04 June 2010

the sketchbook project


There was a ton of chatter on an email list I belong to (Quiltart - I'm looking at you) about something called The Sketchbook Project.

It took me about thirty seconds to decide to join it.

I got my sketchbook in the mail the other day and now I'm faced with the (daunting) task of deciding on specifically what to do in it. The theme I chose is "First thing in the morning, last thing at night."

The rules state "You are free to unbind, rebind and alter the book in any way you feel fit. If you want to use a thicker stock of paper, go for it!" The temptation to fill it full of something fiber art was there for a moment but I'm really trying to indulge my paper art skills more so I think I'm going to leave it with that. I'm intrigued by yanking all the pages out and adding in my own...

What I really like about this project is that it becomes a permanent part of The Brooklyn Art Library. It appeals to me that I get to have my way with it for a few months and then it goes out into the world to play all on its own without supervision.

After all the books are in, it will also tour during 2011. It'll be in Chicago in May, I might have to take a road trip. Or perhaps it will be a good excuse to finally go out to New York, I've never been there before.

So I need to figure out what to do in the book. I've got a few ideas - been thinking about daydreams and nightdreams, to-do lists, sunrises and sunsets....maybe I should put them all in there but I think I'd like to pick one and stick with that.

Anyone care to voice opinions or suggestions?

5 comments:

Yarnhog said...

What a cool project! No ideas here, but I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Jean Baardsen said...

I'd say, don't limit yourself, and just do what you're drawn to on any particular day. And draw from paper art, fiber art and your photography. I just got a book called "Stitch Alchemy: Combining Fabric & Paper for Mixed-Media Art." It's by Kelli Perkins, and she makes her own "textiles" by combining fabric and paper and tissue paper and.... to make something she can quilt, or use as a journal page, etc. Much of the book covers "recipes for more than eighty paper-cloth examples." Anyway, the sky's the limit! Have fun with this. Oh dear, am I going to have to sign up?? (Taking deep breaths....)

Jean Baardsen said...

My theme is "in flight" and my book will be blue. :o)

Linda Dunn said...

I participated a few years back. The deadline, like all deadlines, was a terrific inspiration - I did things I never would have done without it. Plus it gave me a great excuse to draw during visits with family and long boring dinners. but I got to keep mine. Have fun!

Unknown said...

how long did it take you to receive your sketchbook after you ordered it? thanks!