
I have long been a member of online art groups and these have been my mainstay for a number of years (still are!),one of which is the same small group that Lori W mentions in her bio. Recently I have been fortunate enough to meet a few other local artists and we get together to create occasionally. It is one of the most fulfilling things to do! It has given me some ideas to make the local get-togethers more regular. Thanks for this informative article.
I have long been a member of online art groups and these have been my mainstay for a number of years (still are!),one of which is the same small group that Lori W mentions in her bio. Recently I have been fortunate enough to meet a few other local artists and we get together to create occasionally. It is one of the most fulfilling things to do! It has given me some ideas to make the local get-togethers more regular. Thanks for this informative article.
I have long been a member of online art groups and these have been my mainstay for a number of years (still are!),one of which is the same small group that Lori W mentions in her bio. Recently I have been fortunate enough to meet a few other local artists and we get together to create occasionally. It is one of the most fulfilling things to do! It has given me some ideas to make the local get-togethers more regular. Thanks for this informative article.
I enjoy sharing everyone’s work here thanks for the link party.
I enjoy sharing everyone’s work here thanks for the link party.
I enjoy sharing everyone’s work here thanks for the link party.
I enjoy sharing everyone’s work here thanks for the link party.
I enjoy sharing everyone’s work here thanks for the link party.
Great information! Art Camp sounds like so much fun. I’ll have to start stuffing the piggy bank. Thanks, Lorri and Lori, Thanks so much for this.
Great information! Art Camp sounds like so much fun. I’ll have to start stuffing the piggy bank. Thanks, Lorri and Lori, Thanks so much for this.
Great information! Art Camp sounds like so much fun. I’ll have to start stuffing the piggy bank. Thanks, Lorri and Lori, Thanks so much for this.
Great information! Art Camp sounds like so much fun. I’ll have to start stuffing the piggy bank. Thanks, Lorri and Lori, Thanks so much for this.
Great information! Art Camp sounds like so much fun. I’ll have to start stuffing the piggy bank. Thanks, Lorri and Lori, Thanks so much for this.
thanks for the great resources in this post, Lorri and Lori. I have a mixed media group of friends. we usually get together once a month and make art. we have so much fun and we share supplies and help each other out. last month, a friend helped me figure out what was wrong with my sewing machine. I’m so grateful for my arty friends.
thanks for the great resources in this post, Lorri and Lori. I have a mixed media group of friends. we usually get together once a month and make art. we have so much fun and we share supplies and help each other out. last month, a friend helped me figure out what was wrong with my sewing machine. I’m so grateful for my arty friends.
thanks for the great resources in this post, Lorri and Lori. I have a mixed media group of friends. we usually get together once a month and make art. we have so much fun and we share supplies and help each other out. last month, a friend helped me figure out what was wrong with my sewing machine. I’m so grateful for my arty friends.
thanks for the great resources in this post, Lorri and Lori. I have a mixed media group of friends. we usually get together once a month and make art. we have so much fun and we share supplies and help each other out. last month, a friend helped me figure out what was wrong with my sewing machine. I’m so grateful for my arty friends.
thanks for the great resources in this post, Lorri and Lori. I have a mixed media group of friends. we usually get together once a month and make art. we have so much fun and we share supplies and help each other out. last month, a friend helped me figure out what was wrong with my sewing machine. I’m so grateful for my arty friends.