Frida's Book

We talked about the diary of Frida Kahlo last week so I wanted to post just a few images contained within this beautifully rendered, intimate manuscript. While Frida's diary isn't an altered book per se, it is a mixed media account of her life, and as such, relates to the work we're doing in class. I've always been drawn to this book because I find Frida's images passionate and rich and her handwriting full of spirit and beauty. I also really like how the ink Frida used in her diary soaks through the pages so you get a reversed image of light text on the page you're viewing. (Reminds me of the Medieval palimpsests I mentioned in class as the first unofficial altered books.) I'll bring my copy of Frida's diary to class on Monday.

A New Class!

I am incredibly excited to be teaching Introduction to Altered Books at the Arts Center again. We have a bright class of eager artists positively brimming with ideas. Artists have chosen their themes, prepared their pages and are getting down to the business of making art. As it was with the last class,  being around so much creative energy has reinvigorated my own art making. Tomorrow I will spend the kids' nap time in the studio. Hopefully I'll have something new to share tomorrow evening. In the meantime, I'm posting a couple luscious pieces from two prolific mixed media artists: Sabrina Ward Harrison and Anahata Katkin. I have been in awe of SWH for years, but Anahata Katkin is new to me. I find the images from her art journals especially interesting. I added links to both of these artists' websites over there ------>. Check them out.