Today is the start of Art Every Day month over at Leah’s Creative Every Day blog. Last year I participated and set my self a theme of ‘Labyrinths’. I really enjoyed the momentum I got from participating and thought that it would be fun to join in again this year.
So recently I was given a collection of old National Geographic maps and was wondering how I could use them in my art. What I came up with is a series of paintings over collaged map pieces that I do on ACEO cards. (ACEO = Art Cards Editions and Originals, they are miniature collectable art pieces and are always the same size: 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in.)
I started with paper plane paintings, I love working out how to make paper planes look like world traveling adventurers. There’s something wobbly and brave about the image of a paper plane setting out into the great big world that I really enjoy!
I have played with a few paper boat paintings as well, and have been really pleased with how they are turning out. I have a few other variations that I want to experiment with over the month. Hopefully participating in AEDM will spur me on to experiment and have fun with this (while also filling out my Etsy shop!)
Related posts:
Oh Dave,
I think these are lovely…really evocative with the place names on the maps…even though I’m Scottish, I’ve never been to the Shetlands ….I should go…next writing retreat maybe….xx
I adore maps, and have been thinking about them a lot recently, so I’m excited to see how you explore them.
I ran into this post recently about art maps, you may enjoy http://sustainablecitiescollective.com/dirt/30609/paula-scher-s-paintings-distortions
I used a map the first year I did AEDM in one of my altered books. That book still isn’t finished! But I love the idea of maps and I never thought of using them this way. I’ll have to stash that idea in case I draw a blank! Thanks!
What a great way to use the maps!!! I love the feeling of fun that comes with a paper airplane – especially thinking about it heading across the globe. Looking forward to seeing more map art!
Pauline, a writing retreat in the Shetlands sounds great!
I would sign up for that
Christine, thanks for the link it’s great piece and i like what they say about maps and distortion. It’s a great thing to keep in mind as I play with my maps.
Tammy, maps and altered books sound like a great combination, maybe we can swap formats a little!
Carolyn, I love the sense of fun that paper planes evoke too, hopefully sending them around the world adds to the fun.
Thanks everyone for stopping by!
HI Dave and love the maps… I had an obsession with using maps in collage for quite a time and it took over everything… I still love them and am really looking forward to seeing your work over AEDM xx
These are great. I tend to get sidetracked by old maps, looking to see how things have changed over time.
Haven’t managed to reach Shetland yet, but maybe one day…
How cool, what a neat idea! I remember your labyrinths!
I love working with maps. I lost my stash in a basement flood last year, and I miss them dearly. I love the colors, lines and movement of maps. You’ve create a very nice whimsical piece here that sparks the imagination. Happy AEDM!
Good to see you at AEDM 2011!
Cool concept with the map background.
[...] are much more intimidating to do than the paper planes, but I really enjoy painting and drawing them. My wife knows how to fold paper cranes so we have a [...]
[...] we are in the new year and I’m taking a new direction in my Ephemeral Adventurer series of paintings. I’m experimenting with larger paintings on canvas and trying a few [...]