Elaine's Vtine
OK OK, I still didn’t make it to the studio before turning on the computer. Yes, it’s an addiction but can we just call it a good addiction for one more day? At least I’ve found a way to eliminate one more pile on the desk because of this handy dandy blog. These Valentines were made a full year ago using printmaking ink on styrofoam from used meat trays (after they’re washed of course!) . Miles, Reid, and I whipped out about 90 Valentines in one evening. Lots of whoops and laughter over what cool effects we could create by layering colors, adding in non-traditional paints, cutting them up afterward, you name it, we tried it. ANYWAY…..then they sat on my desk FOR A WHOLE YEAR! Couldn’t get to that last step of actually snail mailing them. So they mellowed in their corner like fine wine and I actually mailed one this very morning after I brushed off it’s thick layer of dust. But back to the Blog helping my tweaked little psyche feel productive today: I can now scan my favorites and have them to look back on over and over for inspiration! Now I get to let them go and move on and most importantly get them OFF my desk. Phew.
I’ve done this project with both the kids’ classes many times now (first graders up through sixth graders) and the cue I use each time is for them to come up with a personal icon. Something that they love that they can draw with very few lines, that they can reduce to it’s essence. For my son Reid, it’s his rat, Maggie May. For my son, Miles, it’s his favorite food in the world. For me, it’s the reason I crawl out of bed each morning. Addictions? Oh there are oh so many to work on.
Miles Vtine
Reid's Vtine