A Continuation of Experimentation...

So, the latest creative project to fully grab my attention has been Freezer-paper Stencils. I've made a few attempts already, some with more success than others, but I determined that still more experiments were needed.

Often, with art projects, I'll see an idea, investigate it, do a little research and then jump right into the doing. Looking back over the history of my art projects, I begin to notice a trend emerging: I try a new thing. Then, once I feel like I've mastered a particular skill - to a satisfying level of accomplishment, I move on to something new, never to return, unless a specific need emerges later (ie. a gift idea or to create a particular something or other).

This whole cycle generally is complete after just one or two attempts. I mean, I do have a few mediums I love and keep coming back to (color pencil, acrylic or oil paints)... but for a new project to keep my interest longer than just for me to get a cursory feel for it, there needs to be a perfect blending of difficulty and appeal. If that balance is just right, if it grips me and the outcome is promising enough, I'll get caught-up in the joy of creation and can spend countless hours laboring over a single item so it'll turn out "just right". (A perfect example: the Gir-Mobile.. endless hours, yes, but perfectly hilarious results!)

Enter: Freezer-paper Stencils. They aren't difficult per say but, thus far, I have yet to be 100% satisfied with the results. I've definitely learned things and feel more comfortable with the process overall.. however, there seems to be more to it than simply understanding; there's a technique to master. It's like a science experiment; there are multiple variables to consider: pattern subject and complexity, fabric type, paint type and consistency, color ratios, brush size and stroke pattern... or any combination of all of the above!

I think I may actually stick with this particular project a while; I am intrigued by the challenge!


So far, when making prints, I've used a canvas bag and a couple of suitcases. Things basically worked like the tutorials said they should, but I figured I could do better.

Lesson 1: When using black and white patterns, inverting dark and light makes a difference.
vs.
Conclusion: Dark on dark confuses the eye.. keep it simple and straight-forward.

Lesson 2: Canvas is coarse and not very absorbent. And: using an iron on a suitcase introduces more than a few difficulties.

Conclusion: Try softer fabrics that are more iron friendly.

This time, I opted for articles of mostly cotton clothing and was more careful with the patterns and color choices. Here are my latest endeavors:


I think this was pretty successful!