More swappage

I participated in a photo swap with another group I mingle with online. This called for us to send out a photo and a letter to our partners.



I decided to print out 2 photos I had taken with generous borders, so that I could embellish the overall images. I had a lot of fun with the project and look forward to future swaps with this group.

My first moleskin spread

can be seen bigger here

I'm really pleased with the way that this turned out, and it went in some directions that I hadn't expected! As usual, there were some mishaps - the paint stuck to the other pages, bits got torn, and so forth - but I think I corrected those problems pretty well.

Its on its way to Jen, who will work on the next few pages, and I'm eagerly awaiting the Anne's book which is themed a medieval bestiary. I've decided to do a cockatrice, and I'm really looking forward to it.

Inspiration of the Month!

I just love the surprises found in all of Thomas Doyle's work! Each piece has its own rich story and I continue to find myself captivated by them.



What are your main inspirations in art?

More than anything else, I am interested in history and memory as it pertains
to the human experience. War, birthday parties, etc. - these are the backdrops
for major, definitive personal experiences, and these things form the
narrative backbone in my work.


What is your art background? (education, experience, etc)

I studied painting and printmaking at Humboldt State University for three
years before taking a sabbatical; I never returned. Two years later, after
becoming disenchanted with painting, I began creating small-scale models using
techniques learned through trial and error.



What is your process for creating your work?

Thinking, planning, sketching, and then executing. An idea may arise in five
minutes, but execution often takes five weeks - or five months.


What is the single most important thing you want to communicate with your
work?

A sense of wonder.


What are your career goals?

Maintaining the independence to continue making work.



What one object has been the most instrumental in helping you achieve what you
have so far?

The X-Acto #11 blade.


Tell me three random things about you.

• I regret never making Eagle Scout.
  
• I don't like to drive.
  
• I'd take the Natural History Museum in New York over the MoMA any day.