The Sketchbook Project

[Guest Stephen-Renae]

Ok, I recently ran across this while browsing DeviantArt: http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject/

So, this is, in my opinion, the best most awesome thing for upcoming artists. They send you a blank sketchbook (blank cover to be drawn on included!) that has 32 sheets in it. You fill it up, send it back by the deadline, and off it goes on a world tour! You even get the option to have E-mails sent on exactly who/when/where looked at it, etc... All the info is on the site.

So, I'm thinking I wanna' participate, but I have one important question: Should my theme be "Fille Me With Stories" or "Stitches and Folds"?? I can't choose!

[Guest ranse]

Ok, I recently ran across this while browsing DeviantArt: http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject/

So, this is, in my opinion, the best most awesome thing for upcoming artists. They send you a blank sketchbook (blank cover to be drawn on included!) that has 32 sheets in it. You fill it up, send it back by the deadline, and off it goes on a world tour! You even get the option to have E-mails sent on exactly who/when/where looked at it, etc... All the info is on the site.

So, I'm thinking I wanna' participate, but I have one important question: Should my theme be "Fille Me With Stories" or "Stitches and Folds"?? I can't choose!

What a cool project. Fill me With Stories seems like you could do a pretty open interpretation of it ...

[Guest Risu]

I looked but couldn't find an explanation on the themes. It might help you explained what each theme means to you.

I voted "Fill me with stories" only because I had no clue what "Stitches and Folds" might mean. Fill me with stories sounds more dynamic.

This sounds really cool! I hope you have fun with it and enjoy it whichever theme you do be sure to share some of the art here (if you're allowed to) before you send your sketchbook back!

[Guest Stephen-Renae]

Agh, you're right, I should have told what each theme means to me >-<; Although, the themes are supposed to be open-ended and used only as guides, anyway.

"Stitches and Folds" appeals to me because of my current abstract art style. It's filled with rather chaotic looking plants and animals that are sewn together, torn apart, dissintegrating, etc. It has to do with pure emotion and state of mind. When I draw this, I zone out to the extent that I don't hear someone talking even if they're right next to me, in a dead silent room (which has happened before). Also, I tend to Not Know what the pictur even means until months and months after drawing it, simply because the symbolism involved comes from so deep in my head. *dizzy*

However, "Fill Me With Stories" appeals greatly too, since you could run everywhere with it. The difference between the two (for me) is that in the other theme, I'll let myself Zone Out and draw what comes. In this one, though, I'll consciously think of how to set up the pic to tell a -specific- story (and one that I understand from the get-go, haha).

I really want opinions on this, not a "Pick the one that means the most/feels most natural to you" deal. Really. I like BOTH.

And I'll be sure to share my art, when I'm done! I'll prolly post it on my DeviantArt and then post to link here.

[Guest Risu]

I really like both of the themes you chose. I like stitches and folds because I am considering learning how to quilt! Also I currently do knitt and crochet projects as well as counted cross stitch so when I think of stitches and folds I think of that and I know how dynamic and beautiful it can be. It sounds like your idea for the stitches and folds theme would be something really cool to see! I can see why it's such a tough decision.

Fill me with stories sounds like it could be a lot of fun as well. Though perhaps slightly more time consuming. I forgot to check, when is the deadline?

Whichever theme you go with I look forward to seeing what you come up with From your reply above you seem to be a very passionate and inspired artist. This really is a cool idea. I passed the link along to some friends of mine who might be interested. Thanks so much for sharing!

[Guest Stephen-Renae]

Okay, so I had to choose a bit earlier than planned. My mom asked me "So...you have to pay money, and they'll send you a book....which you have to send BACK, and you don't get to keep it?"

*facepalm* It's a big deal to an artist, mom....*le sigh*

Anyway, she let me do it, but she wanted to input all the info herself, immediately, since she had the cedit card no. with her. I had wanted to use Jesse (chosen name) for it, since it didn't require any kind of confimation about the artist name, but she was there and typed in Stephanie... -.-

Anywho, I chose 'fill me with stories', because I figured it would take more time, and I was feeling ambitious. Either way, I'm using my plant-like style, but this way I'll be inspired to work more

Thanks to anyone who has sent the link on to others - let art take over the world!