Thoughts of Recycling

by Elizabeth Patel

I'm always trying to find new ways to incorporate recycled items into my own work, both out of being kind to our earth & looking for ways to reduce my financial expenditures...

So here are a few of my most recent repurposed & recycled items
It was an clip-on earring, that will eventually make it into the center of a flower, or be used as a button.
I clipped the screw post off and used a jewelry pliers to curl the metal around into a loop, and then used some glue to seal off the gap, I used glue because for what I'll use it for it doesn't need to be super pretty.
What I have here is 1 magnet from the back of a pad of paper - that I will use with a metal washer to form a purse closure. The wooden beads will be wrapped in seed beads like the other bead in the picture to be the center of my flowers.

I'm always looking for more ways to recycle the things around me.

Now it's your turn - What are some of your item recycling tips?

The Trickle Effect

The Trickle Effect

Can technology save our planet? I wonder how many less trees are cut down by the use of email rather than paper bills and letters. Yea, I'm a tree hugger. Trees give us so much yet what do we give them in return?, some decorations at Christmas time... A few simple things that trees provide which people often forget about; shade and a nice breeze which also saves energy if you don't need the air conditioner or fan. Trees provide homes and recreation for birds. Watching and listening to birds sing, can lower your blood pressure and help relax you, which ='s saving on costly health care fees.

Lets do our part to save trees by reducing products that perpetuate their destruction.

Think of all the positives there are for using your computer to pay that bill or write that letter; you save paper of course, and more paper and money in not using stamps. If you have a messy handwriting like I do, and you type out an email, you know the receiver will be able to read what you write. It's a whole lot faster too! Well maybe just as long for paying bills, which is just an excuse, imho.  And some email programs let you delete an email if it's not been read yet. Ya can't go digging inside a mail box for that Dear John letter once you change your mind. Well you can at the risk of being arrested. LOL

Have you ever smelled a paper manufacturing plant? They stink REALLY bad! I can not imagine having to live near one!

Did you know that florescent paper is more difficult to recycle? Oberlin College says it also produces "toxic sludge" during processing. The folks at Oberlin College in Ohio are the first college to implement the Source Reduction Program. Their efforts are campus wide as well as a page on their website which offers information for off campus recycling.

Some interesting facts about paper recycling:

* To produce each week's Sunday newspapers, 500,000 trees must be cut down.
Gee I knew there was a reason I've never been into reading the newspaper, other than the ick that gets all over your hands

* The average American uses seven trees a year in paper, wood, and other products made from trees. This amounts to about 2,000,000,000 trees per year!
I can't even comprehend that many trees or where they all come from!

* The amount of wood and paper we throw away each year is enough to heat 50,000,000 homes for 20 years. I'm making a small difference by creating art with locally found driftwood :0)

* Each ton (2000 pounds) of recycled paper can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4000 kilowatts of energy, and 7000 gallons of water. This represents a 64% energy savings, a 58% water savings, and 60 pounds less of air pollution!

* The 17 trees saved (above) can absorb a total of 250 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year. Burning that same ton of paper would create 1500 pounds of carbon dioxide.

Check out a few of our team members who find creative ways to repurpose, reuse and recycle paper and wood products:

* 42 things
* Paper Leaves
* Into The Trees
* relove
* Beat Up Creations
* Island Girlz Jewelery

I firmly believe that any effort to recycle makes a difference. The biggest difference we can make in our planet's future is to teach our children, anyone's children not to litter and to recycle. Children are future caretakers of Mother Earth.

Here's a few resources for your children to explore and learn about growing up green:

* http://greenliving.suite101.com/article.cfm/green_kids_online
* http://www.ehow.com/how_2072642_teach-kids-recycle.html
* http://www.recyclinggarbage.net/Teach_Your_Children_to_Reuse.html

"Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a songbird will come." ~Chinese proverb

Peace,
Cher [cherspassion] I offer original one of a kind (ooak) items from recycled driftwood, cigar boxes, tin cans and plastic drink caps. 

Old Man Walters: Art Therapy

Read the Story of Old Man Walters, a 88 year old Dementia Patient that says, "Art is Healing" and is still making art.

Read my article originally posted on Associated Content here, and see what you think. about Art and Healing.

88 Year Old Baltimore Man with Dementia Recreating Art from Forty Years Ago: Son Says Art is Healing Therapy for Alzheimer's.

Behold the Cardboard Church!

Call it what you will but this story is nothing short of miraculous.

Dementia and Alzheimer's related illnesses are growing rapidly. Worldwide estimates vary between 18 million and 30 million people in the world suffering from some form of these illnesses, depending on which website you consult. The numbers may be askew, as they are always increasing, and some cases go unreported. The fact is people are silently suffering all around us. Someone you know or someone you love may be afflicted with one or more of these conditions.

This story is no exception.

It has been nearly ten years when my friend Donald Louis Booker quit his full time art career. Having been in the Baltimore art circuit as "DoLoBo" for nearly thirty years, he once made a living on providing everything from custom paintings to jewelry to private clients. He stated that he was going to be giving full time care to his elderly parents and left his clients mystified. There was however, a little more to the story.

Recently DoLoBo has come forth and explained that his stepfather had been diagnosed and suffering for the past decade from on-again, off-again spells of dementia and mild Alzheimer's. Most of the family was unaware, and it wasn't something that made dinner conversation. Old Man Walters, (also known as Joseph P. Walters, Sr, of Parkville, Maryland) is now 88 years old. He is a Veteran of World War II and spent his life working for (and retiring from) the United States Postal Service.

Back in the 70's, a much younger Joseph Walters filled his days by delivering mail. He rushed home from his route to craft wooden or tin hand painted birdhouses which he sold on weekends at art shows. Soon he moved to more detailed things. He began crafting small paper houses and buildings out of junk or trash cardboard.

DoLoBo describes, "These tiny houses would be ordered by the people who put on local train garden holiday displays. Word got around and soon he was creating these houses every night in order to fill orders for the holidays. He did everything from schools to churches. The windows would be made of plastic from old food packages and look just like glass. hese tiny sculptures would range in size from N to HO scale, and they were really something. Made mostly of cardboard or used food packages, things we would otherwise have thrown out back then. To see them turn into very detailed houses and churches was amazing." (It appears Old Man Walters was an Eco-Artist before the green movement was even recognized.)

The only evidence that survives at the Walters' residence of his previous artwork are nearly four decades of falling down birdhouses around the yard and one custom mailbox (keenly resembling a mail truck.) Although a reminder of more creative and happier days, they are filled with birds who appreciate of the rent free housing and far less critical of their condition.

The Old Man Walters of today normally stays to himself in a bedroom, watching television and being well cared for. He has the support and love of his family. Sometimes though, he doesn't know who they are, or what day it is. DoLoBo reports, "You just have to take things day by day. It's trying at times when you are dealing with this sort of thing, but we all do our best to make him comfortable."

One day Old Man Walters requested art supplies and the family was puzzled. Years had passed without any mention of the art. More requests came with every medicine call, or meal delivery. DoLoBo was soon bringing everything from paper, scissors, paints, and glue to him. Next call was for cookie boxes, cereal boxes, paper,or other soon-to-be-trash cellophane items. Old Man Walters was working like mad, and had converted his bed into a full fledged art studio. "I didn't know what to think. It was really a shock to the whole family.see this thing materialze," Dolobo explained.

Several weeks of hard working, piece by piece, then behold the Cardboard Church!

An astonishing two foot long and nearly as tall painted and hand assembled House of Worship made from recycled cardboard and trash paper. Every angle shows incredible detail, with front and back entrances. Old Man Walters carefully cut, glued, taped and painted every piece together. Although much larger (nearly a foot wide) than his tiny houses of earlier years, it appears his actual technique of making such sculptures was never lost. In his mind, a memory embedded in him, somewhere in his brain cells, forever. Never forgotten, just misplaced.

DoLoBo says, "I'm just so glad he's being creative. The actual making of the art seems to calm him and make him happy. I've read studies where they say that art heals and is alternative therapy in some patients. I never could believe it but it's true in this case. It's almost like he remembers a church he made forty years ago, so he's making one larger than life now as if to say, 'I'm healing, I'm living.' I really believe that art is keeping him alive and giving him a reason to look forward to each new day. Art has somehow found and reactivated the parts of his mind that remember decades ago, when in all actuality he can't remember what he had for dinner last week. I don't know if this is a miracle but I look at this church and I think that is proof positive. I'm not a doctor. I just know that art is making him act like Dad again. This is a healing therapy. I had to share this in hopes others can learn and benefit from this. "

As an artist myself I can't think of a better way to pass the day. They say the mind works in mysterious ways. I look upon the cardboard church and wonder aloud, to Old Man Walters, is this a memory from yesteryear, or some vision of tomorrow?

END NOTE:

DoLoBo reports that Old Man Walters is still creating and sending him on supply runs. He has made several houses to date, but the family favorite remains the Cardboard Church.

Tips on Getting Your Artwork Displayed Professionally

=================================================
Tips on How to Get Your Artwork Displayed Professionally.....by Ira Mency

This is what they don't want you to know. Sometimes I'll write articles for COMPANY UNNAMED you know, the "how to do this" or "how to do that" what I deem as "boring articles" . (Don't get me wrong, I've read a few how-to's myself and they've been helpful...but to write them all day really drives you nuts.) So I found out that you can suggest articles and take 1/3 pay rate when writing one of these suggested articles. I figured I'd suggest one that could help fellow artists, and tell a really easy way for the beginning artist to get their work displayed professionally.

Basically in a nutshell I was told I didn't know what I was talking about and they wanted me to add in all this other crap about approaching local galleries and applying to juried events. (All fine and good, but you don't have to do that to start out.) To make a long story short, the editor told me my article was too generic and rejected it as I refused to change. Never will I attach my name to something I don't believe in. They also said it was "too generic" and that I should not direct people to the Internet. Odd, isn't everything helpful on the "Internet" these days (against their guildelines) ? Obviously ridiculous if you consider the fact people are looking on the internet for the "how to?" in the first place so why direct them out of the house and to a gallery where they will get the door slammed in their face instead of searching on the internet from the couch with a good cup of coffee? Hmmmmmm. So maybe this is something THEY don't want you to know!

So thanks to their rejection I can put my article here, and will add in a few Q&A's for you. :) See, everything DOES happen for a reason!

First let me explain a lot of artists are scared at the thought of getting their artwork into a gallery, or museum, or art show. They often thing this is an extremely hard process and that their art isn't good enough. First read my POSITIVE THOUGHTS article and then get ready!

I'm going to tell you three things from personal experience:

a) There is a lot of time and work involved - not so much as finding these type openings, but mainly on finding a niche and match for your work.

b) Beginning artists should apply to as many events where their work will fit in as possible in order to build a professional resume (or CV)

c) It is important to follow the requirements on applications exactly.

===============================================

Getting your Art Displayed Professionally

Items you will need:

Pen

Notebook

Computer / Internet

Digital Camera

Blank CD's

Artists who wish to get their work displayed professionally may be surprised that obtaining exposure is relatively easy. Though the initial application process may require some time involvement, avenues exist to help emerging artists (or even seasoned ones) get their work displayed in galleries, art shows, museums and other events. If you are willing to take the time and put in a little effort, you can obtain these results also.

Step 1

Make a five to 10 item goal list. Start by listing and describing up to 10 of your finished art projects. Write down the sizes, dimensions, and medium. (Example: painting, sculpture, collage, etc.) Sort list by medium.

Q: Why do this?

A: The reason for this is simple: a lot of exibits will have a certain theme for instance you may see titles as "Mixed Media on the Boardwalk" or "Sculpture in the Alley". Otherwise you'll find a theme such as "Pretty Things" or "Tiny Works". Still, writing everything down is reinforcing in your mind the key items you are gonig to market. I also like to play around with my descriptions, because eventually when applying you want to "market your work" the best you can.

Step 2

Search the Internet for these opportunities. Keyword phrases to enter are "call for artists", "opportunities for artists" , "art shows", "artists needed" or "juried events." A free website to browse would be http://www.artshow.com/

Beginner artists should search for "non-juried events" that require little to no fees. You will be looking for upcoming exhibits at galleries or museums whose themes apply to the work you have completed.

Q: Why not jump right into Juried Events?

A: Juried events are certainly an option, and if you feel that you meet the criteria, go for it! I would tell you at first to steer clear of them until you have built up your resume. It's important to realize that these are often geared towards artists who have a long resume, and have "professionals" on the jury who will be looking for key elements in your work. Also there are usually higher fees involved. You can blow the whole event by one error in the application process - and this will be embarrassing and costly. So why not start simple, build some experience in the application process, and go from there?

Step 3

Print out the listings that are interesting to you (or write down the info in your journal), so that you may individually apply to them. Also print a "Prospectus" of the show if there is one, which will be an overall summary package. Prepare good notes and examine all criteria, ensuring you meet all the requirements before applying. Juried events may also require history of past participation, and have higher fees, making it slightly harder for the new artist to meet the specifications.

Step 4

Seach the Internet for tips to help you when applying to these shows. Esteemed artists like Harriete Estel Berman, make it a point to share knowledge, tips, and tricks with fellow artists for free. Doing a little research may save you some embarrassment later, and make your presentation seem more seasoned.

Personal Rant Note: The editor who rejected my article also wanted me to not use other artists as examples, but what sense does that make? Would you rather hear from a fellow artist on tips of the trade or some guy who writes 2000 articles a week on everything from sports to art, I mean does he really know what's truly going on inside?

Step 5

Take good quality digital pictures, against a neutral backdrop such as white, black or grey. Use macro functions on your camera to capture every detail of your piece, and angle your piece in a way that best represents it (In most cases only one photograph may be used per item.) Review the "resolution" or "size" requirements on the exhibit or show of which you are applying. Photographs are the key piece of your presentation.

Step 6

Prepare and send your presentation in accordance to guidelines specified (including any CD's with photographs, resume, application, and or/fees.) Include also a short cover letter expressing your interest and excitement in participation in this program, and thanking them for taking the time to review your work.

Step 7

Repeat the process until you obtain results. Sooner or later you will find the perfect fit for your artwork.

Tips

• Rejection, or not hearing back, is a normal part of the process. There may have been an overwhelming array of applications, so don't take it personal. Ever artist had to start somewhere.
• Continue to update your CV or art resume after each exhibit, so that soon you will be able to meet stricter juried requirements. If you need more items to list, consider searching for donations or charity work, as this also looks good on a resume.

Warnings

• Be sure to thoroughly review all guidelines before applying and ensure your art meets the criteria. (if not you have just wasted your time.) Here is a great article posted recently (dated January 19, 2010) from Harriete Este Berman's Blog that should shed some light on the situation. READ IT HERE.
• When sending original artwork to an exhibit or gallery, be sure it's fully insured and packed well. In some cases, there will be no fee to display your work other than paying shipping to and fro in most cases. If it's a gallery make sure obtain something in writing about the commissions they will take if your piece sells.

NOTE: ONCE YOU GET A RESUME GOING, GO FOR THOSE JURIED SHOWS AND HIGH END GALLERIES!

Good luck!

xoxoxo

Ira Mency

Another Article I Wrote on Getting Your Artwork Displayed:

Toying with Art Exhibit, Courtesty of Cameron Art Museum

Getting your work displayed is relatively E A S Y if you know where to look and how to look. THINK POSITIVE - I was told once, that "ALL BIG DREAMS START SMALL."

JUST STARTING OUT:

In my opinion, if you want to work on getting a professional resume together, as a new artist , you should apply to everything and anything that's free and reputable.

Juried exhibitions are much more resume' worthy, but most are hard to get into when just starting out, and require fees. Who can afford when starting out to pay $100 to have their work reviewed?

So start out small, but with big hopes.

1) Do a Google search for these 4 keyword phrases:

a) Artist Submissions

b) Call for Artists

c) Accepting Art Submissions

d) Artist Submission Guidelines

Believe it or not, you'll find a lot of sites including museums, galleries, or exhibits that will explain how to get your art exhibited for free.

Some require you to submit an official CV (resume), or CD with some images. They will respond if interested. Others require an email with a few images.

Don't get discouraged, you have to start somewhere. CV's can be simple and to the point. Photographs however should be wonderful, not grainy, and showing all detail. I would have to say that photographs are the most important part of your presentation. You can have a great resume, but crappy photographs that will get you nowhere fast.

I've also looked on Craigslist, for the same type keywords, only in cities other than my own. Big Art cities include Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Wilmington NC, Asheville, NC. Don't limit yourself to searching your local area.

Make sure if you are dealing with a new gallery that it's reputable. Do research online to find out more about it.

Many exhibits require you to ship and pay for your own items including insuring them , to get them to and from the exhibit. That's a small price to pay for the wonderful addition to your resume.

If you are past the point of just starting out, and need juried exhibition tips, be sure check out the wonderful tips and resources on the "ASK HARRIETE" blog of esteemed artist Harriete Estel Berman.


Good luck,

Ira Mency

Long Live the Butterflies

BUTTERFLIES NEEDED DEADLINE JUNE 2011
Eco Artists step up! The Jewish Holocaust Museum in Houston, TX has extended their call for artists. Their needs? Mixed Media butterflies. The goal is "The Butterfly Project" whereas they will display a wall of approximately 1,500,000 butterflies representing all the children that were lost in the Holocaust. This is a great opportunity to give back as an artist. I have already sent 20 butterflies including the ones shown above. If you want to see my other butterflies that I've made, visit my YouTube Channel.

MORE INFO/RULES FOR BUTTERFLIES:

Butterflies should be no larger than 8 inches by 10 inches.

Butterflies may be of any medium the artist chooses, but two-dimensional submissions are preferred.

Glitter should not be used.

Food products (cereal, macaroni, candy, marshmallows or other perishables) also should not be used.

If possible, e-mail a photograph of your butterflies, to butterflyproject@hmh.org.

Please send or bring your butterflies to the Museum by June 30, 2011, with the following information included:

Your name,
Your organization or school,
Your address,
Your e-mail address, and
The total number of butterflies sent.

Mail or bring your butterflies to:

Holocaust Museum Houston
Butterfly Project
Education Department
5401 Caroline St.
Houston, TX 77004USA

For questions or additional information, please e-mail butterflyproject@hmh.org.

For more information, please visit this site:

http://www.hmh.org/minisites/minisite/butterfly/index.html

Willowing: A Happy Artist Community

You may have heard the name - as she is a fellow Etsian. Willowing's Etsy shop is usually full of mixed media art, anything from art prints, cards, photography and ACEOs can be found here. From time to time, there are even things that pop up and surprise me like Tweedles (sold out for now) and these adorable clay houses (still available but going quick!)

Of course I totally love her mixed media collage and artwork!

This is my favorite, called "Butterfly Girl" mixed media on canvas.

Note: The upcycled book pages.....LOVE HER!

The beauty and brains behind this shop is Tamara LaPorte, who is in the United Kingdom, last I heard in Brighton, England. Well educated, a darn good photographer and a true professional, she has created an artist network to bring others together. What I love about her is she likes to share her creativity with others--and has become an inspiration to others. I find the art world is made up of two types of people, those who enrich other's lives and share, and those who don't and keep to themselves. I'm happy to report Tamara is absolutely NOT the latter. :)

"Princess on a Swing"

She has wonderfully informative videos on YouTube where you can watch her paint, and draw, and see her works come together (not to mention learn things in the process.) Those can be viewed HERE. My favorite has to be this "How to Make an Art Glass Pendant" !
                                               

If you want to learn right off the bat, workshop DVD's are available in her Etsy shop where you can learn everything from how to draw whimsical characters to how to do shabby art journals (and she offers a discount when you purchase both!)

She has gone a step further, to create a happy community environment where artists can bond and network with other artists on the NING network. Enter WILLOWING & FRIENDS Although networking with other like minded individuals can be priceless, this for you is FREE--as belonging here is no charge at all to you. The tone here is, everyone is welcome and everyone is awesome!

There is much to do here, so I'll just highlight a few things:

Monthly Art Challenges (Totally interactive and everyone is welcome to enter)

Help and Inspirational Links (when you need it most!)

Informational Videos (love them)

View Art Photos (view others and add your own!)

Forums (filled with tons of topics and a plethora of information too!)

Chat with other like minded artists who hang out in the Willowing chat rooms! (open 24/7)

Workshops- These usually do require a fee but are very interactive, you can learn to paint, draw, or make shabby backgrounds, etc from the comfort of your own home! I've personally been a member on this site for some time, and the feedback on these classes is amazing. The best part is you don't have to know how to paint or draw--you can learn it. I really love this idea as it would be great to incorporate these wonderful drawing and painting techniques onto something upcycled--turn an old barn board into a work of art! Repurpose an old ceiling tile with cute little people on it, the possibilities are endless.

So, Willowing earns my Seal of Approval. With 1000 members and growing it's no wonder why she is an international sensation. I do hope you will check out her NING community and join me there. It's a very positive place and I'm happy be there.

FIND WILLOWING AT THESE PLACES:

Find out more at her Free NING Artist Community HERE or by following this link http://willowing.ning.com/

                            
To find out more about Tam visit her on her personal site at http://www.willowing.org/

Visit her Etsy store to see her work HERE.

========================================================================

Authors Note: I joined three Ning art groups some time ago, to check them all out, undercover I suppose. Two out of three I loved, and Tam's is my personal #1 choice for having a happy fun place to belong and network with others.