Book-in-a-Day 39: The Shifting of Time and Place

Title: The Shifting of Time and Place
Structure: Exquisite Corpse Triptych
Dimensions: 3 x 6 Closed / 6 x 9 Fully Expanded

I love it when people tell me they don't have time for art, or that they can't find time to be creative. I want to sit them down, have them take a deep breath, and then make a book with them in under and hour. 

That's what I did today and the results were great. I remember reading about a collaborative book art project where the contributors created a book-in-an-hour by passing the book around and having each person add to it. I love the community aspect of that idea, but today I didn't have a group of creatives around me for that kind of collective art-making so I went solo. 

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The Shifting of Time and Place took me about an hour to make. I needed a simple book today so that I could head out on a road trip. The time constraint forced me to think quickly, use what was nearby, and keep it simple. When those three elements come together, I can only create from a place deep inside my soul. This is when creativity is at its purest and this is when I usually love the result the most. 

So this is another quick and simple book that can be powerful in content because of its interactive qualities, but at the same time could be a wonderful book to make with kids because of how easy it is. 

Once again I used art from a previous project that allowed me to keep this book simple because I didn't need to start with a blank canvas. The other way to keep a book project simple is to use stickers (or stamps, or handwritten text) as a way to add words as content.

I've made up a name for this structure because it isn't one that I learned from anyone. The triptych style is a common book form where you have three panels that open. The cutting of the sheets to create the exquisite corpse interactive flaps was just something I thought would look nice in the end. I created that banded look (see image above) on the page opposite the flaps just for contrast and interest. I'm not really sure how I feel about them. 

As for the content, I used stickers from two different sets and the pre-printed words guided me to create a narrative that I felt good about. If you've been following my journey this year, you'll recall that I recently had a breakthrough (of sorts) after working with Traci Bautista. Since that workshop, I've been paying more attention to how my true passions show up in my work. Allowing myself to be led in the moment and by the materials has become my favorite way to make art, to play, to work. 

The Shifting of Time and Place is just that. It's me being led in the moment by the materials and my mental playfulness. Do you ever do that? Just let yourself be in the moment and enjoy the mental space of imagination and play! Try it! You'll love how it feels. 

As always, I'm looking forward to what next week brings. Please stay tuned!!

If you're watching the videos, I'm honored! If you're making the books, I'm intrigued, so please share here or on the Giving Hands Creative Community site. Also, make sure you visit the new online store for amazing and wonderful inspiration.  Until next week...Go out and create something beautiful!!!