Background: In December 2003, a debate flared up online when someone used the phrase ‘true art’ and tried to suggest that some artists’ works aren’t really art. This was my reply. I think that it applies to many discussions about art as a profession, so I’ve included it here. If we start debating what is…
Aisling’s Articles
Teaching at National Art Events
If you’ve been teaching at shops for awhile, national art events might be your logical next step. However, they’re not the best choice for everyone. For the first year or two, expect to lose money teaching at art events. Event paychecks may look juicy, but when you factor in travel, supplies (that you provide), and…
More Dangerous Women
For another art doll exchange (a swap), I decided to modify my earlier “dangerous women” cloth doll design. I rarely work from a pattern anyway, so any time I decide to repeat a design, it’s not likely to turn out the same as the original. The photo above is one of a series of six…
Gesso – What It Is and How to Use It
Gesso can be a useful for art journaling as well as painting and mixed media art. I use gesso often when I’m creating heavily embellished pages in my art journals. (Usually, I use Liquitex gesso, or whatever comes from a reliable brand, isn’t too water-y, and is inexpensive. See my current recommendations at the foot…
Artfest Doll
Many years ago, I taught at Artfest. It was a golden era, and – for the first few years – I had a wonderful time. At one Artfest, organizer Teesha Moore gave us simple cloth dolls. I think her grandmother had assembled them. When I received mine, I promptly embellished her. Here’s the result. (I…
Art Journaling with Mixed-Media Collage – Tips for Beginners
As I’m writing this (April 2002), I’m starting each day with an art journaling collage, the same as I used to do morning pages. I allow myself a half an hour for the initial collage process. Then, later in the day, I may go back several times – adding more things – until I’m pleased…
Artists Journals – My Letter to Erin
Below is an article about creating an artists journal. I wrote it early in 2002. Before you read it, here’s the backstory: Back then, I was preparing to leave a difficult marriage. My then-husband wanted me out of the house, but I insisted on staying until my youngest child finished high school. It probably wasn’t…
Dangerous Women Reaching for the Stars
Dangerous women, reaching for the stars… they were some of my earliest pindolls from one basic concept. I made them in 1998 and 1999. My concept was this: Work with a simple, triangular design. Create dolls that could be pinned to a curtain, or — for courageous people — worn on a lapel. These are…