Moleskine Exchange International

Genesis

2010-04-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

Since I didn't get the chance previously to show off my piece-de-resistance for this exchange (even though it is now officially finished), I thought I would make one more contribution to give myself some closure on this project.

The subject, created (if that is the right word) by Stephanie, is "Genesis", and although it may hold for her specifically religious meanings, for me it simply means the start or beginning of new life.

With that in mind I think about the cycle of life, a return to origins, and with a passing nod to the first book of the Christian and Jewish Bible, I take the simple apple as my source:

Eating my way through this apple I come, eventually, to the seeds which embody the potential of life renewed.

A Golden Delicious indeed!

I wish you all good fortune in your lives and to always find fresh and stimulating renewal.

DAVID

The End

2009-12-01T23:38:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry to say that, after numerous emails and a letter to Lorraine's home, I still haven't heard back from her. That means that David, Vivian and I have lost our books to Lorraine.

I would like to end the exchange on a positive note;
Lindsay's Moley is complete and back home with Lindsay. Hurray.
Brians Moley is complete and back with Brian.
Gesa has her book, and I think that only David hasn't worked on it. If I'm wrong, then hers is all complete too.

I had fantastic fun working in everyones books, and getting to see so much fantastic work.
To David & Vivian, I am so sorry that you've not had your books back. I will probably write again to Lorraine, there's no harm in trying I suppose, but otherwise I think we should draw a line under the project.

So, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very arty New Year.

Steph Smith

Missing books

2009-09-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hiya all.

I've emailed Lorraine today asking if she'd send all the books to me so that I can get them distributed asap.

When I contacted her in June she said she had Brian's, Gesa's, David's and Lindsay's Moleys ready to post, and she was going to send Gesa's onto me, and that she was going to ask later who to send mine onto.

But I didn't receive Gesa's, so I mailed her again in July, but then I have been away for most of the 7 weeks over summer so I haven't chased her up again until now.

I know Brian and Lindsay got theirs back from Lorraine soon after she replied in June. So we're still missing Gesa's and David's. I also sent Vivian's to Lorraine some time back, and Lorraine said she was going to send Viv's back to me.

So, as far as I can tell;

Lorraine has mine (Steph), Gesa's, David's, and Viv's, and her own (Lorraine's)
Casey has his own.
David has his own.
Linday has his own.

That's eight in all.

If I haven't heard from her in a week I'll send her a letter. I hope she's okay in herself, but I also hope she's able to get the books sent to me, if sending them individually isn't possible.

Here's hoping.

Are the moleys on their way back yet???

2009-07-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

Could we have an update on where our moley's are and when we will get them? were they posted? 2nd June was a long time back when Lorraine was planning to post them on and post here with an update and photos .............

I haven't had mine :>( and I emailed Steph to see if it was with her (I think she has yet to work in it) and she hasn't received any either :>(

Where is my poor moley?

Panic over

2009-06-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hiya Guys. Lorraine's just sent me this message today;

Hi Stephanie

I'm really sorry I've been out of the loop for so long. I've been having real broadband issues which now appear to be resolved and not being able to send personal emails at work hasn't helped.

The exhibition was a real success, so much so that the LRC wanted to extend the exhibition. Many staff and students from different courses expressed interest and appreciation of the sketchbooks. I will post their comments on the moley blog hopefully this evening. I have parceled up Brian's, Gesa's, Davids and Lindsay's moleys to be returned to them and Vivians is ready to be sent to you.These will be posted tomorrow and I'll ask who wants your moley next on the blog.

Again, I'm really sorry that I've been hard to get hold of.

Lorraine.

So that's great to hear.

Panic

2009-05-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

Where is everyone? Where are all the Moleys? Where's my Moley? Panic, sweating, pacing the living room floor, biting fingernails, and all that kinda stuff. Is there anyone out there? Love from Steph.

Where are we with the exchange?

2009-04-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone

Did my book make it to Belfast for the exhibition? cos I haven't seen it yet and I'm looking forward to that.

If so when does the exhibition end? I've lost track, lost the plot ............

when will my moley come home?

:>)

A line back to Glasgow

2009-02-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

Mine made it back too!

I received it a wee while back but only now managed to scan the pages and try to get it to Lorraine pronto. David added some fancy men-in-skirts pop outs to complete the Lines, Lineages and Linings. It's become such a different book to when I posted it off in May to Vivien.

Have a look at the slide show:

Lorraine, I will post this tomorrow and will post Vivien's which is still with me asap, I hope to finish it at the weekend. Looking forward to hear/see how the books look at the exhibition. Many thanks for organising this!

Sketchbook exhibition

2009-02-16T01:09:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone.

Sorry I've been out of the loop for a while. Between family illness, students exams and my own exams and erratic internet connections thing have been rather hectic to say the least.

Everything is now set for the display of our sketchbooks in the LRC (Learning Resource Centre) of the University of Ulster.

If you would like to send the sketchbooks in your possession to me. I will arrange the display on Sunday evening. Don't worry if they arrive later. The sketch books will be in the three display cases shown, each case will hold two sketchbooks, so I will rotate them over the next four weeks to ensure they are all on display for the same amount of time.

Also, if you could write a short biography (approx 150 words) or profile about yourself, your art work and the sketchbook exchange. these can be emailed to me at any time.

I think the sketchbooks will look great displayed together, I'll post photos here so we can see them together.

All the best

Lorraine

Lindsay's Mole Complete

2009-02-12T13:10:00.000-08:00

This is Steph's rather elegant conclusion in my mole. I believe she used a ticket stub to bring in those orange lamp elements. Very creative use of paper.

Many thanks to everyone for making my mole a fine and beautiful book. It's been a lot of fun working on this.

What a Star!

2009-02-01T04:08:00.001-08:00

Brian goes to the top of the class having got his moley finished first and also for this delicate set of gentle pastel flowers in Gesa's 'Lines and Lineage' book. At first I thought they must be Edelweiss in honour of Gesa's nationality, but then changed my mind to Ipheon (Liliaceae, from Mexico), but why would he do that I wondered? My final guess is Orinthogalum or the "Star of Bethlehem" since he must have one flowering right now in his NY apartment and got the time to do it over Christmas!

It's good to see you got the blue and the orange out of your Christmas box of Unison, Brian! :o)

As far as I can make out here's where we stand with each of the other moleskines, as amended today by Brian:

1. Brian's Stretch is finished and is back home with him. Yippee!
2. Lorraine's Close is unaccounted for but Vivien has yet to create her masterpiece in it.
3. Gesa's Lines book is with me. Everyone else has done their thang so I will be posting it home to Gesa when I am finished (soon-ish).
4. Vivien's Landscapes is with Gesa. Lorraine has still to work in it, then it will be finished.
5. Lindsay's Maps is now finished and has been returned home to her.
6. Casey's Freedom sent on but not received by Steph yet - worrying as sent ages ago really quickly after Gesa sent it on - her work in it was gorgeous as well.
7. Steph's Genesis has the most outstanding with LorLor, Gesa, Vivien, and lil' ole me yet to start in it (pun intended). I think it is with Lorraine.
8. And last but not least my Dance is, I believe, presently is also with Lorraine and therefore soon to be completed and returned to me for framing. Isn't that right Lor?

With the exception of the Freedom and Genesis books all the rest are almost complete, so if this exhibition is still on (perhaps Lorraine can confirm please?) then it just means a couple of them will not be entirely complete [philosophy and mathematics were always my strongest points, as well as stating the obvious].

Anything to add?

No 6 amended by Gesa.

The locality gallery

2009-01-30T07:46:00.001-08:00

It has been with me for a week or so, but with frantic work schedules and nasty bugs abound, it is only now that I'm getting round to posting this.

It's the local landscapes sketchbook of Vivien that is with me now. What a glorious series of snapshots it provides from the different places where we live. It is fairly complete now with Lindsay's entry being the most recent one.

She, again to great effect, has used the sketchbook as a virtual gallery to display beautifully some winter ink and wash scenes of one of her favourite local spots: Thatcher Pond.

Lindsay's addition to Vivien's Sketchbook
Thatcher Pond,
Ink, wash and paper
14x36cm

I had an idea since early on for this: A rolling clouds and rain sketch over Inveraray which I sketched in June. But, so much time has passed and I think I pass on some of my recent pond in winter time explorations.

I will then send it on to Lorraine who is the only one who hasn't worked in this.

Where are we with all other Moleys?

I know that I still need to work in Steph's - David, do you still have it? I would need it very soon since my work schedule is gathering far too much speed again from about 10 Feb onwards.

Maybe everyone can leave a comment as to which Moleys still need work by whom?

Stretch Sketchbook Complete

2009-01-25T07:02:00.000-08:00

As requested, I've put together a slideshow of the completed Stretch sketchbook after photographing everyone's additions this morning. The sketchbook in its entirety is excitingly diverse and vibrant - hopefully you enjoy this slideshow view of it. Thanks very much for all of your wonderful contributions!

Also, with a few blank pages left in it that seemed a shame to leave unworked, I've done an additonal set of small drawings for the book and have posted this above. It seemed fitting to close out my own book in this way and it gives me an opportunity to see if and how I might have "stretched" over the past months.

2009-01-24T04:11:00.000-08:00

At last, after months of nothing, I've put my piece in Lindsay's Maps & Destinations Moley. I knew what I wanted to do do as soon as I saw the other work in the book, concentrating on the 'destination' idea, with the road outside my house which links me to the rest of the world, and the bus stop I often draw figures at. There are no figures in this piece though.
As I'm the last one on the list to work in it, and as there's 4 blank pages left at the end, Lindsay can round it off. But she may have to wait as Lorraine may want it immediately for the exhibition she's arranged. Let me know where to post it & I'll get it sent straight away.

Lindsay's Work in Gesa 's Book

2009-01-19T09:04:00.001-08:00

Here's a delightful contribution to Gesa's book by Lindsay. A repeated pen in silhouette dances over a flow of words about art and drawing that form lines - in keeping with the theme of Gesa's book. In a lovely splash of color, a red star makes an appearance on each page providing a decorative grace note to the composition. Wonderful work, Lindsay!

Gesa's book is the only one I haven't yet worked in so I'm looking forward to getting started. There are some remarkably creative entries in this book and it's a lot of fun to look at. Once I'm through, it looks like I'll be sending it off to David - all of the other members of our team have worked in Gesa's book already. David, I'll try to have it on it's way later this week.

Happy New Year to Team Moleskine!

2009-01-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would wish each of you on the Team a very good New Year full of more creativity and fabulous sketches to complete the last lap and drag ourselves over the finishing line!

If the Belfast gig is still on (23rd Feb) that gives us just seven weeks to pass around the remaining sketchbooks still out there and get them back to Lorraine in time for the Grand Opening and Party Nite at the University of Ulster at which I intend to put in a Guest Appearance. I might even wear the kilt and give you all a thrill! (Do you think I could sell tickets for the event? :o)

I know I still have incredible things yet to do in Steph's Genesis book (like sit on a cloud and declare "Let There Be Light Moleskines Cheaper For Posting!") and Gesa's Lines and Lineage (I've got a lot of ancesters asking to be included) but I don't know who else has to work in them also. Perhaps you could all chip in with a note of what each of you have still to do and perhaps we could organise ourselves and make sure everyone gets sufficient time, allowing for postage as well, to create their masterpieces.

Two New Mole's Arrived in Chicago

2008-12-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

This is Lorraine's unique and wildly creative contribution to Gesa's Line book. Lorraine has attached mini dress patterns from festive ribbon hangers and sewn THE ACTUAL PAGES! This is a lovely and inspiring interpretation of the theme and I'm going to have some fancy thinking to come up with my own ideas.

And here is Brian's serene, beautifully textured contribution to Vivien's book. This peaceful, idyllic scene is entitled "Hell's Gate, East River,NY" It's hard to see all of his rich pastel strokes built up on the surface. Very rich addition!

Stretch Sketchbook Returns Home to New York

2008-12-13T08:21:00.001-08:00

After its long trip abroad and to the Midwestern United States, my sketchbook has returned home. It's a little dog-eared and certainly more world-wise but otherwise in excellent form and filled with beautiful stories to tell from each of you.

The latest is Lindsay's addition - a fun, bold drawing in black and brown of the end of four pens (the writing end of two and the clicking end of the others). Lindsay's pens echo very nicely the vertical line work of Steph's trees on the preceding pages with her gorgeous fluttering leaves. The writing implements in close up seem a fitting conclusion for this book's journeys now that it has so much to tell. Thanks, Lindsay, for this lovely work and for the chocolates you sent along as well!

And thanks, each of you, for the wonderful work you've done in my book. It's truly a pleasure to see each drawing in person and an honor to have something from each of you here. The theme of my book was "Stretch" but I frankly feel I've stretched myself more in all of your sketchbooks than on my first drawings in my own. The book does have three or four empty pages left, though, so perhaps I'll bring it full circle and add a new entry myself.

Gesa's moley

2008-12-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

Gesa's moley has gained a little weight, but it's ready to go.

Casey sent it to me but, neither Lindsey nor Brian have worked in it yet. So, before it goes to David, do either of you want it?

Close, home safe and sound.

2008-11-30T14:55:00.000-08:00

Just the other day my moley made the last leg of it's journey from New York to Northern Ireland.

What a lovely surprise!

Here is Brian's contribution, three stunning close studies in pastel. Brian, you really amaze me how you can get such wonderful textures with pastel! I'm afraid I didn't do your work justice here.

This little sketch book is such a joy, I can't stop looking at it, I keep finding new things to enjoy. Thank you all so much for sharing your creativity with me. I will post a slideshow of it as soon as I've worked out how to do this. In the meantime I had better get cracking on Gesa's and Davids moleys.

The dates for the exhibition in Belfast have now been confirmed, 23rd February 2009 to 23rd March 2009. I'l have more details for you all closer to the time.

Missing in action

2008-11-30T10:38:00.001-08:00

Here is the entry I did in Gesa's Lines & Lineages Moley. The image isn't very good, as it was taken in a rush before posting it on to Casey. Unfortunately Casey didn't post about the entry, so it's a missing piece which followed Vivian's work here. I don't think it stands a a piece on it's own but maybe what Lindsay does to follow will help tie it all in. Remember, Lindsay, you're welcome to draw, paint and obliterate what I've done, and with this piece, I don't think you can do any harm. I'm not being self-deprecating here. I'm happy with a lot of the work I've done, but I'm not satisfied with this one. Maybe David could send the book back to me to work over it before Gesa gets it?

Landscape by David

2008-11-29T06:59:00.000-08:00

Here's David's beautiful addition to Vivien's "Landscape" sketchbook. Vivien suggests that each artist provide a landscape from their "local area - country, city or your backyard". David responded with an interpretation of the three ancient standing stones at Machrie Moor on the Isle of Arran. He uses a rich analogous color scheme of purples, blues, and green with a complementary surge of red and orange slicing directly across the composition at the eye level of a visitor contemplating the stones. This bright line that renders the drawing neatly in half is made even more compelling because it seems to emanate directly from the corner of the roof of Penshaw Monument in Steph's contribution on the previous pages. David sets up a wonderful interplay of warm and cool colors, giving his landscape a dynamic charge that lends itself exceptionally well to the mystical nature of this prehistoric site.
It's interesting to me that - following Viven's lovely field of flowers - Steph and David both contributed stunning landscapes with historic elements that are awesome in scale and symbolism. I'm looking forward to working in this book and am planning an addition with a very local subject. Hopefully, I'll be able to maintain the richness and vibrancy of the work by Vivien, Steph, and now David - this is a dauntingly beautiful book!

Steph's Work in Brian's Mole

2008-11-26T18:42:00.000-08:00

This is Steph's stunning mixed media addition to Brian's Stretch Mole. Brian, you might just have to pry my hands off this journal to send it on back home. It's really lovely and I hope you post it as a slide show when it's landed.

Steph has used ink and collage and watercolor(?) to give her watery Autumnal contribution some real graphic punch. Lovely combinations here. And sorry it took so long for me to post. (S, thanks for the little addition! I might just pass some of that on in the form of an addition to this book!)

2008-11-24T23:10:00.000-08:00

Gesa took this Moley travelling with her on the London Underground to people-watch. Then on to a friend's house in Germany, and lastly to the airport heading home. There's loads of detail crammed in and I especially love the image of the dining room, glimpsing rooms beyond doorways. Gesa's pen-work is strong and sure here. I know you'll love it, Lindsay.

When you get it, don't forget to rummage in the pockets.

Story tellings

2008-11-23T07:51:00.000-08:00

On Thursday I got my latest Moley Fix: Casey's Freedom moley is now here with me after David's session.

It's pretty full now - as with Lindsay's Maps/Destination - my entry was #6.
It's intriguing stories, these sketchbooks are telling: in terms of the images and entries, but also with some of the ephemera.

E.g., I like Lindsay's little pocket for leaving/taking entry tickets and various found papers; how she and others stuck some stamps on it (sorry, Lindsay, I had one from Israel for you, but had temporarily misplaced it and only found it again after I had posted the book on); the little thoughts, ditties, comments some have written on the back.

With Casey's moley I liked the continuity of medium - and how everyone ended up putting some protective paper around their sketches.

The images tell stories too. And this was what struck me. I am not much of a story teller with images - that's why I think I can never quite cut it as an illustrator, the art of cartoon and visual novels or even storyboards for film is beyond me. I think as far as storytelling in painting/drawing goes for me, it's the work process. I like the layering of collage and mixed media. Of adding stuff to a painting. But 'stuff' is usually all there is, it's not straightforward.

I've seen quite a few of Lorraine and David's sketches now, and both of them are great storytellers with a single image. Though very different in style, their image is a message. And with this moley, David surprised me. From the sneak preview I was fairly certain it would have been an abstract in oil pastel. He had already said that it was neo iis, but I was struck when I opened it to find a hand reaching through bars for a wild blue bird.

Here, have a look for yourself at his commentary on freedom.

David's addition in Casey's Freedom moley

I had a bit of a free imagination and already continued. Who wants it next? Vivien or Steph???

Two for the Price of One

2008-11-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

Right, I've got two moley's here primed and ready to go. Would anyone especially like to receive one of them first?

Detail of my contribution to the Freedom Moley.

and:
Detail of Local Landscape Moley.

I'll wait a couple of days and if there are no other takers then I'm sorry Gesa it will be you again!

And, en route again

2008-11-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

Worry not, Steph... yours will be the next destination of Lindsay's moley... in the post asap as I decided that I am finished with it :)

What I did with it? Travelling...

Gesa's entry in Lindsay's Maps & Destinations

And my moley?

2008-11-16T07:20:00.001-08:00

... where is it? Please? Everyone's seem to be somewhere but where on earth is mine?

Where on earth.....?

2008-11-13T23:56:00.000-08:00

Hiya all, here's the list of Moleys. I've noted where some are, so can you 'edit' my post and record where the others are right now?

Brian - Stretch - in the post to Lindsay
Lorraine - Close - with Brian
David - The Dance - in the post to Lorraine
Gesa - Lines - with Lor Lor
Vivian - Landscapes - with David
Stephanie - Genesis - with Brian
Casey - Freedom - with David
Lindsay - Maps & Destinations - Gesa has it

we could add a tab down the side with this info, and each of us could update it when they receive a book? What do you think?

November morning

2008-11-13T23:51:00.001-08:00

I emailed Brian earlier in the week to say I'd have a look at his Moley, which I think I've had for 2 months or so, and work on it this week. As I mentioned in the previous post, these little books seem to have taken on a life of their own, and as soon as I opened it up, I could see themes of shapes and colours running through this one. A few hours later, and I was done, letting it dry in a safe corner of the kitchen.
I'll post it on to Lindsay this afternoon and, as there's seven pages left, Brian will get to work in it to bring it full circle. Will this be the first Moley to cross the finishing line?

A change in the line up

2008-11-13T06:43:00.000-08:00

Hiya guys, Vivien has mailed me to confirm that Casey has had to drop out of the exchange. He has forwarded on the books that he'd received without working in them, which is such a shame because he' such a fantastic artist and I was really excited about seeing some of his work in the flesh. Not to worry.
Making an executive decision, I think we should continue to circulate and work on Casey's Freedom Moley, and include it in Lorraine's exhibition, before returning it completed to Casey. To tell you the truth, when I get the Moleys I'm not thinking about who originated them, as they each seem to have taken on lives of their own, if you know what I mean.

Genesis by Lindsay

2008-11-09T13:34:00.000-08:00

Hot on the heels of David's post with work by Steph and Lorraine, I'm adding Lindsay's addition to Steph's Genesis sketchbook. These spanners are captured so convincingly, you feel as though you could lift them off the page, and - despite the difference in subject and scale - Lindsay's composition complements Steph's work very nicely.

I've now got two sketchbooks here - Lorraine's "Close" and Steph's "Genesis" - and I'll work to get them on their way as soon as possible. Steph's book only has these two contributions (shown above) so far so it still needs to make most of the rounds. Lorraine's book is nearly finished with only Casey and I left to go. Both books are looking great and I'll do my best to keep them that way!

Just Like Busses....

2008-11-09T05:26:00.000-08:00

...you wait forever on one, and two come along at the same time!

So, I'll take the first one part of the way then change to the second for the remainder of my journey:

Steph's brooding northern edifice, seen contre-jour from a low viewpoint, is pieced together with creative collage and full of painted textures. A monumental moley masterpiece! Great stuff Steph, and in stark contrast to the gentle rolling summer meadows of Viviens southern landscape. Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights' meets Vaughan-Williams 'A Lark Ascending':

Jump off one bus, and onto the next (it's just as well I have my Auld Git's Travel Card!):

Flying high with Lorraine's multi-coloured kite looking down on sandy beaches gives a great sense of a blustery day at the sea-side. I believe one of the two "edjits" with the dog may in fact be Lorraine herself loving the freedom and pleasure a deserted beach brings us!. Well done Lorraine - it makes a great spacious image:

I will need to fly this kite for a while up at Penshaw Monument to see if I can achieve similar enjoyable lift-off's!

Close by Lindsay

2008-10-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

Lorraine's sketchbook is a real treat from beginning to end with great work by everyone. Lindsay's addition is a quartet of richly colored miniature landscapes set into small square frames. Looking at each of these images is like peering through a window into an open expanse alive with light and color. The matted format and expanse of paper suggests a calm stillness, contrasting nicely with the energetic flow of Steph's work on the preceding pages. The bar has been set very high by all of the contributions to Lorraine's book - I hope I can keep it going!

Linday's Finished with David's Dance Book

2008-10-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

Who is the lucky next person??? Just let me know where to send it.

David's Book

2008-10-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

Well, here is Brain's contribution to David's dance book. Brian this is really lovely in person. My family admired your work too saying it was very romantic. Did you use pastel pencils to get all those wonderful details in?

Now I have TWO books to work on and send along. No pressure here!

I'm still in the land of the living.

2008-10-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks
I've really missed being in contact with you all and apologise for not being in touch. And no, I didn't get lost in Donegal. It's been a crazy few months of University work, freelance work, and resuming my own studies for a master's degree. Along with a banjaxed camera and a broadband connection with a mind of its own, life has been, to say the least, interesting.
However, I can now send Casey's Freedom sketch book on. Any takers?
Love&fun
Lorraine.

Steph's Work in Lorranie's Book

2008-10-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

Here it is, at long last:Steph's colorful,flowing abstract in Lorraine's book Close. Sorry for the long delay in posting. It's been such a crazy month for me!

Another Mole Ready to Fly

2008-10-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

I've really enjoyed working in Lorraine's Mole with it's "Close" theme. I wish I could show it to you now but you'll all have to wait until it lands at it's next destination. Any takers?

... and she makes splash!!!

2008-10-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

Vivien's Splashdown in Lindsay's Moley, Part 1

Just when I got Vivien's wonderful Seascapes book and was itching for more than reproductions, she returned Lindsay's moley to me... jippieh! Some beautiful wild seas in real life - oil? - sketches. One's a close-up, one's more land-, oops: seascapey. Both of them are richly worked, reworked, with lines, markings, scrapings and scratchings. There's plenty of whites used, and done so very well. It will give me plenty of look at, think about and play with - for my own seascapes, but also of course where to go next? If Vivien made astronaut David arrive, what's gonna happen next?

Vivien's Splashdown in Lindsay's Moley, Part 2

I think that will require some consideration...

Many thanks, Vivien - and I'm sure everyone who'll get if from here on will love the way this moley has been developing. It could well be the one with most entries yet? It has five so far: Lindsay, Brian, Lorraine, David and Vivien.

where are we up to now?

2008-10-09T03:48:00.000-07:00

where are we up to now?

Who has which books ?

it's gone a bit quiet

How many are completed in each of the books - could we all update? like x has y's book which now has 5 entries and is on it's way to z????

I haven't got a book ......

I want a book!!!!!!!!!!!

Dance by Steph

2008-10-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Here's Steph's contribution to David's "Dance" theme. We transition from Vivien's delicate blossoms scattered by a late summer breeze to Steph's energetic dancers kicking, jumping, and stretching across the page. The figures are drawn with wonderful efficiency and vigor, suggestive of the dynamic motion of dance while complimenting the light, floating feel of the red blossoms. This book is a real treat with great work by David, Gesa, Vivien, and now Steph - hopefully I can keep it going...

Lindsay's book with David's addition

2008-10-05T01:05:00.000-07:00

David's work in Lindsay's book - Maps and Destinations

Sorry for the belated posting - life keeps getting in the way :>(

This is the fabulous addition by David, following on from the lovely maps by Lindsay, Brian and Lorraine - he took it off into a slightly different direction!

Note the Scottish Flag of St Andrew on the sleeve and the intials DC on the suit - wishful thinking David?

I really love this - the idea, the composition - it just works so well!

He's in for a rather damp splashdown on the next page - I decided to go for the destination as there were lots of maps .... but Gesa can show you that when it arrives :>)

I'm sending it to Gesa so that she gets to see my scribbles for once IRL and then it can go back on track and it can go to Stephanie next I hope that's ok?

Casey have you sent a book to me? you can if you have one :>)

Dance expolsion

2008-09-25T02:11:00.001-07:00

Wow, what a night. I mean..! Oh wow. Matthew Bourne's Dorian Gray. Tense, violent, arousing, grotesque, dark. So this morning I grabbed David's moley, and started scribbling.

Who wants it now? Casey, Lindsay, Brian or Lorraine?

question for Casey

2008-09-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

Casey ............. confess! how many sketchbooks have you got? we seem to have come to a bit of a standstill!

Hope you are OK?

Hands up....

2008-09-16T08:30:00.001-07:00

.... if you want Lorraine's Close sending to you. Casey, Lindsay and Brian haven't had it yet. It's in a jiffy, waiting to go.

Stretch

2008-09-07T03:04:00.000-07:00

"Strive for emotion - I hope some of the love I have for the coast comes through". Vivien, it really does. On the back of the artwork she explains how she's re-worked a previous lino print... I won't say any more as she explains it all.

Vivien has a great sense of composition, arranging these slices on the pages. For the time being I'm not thinking about what I'll do to follow, I just want to spend a little time looking through everyone else's work and absorbing the journey. And I probably won't get to see what follows after I send this on, except seeing photos online. It's a shame because I love to fondle these Moleys; sometimes I sit and open them gradually, so that I can only view a small section at a time. Other times I'll lay them flat on the carpet and let my eyes wander.

Close - the story so far

2008-09-07T02:06:00.001-07:00

... not including my addition, because it's a secret until the recipient gets it. There are 12 blank pages left, and three people left who haven't contributed.

... and off into space

2008-09-06T05:34:00.001-07:00

... is where David's entry is taking us as current destination in Lindsay's moley.

What a good idea... guided by a few stars towards the sun.

Take a look yourself.

David's contributionn to Lindsay's Moley

And: where to go next if the sky's already been the limit???

Vivien gets Close

2008-09-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

Vivien's work is so wonderful that I am privileged to premier her work in this exchange. In this Moley she's depicted a number of things; a feather, the coast, and trees. On the back of the pages is written "....the edges, where one thing becomes another, clearly defined or lost edges......"

First, her feather is drawn in minute detail with a technical pen. The fine lead has allowed her to draw each individual strand, which would have been near impossible with a regular pencil even with repeated sharpening. Some areas are fine, some whispery, it looks like if you blew on it it'd float off the page.

Next she transforms a view of her local coast from a standard landscape to an abstract view. I remember reading about Monet's waterlilies being revolutionary at the time because he cropped the view.

Here is her close study of trees and bark. There are greys and purples and ochres in there, and I think she's scratched into it. I keep discovering things each time I open it up. It's just wonderful to see. In fact, I think this would look great tree-sized, maybe eight feet tall. It was hard to capture the texture and the subtlety of colours in this photo. In fact, Vivien's written to one side, so I'm wondering if it's meant to be viewed from the side? Maybe it's both, because both angles look great in the flesh so I've posted two photos for you to see and decide. These Moleys are damn tricky to photograph, don't you think?

I have painted my interpretation of Close in it now, and I'm ready to post it on. Here's a half inch piece of it. Next on the list would be Casey, but if we want to mix it up a bit, there's still Lindsay and Brian yet to work in it. So shout out whoever wants it next and I'll pop it in the post.

Update

2008-09-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

Can I apologise, as I received Lorraine's Close Moley, and Brian's Stretch Moley a few weeks ago, and I've had David's Dancing book a while. But, apart from Vivien's poppies in David's book I haven't published photos of what I've received. Sorry people. You'll see from my blog that I've been out of the picture during the holidays (pardon the pun) but I'm back now and normal service will resume.
The good news is that the battery for my digital camera is recharging as I type and photos will follow. Soon. I promise. I was working in the Close Moley last night and am all fired up and excited again.

Casey's moley in Ireland

2008-08-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Hi moley mates, I'm sorry that I've been a bit tardy in posting this moley.

Casey's moley arrived safely in a very wet and miserable Belfast on Tuesday, and now on Sunday evening I have time to really enjoy it's contents.

Casey started the "Freedom" theme with a lovely freeform expression of colour and texture in soft pastel. Casey did you use Unison pastels for this?, because if you did I'm beginning to see why they are so popular among soft pastel artists.

Then Lindsay threads some of Casey's colours into her dynamic mixed media landscape, using oil pastels and solid blocks of colour. I'm going to have a go at using oil pastels, I love the almost liquid effects that Lindsay has achieved with these.

Next, Brian's interpretation of "Freedom" introduces us to a very serene scene in soft pastels of a disused jetty, with lovely soft waterery effects and what I think is becoming Brian's trade mark greens.

So, what will I do?

I think that I will continue the pastel tradition already established in this moley, however as to subject. Well we will see.

Detour

2008-08-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

FYI: Lindsay's Moley is off on the road again and who knows where it will take us. Apart from stopping at Gesa's first!

Our moleys... where are they?

2008-08-16T04:56:00.001-07:00

I keep checking the blog to see what's where but must admit, I've got a bit lost as to the whereabout of our moleys...

As far as I can see:
Vivien has't got any, I don't have any, Lorraine is looking forward to get Casey's moley from Brian, David has Lindsay's moley.

Which leaves Steph and Casey? Casey, did you receive Vivien and my moley?

Do we want to stick with the previous order or mix the cards anew as Steph suggested in the previous post? I personally don't mind either way, am just looking for some reassurance that all the books are somewhere in someone's safe hands :)

Vivien's Brainwave

2008-08-07T13:53:00.002-07:00

I've just been catching up on people's blogs (kinda) and found that Viv's had a cool idea - ......it's a shame that we miss out on seeing much of some people's work - it maybe needs a mathematician to arrange a future exchange and work out permutations to change the order of sending the books a little? making books criss cross - making people partners so one time the book goes to A and the next book to B, winding in and out in strands so that the books keep moving ..... don't think my maths is up to it!......
I have no idea if this could work BUT I do think it's a great idea. It would give us the chance to see other people's work, and it would mean that we're not always following on from the work of the same artist each time. So, I have a suggestion. If we each look at which Moley's w have in our possession at present, and make a note of who is left on the list for it to be sent to (the original postal list is on the blog's side bar) then choose who you feel lie posting it onto, and send it, maybe putting a copy of the list in the handy pocket at the back of the Moley, and crossing out who's had it, so the recipient can see who is left on the list for it to be sent to. This may cause bottle-necks but I know I myself had 2 Moleys at once. Also, if anyone isn't inspired to draw int the one they have they could send it and add their name to the list in the back to get it again at some point in the future. So that way, everyone gets to paint (draw, whatever, you know what I mean) in each Moley, but we just jazz up the order.
I suppose people can post on the blog asking for a Moley if they have none at the time, or to say WAIT, I'm up to my neck in Molies (that spelling looks wrong).
Anyway, how do you guys feel about that suggestion?

Vivien's Brainwave

2008-08-07T13:53:00.001-07:00

An exhibition of our sketchbooks

2008-08-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Right take a deep breath!
Ohhhhhhh! I'm soooooooooooo excited!!!!!!!
Oh behave!

I have an announcement to make.

Ahem!

The library on the Belfast campus of the University of Ulster has agreed to exhibit our sketchbooks when they are finished!!!!!!!!

This is a long story, but this is how it goes. I was walking in to work (I work in the Textiles and Fashion Dept of the school of Art and Design based in the the Belfast campus of the University of Ulster.) one morning when I met the chief librarian.
Anyway Marion and I got chatting about how our summers were going and I mentioned that I was engaged in our moly exchange.
She was really interested and said,(God bless her wee cotton socks, I hope they turn to wool) that the library would love to display our sketchbooks.

Sooooooo, what do you all think?
Obviously, there is a bit to think about, timing etc. However, I thought that we should all have our original sketchbooks back around Christmas and if the exhibition was scheduled for, say February, we would have a month to enjoy our sketchbooks before they would be sent to Belfast for the show.

Please let me know what you think.
Best thoughts and regards
Lorraine.

Oh' the wanderlust is on me....

2008-07-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

...And tonight I strike the trail, And the morning sun will find me, In the lovely Carrick vale...

Chorus (now youse'll a' sing along wi' me!):

"We'll swing along to a hiking song, on the highway winding west, Tramping highland glens and bracken bens, to greet the Isles we love the best".

It was a real pleasure this morning to hear the extra weight of a moleskine plopping through the letterbox. And even better to open it and read the continuing story of places and destinations with maps to show me the way!

Hedgelea Park looks a wonderful place to live out there in the countryside, but no matter where we live we all can still be part of a (virtual) artistic community.

Now how on earth do I follow Lorraine's pastoral peacefulness? Ha - there's the germ of an idea!
Hold onto your seats for we may be about to take a bit of a detour to another destination!!!!!

Lindsey's moly on the move again.

2008-07-27T03:14:00.000-07:00

Lindsey's moly will be winging it's way to David in East Kilbride, first thing in the morning.

Here is a sneak peak of what I've done.

Brian's book - theme: Stretch

2008-07-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Gesa Helm's work in Brian's book - theme: Stretch

Brian's book contains coloured pencil sketches of his local landscape, followed by the same of Ireland by Lorraine, a visit to the carnival with David and continues with these fabulous sketches of the Isle of Eigg by Gesa.

hmmm sorry Gesa - that looks rather too blue onscreen - imagine it greener please everyone!

I really like the loose gestural marks, catching the feel of the scrubby highland grass, old stone wall, rocks and scree. There's an interesting write up on the back as well about how the mist controlled how much could be seen - how far the horizon stretched - just to the stone wall? or to the cairn? always changing.

I love wild places. I travelled a lot in Scotland as I lived there for a few years but I never made it to the islands and always wanted to.

.

Lorraine's book - theme CLOSE

2008-07-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

Gesa's work in Lorraine's book - theme: Close

This book is looking so good! it starts off with a coloured pencil drawing by Lorraine of her beloved garden, closely followed by a loving couple in the undergrowth by David and then this lovely Joan Eardley inspired image by Gesa over 4 pages.

I love Joan Eardley's work - both her Glasgow tenement children and her lovely abstracted landscapes.

details

These are so lively and the photos don't do them justice - the mix of collage and painterly marks, glazes and scumbles of paint need to be seen in real life.

I'm going to have to wait ages for the next one I think :>(

I can't wait to see what else has been happening to mine :>)

and on to another post about Brian's book ....

A bit of stretching

2008-07-21T03:55:00.000-07:00

... before I pack this up to send to Vivien, I realised that I haven't posted David's entry on this one.
Here it is: arms up in the air, there's a bit more peopleing going on in the STRETCH moley now. The place where I stayed last week, and had the moley with me, didn't have that many people around, but plenty of sheep. I'll post a teaser of that on my blog, but you can see the first couple of centimetres here, too :)

David's entry in Brian's STRETCH moley

close up of dancing poppies

2008-07-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

details to show what is collage and what is paint or pencil as David asked which bits were collage .
Here are elements blown up to much larger than life size and sharpened/sharpen edges/increase contrast- ed to show the edges more clearly. They don't show as much in real life and are of course much smaller. I think you can see here what elements are used where.

I love the popettes jiving comment David! what a way with words :>D

Dance by Vivien

2008-07-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Here are Vivien's dancing poppy heads. They jiggle on their stiff, hairy stems, nodding nervously, shedding petals. If you listen very carefully you can even hear their quiet rattle as they dry in the sun. I knew the moment I saw them what was I was going to add. Dancing in the same field, as the crows swoop overhead. The dance is infectious in this Moley.

Freedom by Lindsay

2008-07-10T16:13:00.001-07:00

Look what came in the mail today! I love this contribution to Casey's Freedom theme by Lindsay. She starts at left by laying out some of the key colors that Casey used to phenomenal effect in the earlier pages of the book, than incorporates these hues into a landscape that seems to nearly vibrate with color. This in turn transforms into a swirl of geometric abstraction, referencing the broader palette of the landscape while bringing in still more colors (like the soft oranges at right). It reads to me like a visual symphony, with each movement building into the next one in turn, and with surges of dramatic intensity counter-balanced with calm, quiet moments. Lindsay has also successfully matched what for me is one of the most satisfying parts of Casey's work - the soft blush of pink on his fourth page that follows like a gentle sigh after the explosion of reds, pinks, and purples that came before it. Lindsay's grace note here is in those soft oranges, cascading delicately onto the last page and leading to...

Hmmm, looks like I'll have some serious stretching to do here. Great work, folks!

Above the close

2008-07-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

... you can see these.

Detail, In the close,
Lorraine's Moley

That isn't all there is in my share of Lorraine's Moley. I think, in fact, it is done. But I'll let it sit over the next week, to see if the mixed media mess needs some proving.

I will post it next weekend, Vivien - and more importantly Steph, if you two can wait that long.

Lindsay's moley

2008-07-01T03:12:00.000-07:00

Here is Lindsay's moley with Brian's addition.

I love the way one flows into the other and yet they have very distinct styles. I'm very impressed by how Lindsay solved the problem of smudged oil pastels and incorporated the solution into the finished idea, very clever.

Last night, as I made the pencil sling for the moley, I had loads of ideas for what I'm going to do.

dave's book has arrived and with a fascinating addition from Gesa

2008-06-29T11:43:00.001-07:00

Dave's book has arrived and here is Gesa's very different and original contribution - focussing on the steps of the dance and the timing and direction. The tranquil blue is also a total contrast in mood to the vivid Latin American sexiness of Dave's dancers. A really interesting take on the idea and a real challenge to follow! I'm thinking ......

.... desperately!

what to add next?

We had an inspection at college this week, followed by family visit so not much art work has been happening this week but next week ..........

.

Atmospheric Landscapes

2008-06-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

From dusky Canadian mountains, across English Bay, with a detour around the verdant hills and marshes north of Vancouver and on across the Atlantic to the soft, misty, purple (!) mountains framing Lough Swilly - the Lake of Shadows. An eight page travelogue combined into a wide panoramic vista of soft atmospheric landscape. Excellent and impressive work from both Brian and Lorraine. I love them both, but I may just be about to disturb the tranquility!

Vivien's work in Gesa's Moley

2008-06-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

Here, at last, are images from Vivien's drawings in Gesa's Lines & Lineages moleskine. The small detail on the left shows how much details she put into it. My jaw dropped when I opened it, but what really struck me was the continuity from Gesa's to Vivien's work.

Back in the close

2008-06-26T01:31:00.000-07:00

Studies for Lorraine's Moley

I thought I'd better make a start. So, I've been digging around my various Joan Eardley books, notes, etc. I found a few photos she and others had taken, and started to think about the Glasgow tenement close. Since it's early days, I won't worry too much about spoilers here... the format will be different, the medium too, and the actual assemblage also...

Brian's Moley travelling again

2008-06-26T00:47:00.000-07:00

I'm taking Brian's moley to the Post office this morning, before I go into work.

David keep your eyes peeled for the postman.

Ok… that’s that one done

2008-06-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

David's pages in Loraine's Moley

It took me a time to get round to pick this one up. But now it’s here. Ok… closeness in the undergrowth. Suppose that needed to go in here.

I think I’ll stick with my elective urban belongings, think of Joan Eardley and some other literal interpretations of close, THE close, the TENEMENT close.

But it looks as if I’ve quickly moved to being the slow one: too much work elsewhere at the moment. Now that I’ve managed to post the Dance moley off to Vivien, I will see to this one.

Where’s the newspaper, the pair of scissors, the oil pastels….?

Apologies

2008-06-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

I am an idiot. And I need to slow down. Here's the story; Vivien's Landscape Moley arrived on my mat weeks ago, so I photographed it and posted a rave review. Then I went off to do other things, while pondering on what I was going to add to it.
Fast forward, and I'm working in Vivien's Moley. Day one goes okay but as day two dawns I'm not happy with what I've done in it. Oh well, put the kettle on and check the post. Wow, Gesa's Lines and Lineages Moley arrives on my mat. Wow, inspiration. I start drawing immediately in Gesa's Moley, and, her original work gives me the solution to the problems I was having in Viven's Moley. Hours later and I'm a very happy bunny. Day three, I take some panoramic photos for my own records, and post both of them off to Casey.
Fingers drumming on my computer table, post added to the group with an oblique photo of Viv's Moley as a teaser. How long til Casey gets them.......
Today dawns, I post on my own Blog about my Genesis Moley, and my blood literally ran cold. I've sent off Gesa's Moley to Casey, but I haven't blogged about getting it and what Vivien had drawn in it. I am an idiot.
So I've emailed Vivien to ask if she took any photos of her work in Gesa's Moley because none of mine do her work justice. Please don't sack me. I promise to lessen my caffeine intake and listen to soothing music.

Sneak Preview of Vivien's Landscape Moley

2008-06-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a peek at Vivien's Moley which I'll be sending onto Casey when it's dry. I love it, I really do. I want it to come back to me, not to Vivien. And it's all thanks to Gesa, because Gesa's Lines Moley arrived in the post this morning and her collages solved a problem I was having with the Landscape one. Just in the nick of time. And it's a piece of the North East landscape that's close to my heart; a feature I've grown up with, visiting there with my parents, and later with my husband and now my own children.

Casey's Book Arrived!

2008-06-13T06:37:00.001-07:00

Here are Casey's vivid, beautiful, first few pages of his "Freedom" Moley. These are not colors I usually use so I'm feeling challenged to continue his theme with these beautiful color sketches as my inspiration.

Moly McGurgan has landed!

2008-06-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

Brian, what can I say? your sketchbook popped through my letterbox this morning, and what a delight to behold.

Your pastel paintings are just exquisite, I have so enjoyed looking at them today.

However, I'm now on the horns of a dilemma as to what I am going to do to S-T-R-E-T-C-H my creativity, to match up to what you have produced.

This may take a while...

Weekend admin

2008-06-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

joys... :)

Guys - I've played a bit with the template: widened it, made the comments pop up rather than take over the whole page; and most importantly: added Image links to a label search on our Moleys. For this I have tidied up the labels - have a look; they basically now follow Casey's suggestion from before, e.g. 'Brian's Moley: Stretch'.
So, please: for the links to work: whenever you post someone's else moley, do apply the relevant label (and don't make up a new one ;))
So far, Brian, Casey and Steph are still missing - the first two because there aren't images yet; and with Steph's I was a bit hesitant to use Casey's partner's photo. Casey: do you maybe just want to send me another photo, post one that I could then use, or alternatively make the widget yourself? It's the same process that you've used on your own blogs. Similarly, if you want to replace the image to your moley, feel free to do so - it's rather straightforward.

Hope this is all ok, let me know if not.
Have a good weekend!

Genesis Begins!

2008-06-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

With the receipt of Steph.'s Genesis Moley, we truly have another great beginning in the world of Moleskine Exchanging! I was surprised to see her intricate drawing, so well thought out to encourage progress on her theme. Notice the tricky way that the name "Yahweh" is read both right side up, or upside down. She reminds me that this is an ideogram.

Very impressive order-from-chaos content, too. Now it's on me to follow up with something equally thoughtful.

My "Freedom!" themed Moleskine went out to Lindsay today. The old highway that used to traverse the north central USA, Highway 2, runs from about 8 miles south of me, all the way to Chicago. I visualize it getting to Lindsay straightaway!

Photo: Lorie Klahn

I now got one too...

2008-06-05T01:26:00.000-07:00

David's Moley and Entry

... in the post, yesterday, arrived David's. The one where the theme gives me slight apprehension: people, not only people, but DANCING people.

And, look: what magnificient Tango his couples are doing. Oh dear... where to go - eh, sorry - dance from here?

Well... I'll be circling around it for a wee while. David, you just take your time with Lorraine's Garden - and I'm with you on the different uses of sketchbooks, and somehow, secretely, relieved, that your turn's before mine :P, I can then just follow on nicely with more sketchiness.

Steph on Themes

2008-06-05T00:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I'm loosing track again of who's chosen what theme. So, I've added the themes to the list on the top right of the blog. But I don't think it looks right up there. So, if any of you can see where it would be more fitting and knows how to change the blog layout, then feel free to make whatever changes you like.

Casey's emailed me to say my Moley has arrived, so I'm very excited to see what he writes and what images he posts from it.

Absolutely Wonderful!

2008-06-03T09:58:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful piece of work Lorraine. Your garden of delights arrived safely this afternoon and I was taken aback by it's exquisite beauty and the care you have taken to produce it. With poignant quotes within the painting and on the inside at the back I will let others find these added delights for themselves.
Unfortunately it also scares the life out of me! How can I possibly follow this? for you and I seem to be at different ends of artistic expression. I use my sketchbooks (messily) to explore and develop ideas and material for larger paintings which in turn will be carried out in a bold and expressionistic manner while this little painting of yours is already finished to a very high standard. Now I am challenged to find a greater degree of finesse that normally eludes me so that I don't make a mess of your sketchbook. I promise you I will take the greatest care with your book and do my utmost not to fail you!

Well done Lorraine!

It looks better this way up!

2008-06-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

No Hamish, I didn't mean that close!

Well my first drawing is finished, I'm reasonably pleased with it.

My preferred medium is watercolour, but that doesn't work on the moly pages so I've been using watercolour pencils which seem to work well. After Hamish has passed judgement on my drawing, it will be in the post to David, first thing in the morning. I can't wait to see the next sketchbook.

Lindsay's Book Arrived!

2008-05-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

And it got here safe and sound, decorated cover intact and all! I like the map theme - makes me want to get into the car and drive. Thanks for the note, too, Lindsay! I already know what my addition to her book will be - my imagination was spurred the moment I saw her work. First, though, I've got to get my own out the door. I have an envelope addressed and ready to go to Lor Lor but am thinking I need another day or two on it before getting it into the mail. On my third entry in the book it finally feels as though I'm really getting into uncomfortable terrain - but I've stretched so much now I think I pulled a muscle. Lot's of paper towel and fixative (how I hate the stuff) later there may be some hope for it - we'll see. Having fun, though, and I'll keep plugging away at it.

Label Idea

2008-05-31T07:37:00.000-07:00

Untitled,
6.5" x 4"
Original Pastel
Casey Klahn

This may be a bit like herding cats, but I'm going to try something.

Okay, you cats, let's think about our tags on posts. I suggest we tag each post with the originator's name and the theme of their Moley. Vivien just finished working in Gesa's book, which has the theme of Lines & Lineage. I had to go back to Brian's post of 22 May to get that theme.

How about writing a Tag like this: Gesa's Lines and Lineage Moley? Mine would be: Casey's Freedom Moley. Then, I'll go into the settings and open a label function so we can quick reference them. Of course, the poster's name is embedded already. It has just been too long since I played Bridge, and my brain won't sort these things anymore!

Just by way of keeping you up, I have been deep cleaning the trailer/studio for the past three days. Yesterday, I enlisted Lorie when I got to the framing room, which is her baby. Ug! I reckon there's still a couple more days of this before we can get started on the season's framing projects.

Don't worry, though. The good news is my big desk is now free to draw small things on, including the little Freedom Moley. And it is sitting there, begging me to mark in it. But, today the family and I will go to Spokane to visit the ArtFest, which I am playing hooky from. See my report about the fair and my recalcitrance at either the Endless Summer Art Fair, or at The Colorist in the next few days.

Love to everyone.

Nearly ready to travel again!

2008-05-31T04:24:00.001-07:00

Ok - this is a fragment of where Gesa's work overlaps and I continue the marks and incorporate them into my work - but differently ...

that's all you get to see until Stephanie sees it!

Page 2 was absolutely relevant to the STRETCH theme - it got overworked, reworked, changed drastically ...... it was a risk. something a bit outside my safe zone and looked like a total pigs ear for a lot of the time! I hope I pulled it round. You'll have to wait and judge :>)

Stephanie you'll have to hurry with mine as this one will be winging its way to you soon :>D

.

S-T-R-E-T-C-H !!!

2008-05-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

S-T-R-E-T-C-H
Strive for emotion
Take risks on each piece
Revisit, reassess, and rework
Embrace failure as well as success
Take, absorb, and incorporate feedback
Challenge personal habits and convention
Have an idea, then allow it to evolve on its own

So there's my theme - I'm doing a lot of the revisiting and reworking on my initial sketches but will have to "Let go" (too bad there's no "L" in "stretch") if I'm going to send them off to Lorraine anytime soon. Feel free to suggest an alternate phrase for a letter if you can think of something better. I think I'm going to stick to the basic black for my cover, although the covers others have made are wonderful.

Works in Progress

2008-05-29T16:46:00.001-07:00

Hi all! We returned from Vancouver late last night and had a very nice time. I figured I ought to post something at long last so here's a photo of my travel kit along with the new sketchbook. Most of the drawing I did was from the terrace of our hotel room - from the 24th floor we had stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and of English Bay. We got out of the city on a couple of days and into the mountains, including a drive to Whistler where we did some black bear watching in the meadows below the ski runs. Sketching on the go during these trips was tough with rain clouds threatening and with wife, in-laws, and aunt in tow. I took many photos, though, and look forward to working with these as references. Finally, after some trepidation, I took a deep breath and began working in the new sketchbook. I'm hoping to get it into the mail and off to Lorraine on Saturday.

By the way, this is the "light duty" set I carry when we travel by air, which is why it doesn't look like it has gotten too much use and abuse. The pastel pencils are antiques and are packed in a cardboard box that doesn't panic the security people at the the airport x-ray machine in the way that my large tin boxed set does. These little boxes of Conté carres (a hard pastel) are a perfect size for slipping in a pocket and don't create a whole lot of dust. The box at bottom is a standard landscape assortment, the other is a mix of colors I find useful to have along for the ride. Also posing for the photo is a pad of my favorite Magnani Velata paper (actually, I like the handmade variety even more), my eraser, and some stumps and paper towel for rubbing and blending. Now back to work on my sketches!

Help ma Boab!

2008-05-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

...it's awfu', awfu' wee!
Have I got the correct sketchbook - 9x14cm?

I'm posting to let you know I'm not sitting here doing nothing, by the way.
I ordered my moleskine sketchbook last Wednesday and opted for "Standard Post" which although not guaranteed did say I should recieve it between 3 and 5 days. Eight days later my internet supplier says it was despatched and is with Royal Mail. Since it didn't show this morning I went into Glasgow and bought one from a bookshop, and it's tiny! So much for the grand ideas of expansive savannah's and stampeding wildebeast, I'd be lucky to do a drawing of one of their back left hooves! My other grand idea may equally be a non starter - the theme I really wanted to do was 'The Dance' as an expression of life and movement linked to music. Yesterday I was whiling away some time making these preparatory sketches in an A4 pad trying to scope out one aspect (formal, but exquisite ballet) but now I have a major re-think on how this can translate to miniaturisation:

Now I can hear those of you who may be uncomfortable with drawing figures groan "Help ma Boab, I hope he changes his mind!" Have no fear you either take up the challenge and do what you do, or you just ignore it and do your own thing (hopefully with reference to some form of dancing). Or you treat it more abstractly and move sideways to explore the music as Paul Klee did.
Whatever, I need to decided quickly or I'll be at the coo's tail as usual!

Landscapes arrived on my mat

2008-05-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

And here it is, from Vivien. Isn't it just fantastic! I can smell the rapeseed just looking at it. I have promised myself not to work on it until the end of June because I want to put as much thought into it as I did when I started my own. Thank you so much Vivien, and for the notelet too.

mine is flying today :>)

2008-05-28T03:10:00.001-07:00

Gesa

Gesa's book arrived this morning - how fantastic! on my day off as well so I could enjoy looking at it.

I love the quote and the way she's related the work to it - I'm not going to say too much so's not to spoil it for the next recipient but it's a great mix of media that integrate wonderfully. A technique that looks so much easier than it actually is. It was great to see your work IRL Gesa.

Now I have to live up to it ...

Meanwhile, my moley flies this afternoon to Stephanie

think Fields of Gold .........

:>)

Vivien

Genesis teaser....

2008-05-27T23:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a glimpse of my Moley from a few days ago. I've worked over this since so it won't be as Casey sees it when it arrives, but I couldn't resist posting this. It'll be parcelled up this afternoon and posted to America.

And I've written the order of the exchange in the inside cover to keep track of where it's going, and I also made some notes on the back of my painting about what I had in mind at the time. Please feel free Casey, or anyone else, to draw over and amend my painting as they feel fit.

It was a lot of fun to do and it's given me ideas for more art projects in the future. Now I need to ponder local landscapes for when Vivien's Moley arrives. I'll wait to see what she's done already before I get too set in my mind about it though.

This is sooooo much fun.

All dressed up and waiting to go!

2008-05-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...

I've made a cover for my moleskine with the theme and some ideas on it, and like Linday I'm not worried if it gets messed up as it travels around to you all.

I've also made a pencil sling; I make one for each moleskine I use, it means you always have a pen or pencil with your book. I plan to make one for each book I receive but if any of you want one I'll gladly make you one or send you instructions to make your own, they're dead easy!

My moleskine is all dressed up and will be in the post to David on Friday.

Luv&fun

Lorraine.

Hihihi....

2008-05-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

... it looks as if I'm first?!

My Moley is wrapped up, ready to go to Vivien with the post on Tue after the Bank holiday.

Suddenly it became all very clear what's gonna go in.
So: as sneak preview is this one here... but no worries, it won't be a spoiler.

Moley Exchange, Gesa's #1, Detail
Various...

Have a great weekend!

PS: I just realised that the title probably won't make all that much sense... it's the German for slow yet persistent giggling... the sound's more like a heeheehee in English, or thereabouts...

great ideas

2008-05-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

Those moleskines need a few drawings adding :>)

I like the ideas that people have come up with - mine seems very ordinary in comparison!

All sorts of great ideas to work with here.

I will get mine done this weekend. With Bank Holiday traffic and rain I'm not planning on going anywhere! but I wish I was here:

New Moleskine Trousers Arrive!

2008-05-24T03:30:00.001-07:00

...and they are a perfect fit, but I'm a bit disappointed only one leg is concertina'd:

Lindsay Here Saying Hello

2008-05-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone and I'm glad to be making my first post. Here is the cover for my moleskin and my theme is right on the cover: Maps and Destinations. Casey, I glued on the keys with modeling paste. In my experience that stuff sticks forever and ever. The paper is put on with yes paste, but I might just stick it on with modeling paste too. I really don't much care how battered the thing gets in travel. It will just look like a nicely aged person....real!

I'm looking forward to seeing your beautiful journals in the mail soon!

Hola!

2008-05-22T04:14:00.001-07:00

I think it was Brian or Casey who used the term "kill the precious thing" so I thought I would make this post to put a mark on the page so to speak. The longer it goes on I feel more intimidated by the blog without me making a posting and introducing myself.
So this is me, above, enjoying the delights of a Spanish tapas bar last week. (I promise not to post any more mugshots so you can all relax now!)
As I am still in holiday mood having not quite landed yet and trying like mad to extend my vacation by blogging about it, it's only today that I've really got down to reading what others are saying about the exchange and your thoughts on themes for your moleskines.
It's fascinating!
I like Gesa's thoughts on lines and lineage. As an erstwhile architect I spent all of my working life creating lines which had to be exact. Today I try to be a bit more relaxed and allow the lines to wander a bit! And I am also very interested in ancestors and antecedents.
Lorraine's Closeness strikes a chord with me especially in relationships: there is more to bind us together than keep us apart as someone more profound than me once said.
I love landscape and the sea and spend a lot of my time out there getting to know it better. So Vivien's theme of local landscape fits nicely with my own enjoyment of the outdoors.
Stephanie's Genesis is such a powerful theme, initially overwhelming, but when you think about it fundamental and very simple. I hope I can do it justice!
And Casey's 'Freedom': A terrific subject but also with a dark side - the lack of freedom that all to often prevails. It will depend on what sort of mood I'm in to decide which will be expressed. And that might depend on how my football team is doing at the time!
As for my theme? I don't know yet although I am attracted to the idea of simply responding to the artwork of the previous artist. I'll no doubt change my mind and come up with a theme when my new moleskine book arrives which hopefully will be very soon.
Right, I've blethered enough for now, and my task is done - the page is well and truly marked and I'm rarin' to go. Only thing left to say is thanks to Stephanie for initiating this exchange and bringing us all together. You have done a great job!
Hasta la vista
DAVID

Lines, linings and lineages

2008-05-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

... is the theme that I've been thinking of for my beautiful little moleskine.

Found Paper Project, Book #3, Detail

Why? Partly the format of the book, as Steph illustrated a couple of posts earlier; but to a larger part my fascination with the former. Lines: seemingly separating, clearly demarcating, lines do much more, don't they? They connect, they unsettle and set apart at once. Linings and lineages are thrown in for good measure: don't want to be too prescriptive, so a couple more associations are very welcome.

It's a fascinating thought, eight people who work very differently together in eight books, at different stages, different responses and interaction. I am sooo curious and excited.

Other than the theme I haven't thought of what that could mean for my first sketching in there. But I'm sure I'll figure it out.

My most recent inspiration is the collage I did for the Found Papers project: the lines are made by fumage: candle smoke onto a taped off area; so: there's lots of possibilities of what can go in the little moleskine.

I've also introduced the swap over at Paint & Pastel: here

My Theme: Freedom!

2008-05-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!

For a full, multi media post on the theme of Freedom! in my Moley, I've put up a pretty messed-up post at Pastel.

Freedom, baby!