A Jacob's Ladder book for Jacob.

Recently my son Jacob turned 21.
I have started a tradition of making a book for my children's 21st. Naturally, Jacob's would be in the form of a Jacob's ladder.
It works for him for at least 2 reasons. This book is one that moves on its own and Jacob has always been a mover, from when he was little to now- he is a triathlete,  and of course the obvious one is its name.

 I have uploaded a video of the book on youtube, for some reason I can't get it to upload onto this blog but if you want to see it in action click here

Book 11 Germany - at last!

Finally, I have completed the German book. It is a house book- very simple construction and I have drawn a different type of house on each side, the houses in germany were lovely and we had such a lovely time in these houses it was fitting to make a house book.

Since arriving home I have barely had time to sit down, busily returning to the manic pace of life, catching up with friends and family,back to work.... Ugh!! let me go back onto holidays.
Well I still have 2 books to go after this, I am so glad I did the others along the way as I would never had been able to get them done now. It was really worth the time I spent to capture the moment.

Book 5 Morocco

Morocco, land of pattern, colour, contrasts, very old buildings and traditions. A place where the modern and the ancient work side by side. Craftsmanship is still valued but the tourist dollar is desperately sought.
My book this time is a concertina with a separate concertina going in a different direction. I used newspaper to join the pages and images from brochure to show the beautiful Berber jewelry and Berber carpet patterns. The rest is drawn and painted.
If you are interested in following the journey check out my offexploring blog.

Book 4 Barcelona

Barcelona is the home of Gaudi and his amazing architecture.
 His work is an inspiration to me as I love the way the natural world influences his designs creating very organic shapes and patterns. I also love his use of colour in everything from houses to park designs.
 Mosaics feature in almost all of his work and this allows colour and pattern to be a major aspect of the built environment.
What a thrill it has been to see his work in person, it is even better than in the photos I have poured over for years.
Of course I feel that anything I make pales into insignificance after that but still I will soldier on.
Book 4 tries to capture the busy narrow streets of Barcelona mixed with the formality of some of the street plantings.
I made much of it while travelling to Valencia on the train, I had gesso-ed the map of Barcelona before leaving and cut and drew on the train ( i did leave a little mess under my seat of small cut up bits of paper)

 art on the train

                                                       Finished little pamphlet stitch book

Book 3 - Avignon

Next book is a 'pants' book made from a brochure map of Avignon. The surrounding area of Avignon is farming land- oh so neat and tidy, scattered medieval towns many perched on hillsides - I'm guessing so that they had a good view of any enemies advancing. Here it is with a few photos of the inspiration for the images in the book.

Getting ready for a journey

My art work has taken a back seat lately as I am busy preparing to leave Australia for 3 months!! Yes 3 Months in europe and Morocco!! I am so excited as the last time I was there was when I was 17,  32 years ago when I went to Germany on a scholarship.  My husband and I are travelling through, England, France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Morocco, and Germany.
I have been researching the places I need to see- so many I won't be able to fit them in!
Thankfully I have many well travelled friends who have given me ideas on various places to go.
Barcelona is on the list as is Florence, London, Paris, Venice, Avignon, Berlin, Dubrovnik.... so many beautiful places.
Now to figure out my personal art challenge for the journey.
What will I capture, document, collect??
 I am a collage artist after all.

My work is about journeys, so maps will be on the  list.
Have you got any suggestions?

Let me know if you do.

Here's a photo of a piece I made for a friend Zac's 21st. -Something I whipped up a little while ago. ( as I haven't anything very new) He is a film making student, musician, funny guy.

Sketchbook project complete!

Finally, I have finished my 'Treehouse' sketchbook project. Just in time to post it before the Jan 31 deadline. Phew! Another thing to tick off my holiday list, which is a relief as my holidays end today. :( Such a beautiful summer's day too!

Notebook Project

So the Notebook is complete , ready to take to Ballarat Fibres tomorrow

Quinces.. Autumn

Beautiful quinces, I always need to draw these.. and cook too of course! Quince jelly, paste, tart, pie, yum