Creative Finds, Inspiration and Recent Projects

Creative Finds

Art21

WOW! This is such an amazing find! I recently discovered Art21, a unique resource connecting the artistic community with leading contemporary artists through award-winning documentary films, resources, and public programs. Founded in 2017 and reimagined in 2021 with a fresh look, Art21’s mission is to “educate and expand access to contemporary art through the production of documentary films, resources, and public programs.” Another important focus is serving educators and students through programming and engagement with leading contemporary artists.

With a more recent interest in collage, multimedia, and abstract art, one artist on Art21 who caught my attention is Mark Bradford. Bradford is recognized for his large-scale abstract paintings that blend collage, paint, and multimedia techniques including found and recycled materials. His work explores societal struggles with race, poverty, and environmental challenges. You can view a video about Bradford and his work here.

The Art21 website hosts a vast collection of inspiring films, stories, and artist profiles to explore. It’s absolutely worth a visit! Visit Art21

Coptic binding with collage covers

Accordion structures with painted, collage covers

Coptic binding with stenciled covers and bead detail

Inspiration

Jinny Yu at the AGO In the fall of 2024

I attended an exhibition of Jinny Yu’s work at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Yu, born in South Korea and raised in Canada, has lived in cities such as New York, Berlin, and Venice. Her experiences as a nomad navigating different worlds and cultures deeply influence her art.

I love the use of color, shape, and gradation in her work, as well as her experimentation with recurring shapes across different pieces. While her individual works stand out on their own, seeing them together in an exhibition format—particularly her large-scale pieces—is especially compelling. I’m drawn to the abstract qualities, energy, and flow of her paintings. Much of her previous work focused on black-and-white gradations, but this show featured vibrant color explorations in oil on aluminum and works on paper.

Seeing how different artists approach abstraction, tone, and color has inspired me to experiment with paint techniques for decorating papers used in the book structures I’m working on. I’m excited to follow Yu’s work and see what she creates next.

Studio Tour Surprises

I’ve enjoyed attending artist studio tours for many years, particularly those held in picturesque rural areas. These tours offer opportunities to meet a range of artists and view their work in their studios. They also provide a unique chance to see inspiring spaces shaped by the creativity of these makers.

One memorable artist is Colin Whitebread, a talented painter based in Uxbridge, Ontario, who has participated in the Uxbridge studio tour for many years. Whitebread clearly loves color, a strong presence in his work which encompasses landscapes, still life, and mixed media paintings. His work is vibrant and has a lovely energy expressed in each unique work.

As you approach his property, you can see the influence of a creative spirit in his garden and outdoor sculptures. Inside his home, which he opens to the public during the tour, the creativity continues. His studio features a painted floor adorned with images of famous artists, while the rest of the house showcases vibrant wall colors and whimsical, hand-painted kitchen cupboard doors. It’s hard not to smile and feel inspired to create and experiment after visiting the uniquely decorated home of this talented artist.

Listening

I’ve been enjoying Jon Batiste’s music over the past year and have been inspired by his creativity, energy, and infectious joy of life. Batiste is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and composer. Recently, I listened to his interview on The Tim Ferriss Show where he speaks about his background, musical influences, collaboration, and approach to creative work. It’s a delightful conversation that even includes a few impromptu songs on a piano, one of his favorite instruments. It’s a thoroughly inspiring and engaging listen.

You can find the interview here. Listen to the Interview

Quotes

“Nature often holds up a mirror so we can see more clearly the ongoing process of growth, renewal, and transformation.” — Lao Tzu

“The music is really about sharing an experience. That's why we call it Stay Human. It's like we're sharing this genuine human exchange.” — Jon Batiste

“Living life as an artist is a practice. You are either engaging in the practice or you’re not. It makes no sense to say you’re not good at it. It’s like saying, ‘I’m not good at being a monk.’ You are either living as a monk or you’re not. We tend to think of the artist’s work as the output. The real work of the artist is a way of being in the world.” — Rick Rubin

Creative Projects, Recent Work

I’m continuing to enjoy experimenting with artist’s books and paper decorating. Recently, I’ve been exploring the meandering book form, created from a single sheet of paper folded and cut to form a book with the addition of covers. It’s a simple yet charming book structure that can further come to life with embellishments and collage details layered over the painted base. I’m looking forward to experimenting with a variety of other book structures in the coming year.

I hope you find joy in exploring creative endeavors and experimenting, whether through art, craft, writing, or any other medium that resonates with you.

Happy New Year!

Meandering book structure with painted and collage details