Trying Something New

Stepping outside my comfort zone

“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.”

-John Assaraf

So, to be honest, I like creating in a comfort zone.

When I enter the studio I understand my process, I know my materials and I’m reasonably sure of what will happen when I take the next step.

But lately I’m wanting more. I’m wanting a different way to communicate while using the tools and processes I’m familiar with.

After decades of creating, I have so many paintings that hang on collectors’ walls, my walls and in my storage room. And that’s all good, but I want to bring my work a little closer to a viewer.

I want people to hold my work in their hands, to be able to turn pages or move elements that direct a narrative. I want my work to tell a story in a series of individual images rather than creating a narrative in a single image. And I want my work to be a little bit sculptural.

I believe the intimacy of the art creates a stronger impact.

So I’ve decided to try something new.

I’ve signed up for bookmaking courses. But only for bookmaking courses that allow me to include my paintings and prints in series. Books tell stories. I want my art to tell stories visually but in book format.

The book in the photo above contains a series of 22 monotypes. It’s called “From Sunrise to Rain” and depicts a daily progression through fine weather to a less pleasant environment.

The book structure itself is a floating panel construction - an accordian book with swinging panels that hold some art. It was taught by Andrew Huot of Toronto through the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild. And it’s a Hedi Kyle construction, co-author of the book the Art of the Fold.

For the monotypes I used large sheets of printmaking paper and printed landscapes using only large and small gel plates. Then I cut four by four sections from the prints to build my story and attach to the book.

The book process is completely new to me. So by stepping outside my comfort zone I’ve let go of confidence and decided to go with uncertainty and challenge.

I’m excited by this new approach to my art and I don’t know how long it will last but it’s a way for me to build my skills, to learn more.

And I’m hoping this approach creates a new way of looking at my work for both me and for those who interactive with my process. Wish me luck.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers

Bob