Thursday, May 23, 2013

Old paper, The Written Word and Fussbudget

Fussbudget
encaustic and paper on birch 6 x 6
There are a lot of old books in this world.  Lots of old paper and the written word.  I've never really been one to "deface" a book..  Yet, it seems such a shame to let all that good paper go to waste.  I stumbled upon a "vintage" dictionary - well, one from the early 70's.  I guess that does count as vintage - or at least all most.  It does have a nice ring to it - vintage.  Seems to add a little extra being that its old and salvaged.  I do love vintage paper in artwork.  And,  I do love books, and words and the randomness it brings when a single page is pulled out of context and used. I love how the words show through in places adding an extra element. 

Wax lends itself pretty well to paper - especially if I mount it on a birch panel.  I've been getting some new small works together for my upcoming show for June.  I needed to shake it up a bit and try some new things.  I've noticed lots of really cool artwork done on old book pages and decided to to use this as inspiration.  Fussbudget here is one of a few that I have dreamed up lately.  Its been fun to just let go and paint whatever subject comes to mind.  Using the old book pages seems to get my imagination going and release any seriousness that I've been feeling lately.  I really like the finished/unfinished, see through aspect of these - the partial and hidden view kind of piques the interest and makes you linger just a little bit longer.  Fun, I think.

I'm sorry I missed the party last week.  Too much on the plate - and overflowing for the next couple of weeks, I'm afraid.  I'll do my best to cruise the blogs and see all the amazing art out in the world.  Party on! and Keep on the creative trail :)

17 comments:

  1. I know what you mean about tearing up a perfecly good book but otherwise some of them would have no purpose ever again. especially old maps. Love those!this piece with the rabbit is wonderful! I really like the book page showing through like that.

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  2. This is so very sweet!
    I absolutely love it!

    I love incorporating old books and maps into my work, too.
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  3. but it looks so good! I love using papers in all my stuff-take care

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  4. I love painting on old book pages. I use one that was battered and falling to pieces so gave it a new lease of life.

    This is such a cute bunny!

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  5. Love your bunny on the dictionary pages. Vintage as the early 70s seems I still occasionally run to my World Book Encyclopedias circa 1970 for a quick answer! Like you, I have never been one to tear up a book. I have a lot in my attic that someday will either be trash or art. LOL!

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  6. Love this bunny. I have two in my back yard and this reminds me of our sweet girl Praline....you have captured the bunny essence. Love the use of the dictionary substrate. xox

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  7. This is lovely, it is great fun using old paper - something I love too! Valerie

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  8. loving the results. Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  9. what a sweet bunny-another beautiful encaustic project!

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  10. Cool bunny, Marji. It looks so realistic. Thank you for sharing and have a nice and creative week.

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  11. Love the bunny, old books fascinate me and I found that the paper in them is lovely to paint on.

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  12. Gorgeous - I know what you mean about defacing the book but I try to overcome it too :-) LoL
    Lovely page and superb Bunny :-D
    Happy PPF

    Hugz
    IKE xx #23

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  13. Lovely bunny, and I love how you did the background ....

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  14. This is adorable! Love fussbudget, so rich, great depth with the pages. I'm with you though I have a hard time with defacing books no matter how old they are...yet all artists seem to do it!! Good job...

    Hugs Giggles

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  15. I love this. Like you I've seen so many wonderful artworks done on old books while wandering through blogland and it is also something I keep thinking I would love to try. Although I don't have any old books so I better go find an old book store first! I really love this wax art you do - it looks amazing and you're right, it work's perfectly on this paper.

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  16. Sweet painting, lovely style! <3

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  17. I often use book paper to paint on, and like you was a little squirly at first about cutting up perfectly decent books, as a child I was told to look after books! But it makes for such fabulous backgrounds, I have never tryed painting with wax, your rabbit is beautiful

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