A few months ago I signed up to participate in an art project with a community theme. Ray, the organizer, is a poet and librarian in Washington state. A project that combines librarians, books, and art? Yes, please!
Theme
This project had two parts, one written piece and one artwork. For the written part, you had up to four sentences to answer the question: What does community mean to you? The answer to this question would be typed on a library catalog card and go into the exhibit. The artwork was very flexible. As noted on the instructions, "Participants have submitted cards featuring printmaking, drawing, coloring, collage, cyanotype, photography, crochet, origami, paper, paper folding/book arts, sewing, and woodworking." The main criteria was that the artwork had to adhere strictly to the 3x5 size and to have the right-sized hole in the right place so that the finished piece would fit in a library catalog drawer. In addition to the artwork that would go into the exhibit, you could also submit a couple of extra pieces of artwork that would be traded with other artists.
First Drafts and Ideas
As always with this kind of project, I had all sorts of grand, elaborate plans when I signed up, but when it came close to the deadline, I realized that I needed something I could finish on time. I settled on the idea of potluck meals with former co-workers. I felt it fit the theme, but I also knew that I enjoy drawing food. I'm trying to be more aware of my strengths as an artist, particularly when participating in themed projects, so that I choose something that I know I enjoy and will be able to complete. This sounds like kind of an obvious goal, but honestly, sometimes it's tempting to look at these challenges as being challenging. That is, trying to do something you've never done before or something that just sounds hard.
In my first sketches, I played with adding some words on the cards. I also thought about using tracing paper to make identical cards for trading. I liked experimenting with the tracing paper, but found that the marks it created were quite dark. Since I knew I'd be using watercolor, I didn't want my original sketch lines to show. If I decided to go with a thicker paint like acrylic, I might have ended up using the tracing paper.
Instead of the library catalog cards, I ended up using my own paper because I wanted something heavier for my paints.
I ended up making four cards (one more than the three requested), which is an idea that I'll consider for future projects. It took the pressure off to know that I could choose the best ones to send.
I made the cards fairly similarly, painting the same item (like a taco) on each card in a different place. It made the work go more quickly and seemed the best way to make sure that the colors were fairly consistent across all of them. (No need to mix up another batch of color later.) It also made all the cards unique, but still unified.
Final Design
I used a mix of watercolor and gouache paints on cold press of watercolor paper. For the outlines and details, I used black and white gel pens.
One thing I learned was that I wished I'd punched the holes in the card first before I started painting! It would have been less stressful for me, as I was afraid I would ruin my finished card and need to start over. (Not that I had time to do so!)
It turned out that my hole punch tools made holes that were quite a bit smaller than required. I tried using a craft knife to cut the hole and also my metal hole punch, but those both left ragged edges in the fibrous watercolor paper. I sent my two extra cards unpunched since the organizer said in the FAQ that she would punch the holes for you. For the main card, I used a little flower punch that was roughly the same size.
The addition of the thin acrylic riveted on both sides was a last-minute inspiration. I wasn't sure if the cards would be handled in this art exhibit. I wasn't much concerned about dirt, but watercolor would definitely smear if it got wet. Using acrylic also meant that the hole was in the absolute right place! I really liked the result, as it felt like a more finished piece.
The Exhibit
More than 100 artists from 19 different countries are participating. The project will be on display through December 15, 2023 at The Evergreen State College Library as part of the PSBA (Puget Sound Book Artists) Annual Members' Exhibition in Olympia, Washington.
P.S. The photo is one I took using my own library catalog drawer!