Cultivate Simplicity, No. 4

Do you know the feeling of letting go of all inhibitions? Like you trust the process of LIFE and you are happy to just wake up and go? That’s how our marbles felt at the art class I taught at 2Towns Ciderhouse in Corvallis (thank you Hannah and Matt @2Towns). We let those wee scamps run wild and our art showed this freedom.

I taught the process of creating art on a large piece of watercolor paper using marbles rolled in intense watercolors, then set free by spraying the lines with water to let them ‘bloom’. When the art was dry, we each created a book by folding and making three cuts (then folding into the book form).

This process is probably my favorite activity of the entire summer. There’s something to it that feels wild and a little reckless; a little ‘outside of the box’. It’s exhilarating and definitely carefree–feelings I’d love to carry with me into the rest of my week/month/year.

Supplies Used:

Heavy watercolor paper (we used 9 x 16″ pieces, any size will do but it’s important to know the folded book will be roughly 1/4 the size of the original piece)

Glass marbles, Bone Folder, Scissors, Spray Bottle for water

Dr. PH Martin watercolors, calligraphy ink

PVA Glue, Cloth Tape, Packaging Tape, Fabric Strips

Iridescent Watercolor Powder, Craftsmart Premium Wax Finish Gold/Silver

Heat Gun to speed drying

Coming Opportunities:

Neurographic Art class at Albany Public Library on August 6 at 5:30pm.

Book a private art party!

Commission a pet portrait!

Upcoming Art Classes

I would be tickled to see you at any of these classes! Please join me for art, fun, conversation, and shared space. No experience necessary.

May 22 AND May 29, 5:30-6:30 PM, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, 33930 SE Eastgate Cir, Corvallis, OR 97333

Neurographic Art: Part meditation, part processing, part prayer, part art, part poetry, this process is deeply soulful and empowering. You will amaze yourself with your finished piece!

May 23, 6-8 PM, CreativiTEE, 110 Commercial St NE Downtown Salem

Papermaking: Jaqui will lead you through the steps she has used in her own practice. This process of creating something new out of tired, old documents is deeply soulful and empowering. Jaqui has used her documents from 10 years ago, as well as her childhood poetry. Your paper will not be completely dry when you leave, but you’ll be given the tools to complete the work.