Art Prompt:Use a page of foreign text for a background layer.

Foreign text in Background

Used Book stores . . . → Read More: Art Journal Project 2012 – Week 21 – Art Camp for Women]]> These weekly prompts  are not intended to make an entire page  but instead are meant to give you a starting point  when you need one. For more about how the Journal Project got started and how it works click here.

Art Prompt:Use a page of foreign text for a background layer.

Foreign text in Background

Used Book stores have paperback texts in Korean, Chinese, French-English dictionaries, Spanish-English dictionaries…Chinese, Indian, Japanese restaurants  will have newspapers in the foyer  – all good sources of foreign text.

Writing Prompt: Write about your place of worship.

If you want more help with Art Journaling click here.

1) Name:Lou Haines

Lou's Art - in the middle of it!

2) When did you attend . . . → Read More: Alumni – Lou Ann Haines – October 2011]]> When Lou came to Art Camp for Women last fall, she was on the way to her first ‘big’ art demonstration/teaching gig. Here is our interview in its entirety as she answered so graciously, articulately AND with humor to my semi-awkward questions.

1) Name:Lou Haines

Lou's Art - in the middle of it!

2) When did you attend Art Camp for Women? October 2011

3) What had you choose Art Camp for Women – there are many to choose from.

LH: Honestly, I’m not sure.  It was my first “camp” and I really didn’t know what I should expect.  So, I looked around on the internet and found you.  The real draw (in the beginning) was the artist, Alisa Burke.  When I found out that she was going to be unable to attend and that Kelli Nina Perkins would fill in for her, then I was sure I wanted to come!  Besides, I thought Colorado was far enough from Ohio that it would really seem like a vacation!

4) Are you pursuing your art? Are you doing any particular piece right now or are you entered in any show? What I am trying to ask is what is happening with art for you now?

LH: Right after camp in October, I flew to Houston to participate in the International Quilt Festival. (the ‘big’ gig mentioned above)  There, I participated in “Make-it University” and demonstrated how to make my beaded felt bracelets.

Make It University - Houston

After that, I had an art show/sale at the university I work at, and have just finished my first online class for Joggles – doing my beaded felt bracelets.  I have a new addiction to Pinterest and have tried more than a few of the art/craft things I have found there.

Right now, believe it or not, I am working on turning a plastic toy elephant into a beautiful pincushion!  You might say my art is a “little eclectic”!  I’m also still trying to get the hang of journaling and watercolors…

5) What did you get the most out of at Art Camp for Women? Or said differently, what did you like most at Camp?

LH: I have used so much of what I learned at Art Camp.  New techniques, new friends, great food, and especially the time I spent with Lori W. one-on-one with her coaching was invaluable when I went to Houston for my first teaching assignment!  I learned that while you can try any number of things at Art Camp, there are a few things that will really stick with you and help you develop as an artist.  I am thinking specifically of Kelli’s paper beads and also finding out that I am really terrible at “writing” with a sewing machine!  There were just so many things that we could try and learn!

6) Did Art Camp for Women have a lasting impact on you?

LH: Most definitely!  The things I learned have helped me in so many ways.

7) What can you say to other women considering coming to camp?

LH: Do it, do it, do it!!  It is a wonderful experience!  If you love being pampered, making friends, meeting accomplished artists and learning from them, and being in the beautiful Rockies, this would be the camp for you!  I loved it (and I’m not getting paid to say this)!!

Is there anything else you would like to say about Camp and your experience of it?  LH: Lorri and Lori are the best, friendliest, and most caring ladies!  You will love the experience!

9) Do you have a blog or website you would like us to share with our Campers?

LH: Sure, although I am terrible at keeping it current…

http://visionsfromamixedmediadesk.blogspot.com/

10) Please send us a current picture of you or of you and a piece of your art.

Lou Ann Haines

Art Prompt: Draw wavy lines and put your text between the lines – see example

Example of . . . → Read More: Art Journal Project 2012-Week 20-Art Camp for Women]]> These weekly prompts  are not intended to make an entire page  but instead are meant to give you a starting point  when you need one. For more about how the Journal Project got started and how it works click here.

Art Prompt: Draw wavy lines and put your text between the lines – see example

Example of text in Wavy Lines

click on image to see more clearly

Writing Prompt: Write a short, but bold, statement about the biggest happening this year. For you personally or in the news.

If you want more help with Art Journaling click here.

Why do I have to force myself to get out, mingle and feed my creative side??  I belong to a small art group and to a much larger contemporary art quilt group and every month I have to give myself an extra nudge to go to our meetings.  It’s a . . . → Read More: The joys of being with other creative people (and why we need to push ourselves to get out and mingle!)]]>

My art group "Uncommon Cloth" (Lorri F third from left)

Why do I have to force myself to get out, mingle and feed my creative side??  I belong to a small art group and to a much larger contemporary art quilt group and every month I have to give myself an extra nudge to go to our meetings.  It’s a common theme in my life and by the time I work and run errands for our household, I’d rather stay home and slip down to my art room if I have a few moments (and some energy) left in the day.    It’s just easier to stay home!  However, when I  ”stay home” too long, I find myself feeling stale; out of ideas and inspiration.

Last Saturday, I went to a talk by Seth Apter held at Two Hands Paperie in Boulder, Colorado.  It was a completely inspiring, nurturing morning listening to Seth and other artists featured in his book,  “The Pulse of Mixed Media: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed.”  I stayed for the whole time and was one of the last to leave. HOWEVER, I must confess that it wasn’t my idea to go to the talk.  Lori W. wanted to go, but had a scheduling conflict and asked me if I would go instead.   It was on a Saturday morning and if I had my druthers, I would stay home.  But I gave myself a little push and went to Seth’s talk because I knew I would LOVE it once I got there…and of course, I did!

"Art is NOT Optional" tote bag from www.artistcellar.com

Once I do get out, I love the energy of being with my art friends.  I’m inspired, recharged and come home with new ideas for my work.  That’s when I laugh at my silliness and remind myself that  it’s essential for me to be with other creative people and to stop thinking about getting out and JUST DO IT!  Lori’s friend Lisa, the owner of artistcellar, sells bags printed with the phrase “Art is NOT Optional” and neither is creative nurturing time with other people.  When I stay home, I’m cheating myself out of the richness of sharing and being inspired by others.

Bringing creative people together (and we’re all creative by the way) is one of the reasons Lori and I started Art Camp for Women.  While working at home on our own or watching a DVD or online class has it’s benefits – nothing takes the place of the creative energy that is generated by a group of women coming together.  You can get “unstuck” in a matter of minutes if you have someone else to turn to plus you get great  ideas when you can see what your fellow campers are doing – everyone brings their unique creativity to the group to share.

Lori and I started Art Camp for Women because we wanted a retreat where women would be nutured with good food, fantastic teachers and the joy of sharing the creative experience with other women.  We encourage you to get out and mingle – whether it’s at Art Camp, with friends and neighbors or an art group of your own – you deserve it!