Seth Apter's Blog, page 21
June 13, 2017
It's All in the Details
One of my mottos when it comes to mixed media is more is more. There is always room for one more layer or a little more texture.
Another one of my mottos is it is all in the details. I have learned that even the smallest detail, perhaps not even noticed at first glance, can elevate your artwork. Put those two mottos together and I bet you can guess that I like a lot of detail.
I am happy to be a guest blogger at Spellbinders, sharing my favorite techniques to add details to my work. Read all about it and see more pics here.
Another one of my mottos is it is all in the details. I have learned that even the smallest detail, perhaps not even noticed at first glance, can elevate your artwork. Put those two mottos together and I bet you can guess that I like a lot of detail.
I am happy to be a guest blogger at Spellbinders, sharing my favorite techniques to add details to my work. Read all about it and see more pics here.
June 12, 2017
Working Small: Two by Two
I love working on a small scale. A perfect example of that is the original journal I made for my 52 Card Pickup workshop.
Made from a standard deck of playing cards measuring 3.5 x 2.5 inches, this little project is filled with a whole lot.
I recently came across a book I made for my retreat last year in Taos, New Mexico. At 2 x 2 inches, this book makes the deck of cards seem large.
I do not find working on such a small surface limiting at all. Instead, I feel like a whole universe can be created on each tiny space.
How about you? Do you like working small? Large? Both?
Made from a standard deck of playing cards measuring 3.5 x 2.5 inches, this little project is filled with a whole lot.
I recently came across a book I made for my retreat last year in Taos, New Mexico. At 2 x 2 inches, this book makes the deck of cards seem large.
I do not find working on such a small surface limiting at all. Instead, I feel like a whole universe can be created on each tiny space.
How about you? Do you like working small? Large? Both?
June 10, 2017
The Sunday Papers: 17
Welcome to The Sunday Papers. Grab a cuppa, get comfy and turn the virtual pages. Didn't get last week's paper delivery? See every edition here.FACE OFF
Kris GebhardtTEXTILE FILE
Susanna BauerDYNAMIC CERAMIC
Sam HallCOLLECTION PERFECTION
David HayesSURFACE
David QuinnART CRUSH
Christopher E. Manning
June 7, 2017
Artful Adventures
So very excited for Nathalie Kalbach, author of Artful Adventures in Mixed Media, her newly released book from North Light.
Artful Adventures in Mixed Media
As I write this post, the book is ranked #1 in Acrylic Painting on Amazon. The pages of this book are filled with both instruction and inspiration. Just some of the techniques covered include layered texture, monoprinting, photo manipulation, blotted line drawing, and graffiti layering. She covers principles and elements of art, acrylic gels and layers, composition and focal point, collage and assemblage, color wheels and art journaling. And she does all this in the context of taking an artful adventure, whether that be a visit to an artist studio, taking art strolls through a museum. being out in nature, journaling on the go, and more.
I am thrilled to be a guest artist in this book, sharing my inspiration of travels and creating Ephemeral Discoveries for the book.
I also had the pleasure to spend some time talking to Nathalie about our lives in art, touching on such diverse subjects as organizing found objects, travel journaling, collecting trash, and connecting with people. You can watch the conversation below.
Artful Adventures in Mixed Media Interview with Seth Apter from Nathalie Kalbach on Vimeo.
Artful Adventures in Mixed MediaAs I write this post, the book is ranked #1 in Acrylic Painting on Amazon. The pages of this book are filled with both instruction and inspiration. Just some of the techniques covered include layered texture, monoprinting, photo manipulation, blotted line drawing, and graffiti layering. She covers principles and elements of art, acrylic gels and layers, composition and focal point, collage and assemblage, color wheels and art journaling. And she does all this in the context of taking an artful adventure, whether that be a visit to an artist studio, taking art strolls through a museum. being out in nature, journaling on the go, and more.
I am thrilled to be a guest artist in this book, sharing my inspiration of travels and creating Ephemeral Discoveries for the book.
I also had the pleasure to spend some time talking to Nathalie about our lives in art, touching on such diverse subjects as organizing found objects, travel journaling, collecting trash, and connecting with people. You can watch the conversation below.
Artful Adventures in Mixed Media Interview with Seth Apter from Nathalie Kalbach on Vimeo.
June 3, 2017
The Sunday Papers: 15
Welcome to The Sunday Papers. Grab a cuppa, get comfy and turn the virtual pages. Didn't get last week's paper delivery? See every edition here.
Today's section: Arts and Culture News
Everything you ever wanted to know about Indigo...
Easy metal patina...
In praise of splatter-painted floors...
The world's quirkiest museums...
Old masters meet the streets...
June 1, 2017
Make it Your Own: 17
I always find it exciting when I come across artwork online that incorporates my product lines. Seeing how different people use these items in such creative ways is always inspiring. I love the wide variety of styles and unique choices. Click each link below for more details on each and click here to see other posts in this series.
Chris Cresswell
(PaperArtsy Eclectica 04 Rubber Stamp Set; Impression Obsession Journal Coins Rubber Stamp Set)
Alison Bomber
(PaperArtsy Wood Chips Set 1)
Lorraine Aquilina
(Spellbinders Robo Ring Die Set)
Angela Radford
(Impression Obsession Universe Stamp, Rotators Stamp Set, Extra Time Stamp; Spellbinders Ring Around Die Set, Broken Maze Die)
Debi Adams
(Impression Obsession Context Rubber Stamp Set; StencilGirl Numbers Stencil)
Ann Chuang
(Spellbinders Drip Drop Die Set; PaperArtsy Eclectica 02 Stamp Set, PaperArtsy Eclectica 02 Stamp Set)
Amanda Pink
(StencilGirl You Got This Stencil)
Chris Cresswell
(PaperArtsy Eclectica 04 Rubber Stamp Set; Impression Obsession Journal Coins Rubber Stamp Set)Alison Bomber
(PaperArtsy Wood Chips Set 1)Lorraine Aquilina
(Spellbinders Robo Ring Die Set)Angela Radford
(Impression Obsession Universe Stamp, Rotators Stamp Set, Extra Time Stamp; Spellbinders Ring Around Die Set, Broken Maze Die)Debi Adams
(Impression Obsession Context Rubber Stamp Set; StencilGirl Numbers Stencil)Ann Chuang
(Spellbinders Drip Drop Die Set; PaperArtsy Eclectica 02 Stamp Set, PaperArtsy Eclectica 02 Stamp Set)Amanda Pink
(StencilGirl You Got This Stencil)
May 30, 2017
#ARTifacts: April 2017
Artifacts (plural noun): objects made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest.
ARTifacts (plural noun): a collaborative project for 2017 documenting adventures in art.
Every year I have so many "art memories" from my travels, my teaching, my adventures in NYC, and my studio work. I have decided that 2017 will be the year of ARTifacts where I document my adventures in art for the entire year in a physical book. Always wanting to be inclusive, I turned my project into a no-rules collaboration.
Participants were asked to find or make some sort of artist book, planner, scrapbook, 3-ring-binder, folder, or other container to document their creative experiences, whether they be in art, craft, or anything else. As you can see below, each and every participant put their own creative twist on this project. And it is never too late to join. Email me at shap97@gmail.com if you would like to participate.
-------------------------------------
JANUARY 2017
FEBRUARY 2017
MARCH 2017
APRIL 2017
Gwen Lafleur
Carol Ann Wiebe
Bleubeard and Elizabeth
Cecile Graven
Felicity Griffin Clark
Karen Campbell
Kathy Fritz
Raylee Syrch
Debi Adams
Nan Murphy
Robert Stockton
Karenann Young
Diana Gabriella
Teresa Morgan
Julie Short
Kelley Fewer
Monique van Dijk
Donna Ellis
ARTifacts (plural noun): a collaborative project for 2017 documenting adventures in art.
Every year I have so many "art memories" from my travels, my teaching, my adventures in NYC, and my studio work. I have decided that 2017 will be the year of ARTifacts where I document my adventures in art for the entire year in a physical book. Always wanting to be inclusive, I turned my project into a no-rules collaboration.
Participants were asked to find or make some sort of artist book, planner, scrapbook, 3-ring-binder, folder, or other container to document their creative experiences, whether they be in art, craft, or anything else. As you can see below, each and every participant put their own creative twist on this project. And it is never too late to join. Email me at shap97@gmail.com if you would like to participate.
-------------------------------------
JANUARY 2017
FEBRUARY 2017
MARCH 2017
APRIL 2017
Gwen Lafleur
Carol Ann Wiebe
Bleubeard and Elizabeth
Cecile Graven
Felicity Griffin Clark
Karen Campbell
Kathy Fritz
Raylee Syrch
Debi Adams
Nan Murphy
Robert Stockton
Karenann Young
Diana Gabriella
Teresa Morgan
Julie Short
Kelley Fewer
Monique van Dijk
Donna Ellis
May 29, 2017
Cocoon With Me
I am beyond thrilled to be teaching in Vermont for the first time at a very special, one-time-only event.
I am joining Angela Cartwright (mixed media artist who played Penny on Lost in Space and Brigitta in The Sound of Music) and Connie Freedman (mixed media artist who has been on the cover of Somerset Studio) for a Mixed Media Cocoon Retreat at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe Vermont from November 5-9. Registration is now open.
Every participant will take a full day workshop with each of us. And there are some extra special events as well: welcome reception and dinner, optional private lunch and presentation with me, private viewing of The Sound of Music, presentation and Q&A with Angela, graduation dinner, and more....
----------------------
Angela Cartwright -Artists Do Tell Tales
Join me on a journey to alter your photographs by painting, coloring and stenciling. We'll use our imagination on our quest to push the envelope in this safe environment of exploration and storytelling. We'll combine mixed media with photography, water color, inks and pens. Experimenting with text, music, and ephemera. We'll play with my new line of stencils, dress shadows in our stories and we won't be afraid to spread our wings. No artist experience necessary...just a will to explore the art within you with an open mind and heart. For the experienced artist, enjoy the metamorphosis.
Seth Apter - A Book of Windows
A cocoon is a covering that protects what is inside and, in the art world, perhaps the ultimate cocoon is a book. In this workshop, you will transform the most basic of materials - book board and paper - into a memorable and unique handmade page-turner. The focus of the class will be on learning a no-sew binding technique that is easily completed by the beginner but will also likely be a new approach to bookbinding for the seasoned pro. Our cocoon theme continues between the covers as well, as we will create pages that serve as frames, waiting for the perfect images to slip inside. Once the book structure is complete, we will decorate the cover mixed media style. Each attendee will leave the class with a unique, completed book that will hold all the memories of your retreat experience within.
Connie Freedman - Affections of the Heart
The tradition began in the nineteenth century with Queen Victoria. The Queen was an amateur practitioner of the textile ares, who thought that soldiers might find quilting or needlework a great distraction while far away from home or covering from injury. During World War I British soldiers created beaded pin cushions to send home to their mothers, sisters, wives & sweethearts. They were filled with sawdust and embellished with beads, sequins, felt, ribbons, terms of endearment and a snippet from their unit and regimen colors. Join me in creating your own masterpiece using the techniques British soldiers used so long ago. Each beautiful token of affection will be your very own one of a kind creation to treasure as they have been in the past. Only basic sewing techniques needed.
For more information and to register, click here.
I am joining Angela Cartwright (mixed media artist who played Penny on Lost in Space and Brigitta in The Sound of Music) and Connie Freedman (mixed media artist who has been on the cover of Somerset Studio) for a Mixed Media Cocoon Retreat at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe Vermont from November 5-9. Registration is now open.
Every participant will take a full day workshop with each of us. And there are some extra special events as well: welcome reception and dinner, optional private lunch and presentation with me, private viewing of The Sound of Music, presentation and Q&A with Angela, graduation dinner, and more....
----------------------
Angela Cartwright -Artists Do Tell Tales
Join me on a journey to alter your photographs by painting, coloring and stenciling. We'll use our imagination on our quest to push the envelope in this safe environment of exploration and storytelling. We'll combine mixed media with photography, water color, inks and pens. Experimenting with text, music, and ephemera. We'll play with my new line of stencils, dress shadows in our stories and we won't be afraid to spread our wings. No artist experience necessary...just a will to explore the art within you with an open mind and heart. For the experienced artist, enjoy the metamorphosis.
Seth Apter - A Book of Windows
A cocoon is a covering that protects what is inside and, in the art world, perhaps the ultimate cocoon is a book. In this workshop, you will transform the most basic of materials - book board and paper - into a memorable and unique handmade page-turner. The focus of the class will be on learning a no-sew binding technique that is easily completed by the beginner but will also likely be a new approach to bookbinding for the seasoned pro. Our cocoon theme continues between the covers as well, as we will create pages that serve as frames, waiting for the perfect images to slip inside. Once the book structure is complete, we will decorate the cover mixed media style. Each attendee will leave the class with a unique, completed book that will hold all the memories of your retreat experience within.
Connie Freedman - Affections of the Heart
The tradition began in the nineteenth century with Queen Victoria. The Queen was an amateur practitioner of the textile ares, who thought that soldiers might find quilting or needlework a great distraction while far away from home or covering from injury. During World War I British soldiers created beaded pin cushions to send home to their mothers, sisters, wives & sweethearts. They were filled with sawdust and embellished with beads, sequins, felt, ribbons, terms of endearment and a snippet from their unit and regimen colors. Join me in creating your own masterpiece using the techniques British soldiers used so long ago. Each beautiful token of affection will be your very own one of a kind creation to treasure as they have been in the past. Only basic sewing techniques needed.
For more information and to register, click here.
May 28, 2017
Join me Down Under
Just one month away from what has become an annual adventure in Australia. For those of you down under, I wanted to share my updated itinerary as new workshops are about to be announced. Hope those of you in Oz will consider joining me.
Victoria
Fibre Arts Australia
Ballarat
July 6 - July 10A Library of MemoriesWorkshop is filled
New South Wales
Fibre Arts Australia
Woodlawn
July 12 - July 15A Library of MemoriesRegistration is open
New South Wales
Hornsby SydneyJuly 18 - 52 Card PickupJuly 19 - Mixed Media MashupRegistration now openEmail me at shap97@gmail.com for details and to register
Victoria
Fibre Arts Australia
Ballarat
July 6 - July 10A Library of MemoriesWorkshop is filled
New South Wales
Fibre Arts Australia
Woodlawn
July 12 - July 15A Library of MemoriesRegistration is open
New South Wales
Hornsby SydneyJuly 18 - 52 Card PickupJuly 19 - Mixed Media MashupRegistration now openEmail me at shap97@gmail.com for details and to register
The Sunday Papers: 15
Welcome to The Sunday Papers. Grab a cuppa, get comfy and turn the virtual pages. Didn't get last week's paper delivery? See every edition here.FACE OFF
Tracy VerdugoWAXING POETIC
Julie SnidleMARK MAKING
Patti Roberts-PizzutoDYNAMIC CERAMIC
COLLECTION PERFECTION
Cathe HoldenSURFACE
Felicity Griffin ClarkCounterweave ArtsART CRUSH
Ngaio Lenz
