I really enjoy working with alcohol ink because it's a challenge to control how the colors will mix and to find a foundation that's interesting and unexpected. So I was thinking about how the colors are so vibrant, but can be softened by smudging and thinning them; then I began to think about non-porous surfaces that would be on the other end of the spectrum from soft and airy. At first I wanted glass but glass is fragile and I want to send these to some of my mail art friends.
I knew I wanted metal of some sort, but I was worried about finding something that would be easy to handle -- meaning, not needing to be cut. I have metal nips in my studio in Minneapolis, but nothing here in Cali that would do that job. So, I went to Home Depot. I was looking for magnetic paint, and got sidetracked when I stumbled across 5x7 sheets of metal (steel not tin) just larger than a post card! I bought singles on my first trip -- $.44 each and I bought five. I was worried that maybe they'd be coated with something that would repel the ink so I started small. Well, the first five were wonderful fun. I created 5 very distinct pieces of work and I immediately fell in love so what's the down side? Well, the edges are extremely sharp. My first concern is that someone will cut themselves. I've contemplated covering the edges with duct tape yes, silver duct tape. Why? Because it connects the flashing to its roots, while framing the art in a new and interesting way. Then I thought, I like the sharp edges. I like the Do Not Touch element it give each piece. These are purely for looking at and I like that message. It works with the way I've been feeling of late. Pretty to look at, but be careful if you're going to touch. I plan to mail these in cardboard mailers with magnets in each corner, front and back, to keep the packaging doesn't push against the paint AND when the work arrives the new owner will have a way to display the work immediately. For now they are on my work boards Ikea metal message boards ($13.99) hanging in my Living Room. They look good displayed like this the two small ones are from my first batch of 5 singles. The larger piece is my favorite and may stay displayed just like this! These sheets are 8x12 and cost $.97. These are hard to photograph because they have a lot of metallic ink in them, which freaks out my flash and I'm not a good photographer! The larger one shown here is on its side because this is the only way I could get a decent close up. FYI: The 5x7 size comes in singles and bundles of 25. I went back the next day and bought a bundle for less than $5 and I'm in heaven! This is a copy of my Monday, October 1 post for my blog if you'd like to see pictures of my work, please go there to check it out. If anyone else works with alco ink I would love to swap some art with you! Thanks! www.serendipityart.squarespace.com Serendipity PO Box 3246 Redondo Beach, CA 90277 Seren
