For the past few weeks, I have been “recycling” some previous posts instead of writing new ones. There are two main reasons for this. First, I wanted (needed?) to take a break from having to find a new and hopefully interesting topic for you each week, and second, I am working on a non-art-related project that has been taking up most of my time. That project is stalled right now, so I can take some time to talk to you about some new projects! Last year, I submitted a proposal to a local art center for an exhibition/workshop. The project was not selected (very few were) but I had the chance to talk to the center’s director at a function before Christmas, after she had announced that they were looking for activities or workshops for the future. I suggested that the workshop part of my project could very well stand on its own, and we agreed to revisit the subject in the new year. The project involves one of the art forms I have been working in for the past few years, namely Artist Cards. Artist Cards are small works of art the size of a sports trading card. They come in two types, one that is sold (Art Cards, Editions and Originals or ACEOs) and one that is traded only (Artist Trading Cards). The concept was created by a Swiss artist in 1997, which means that they will be turning 25 this year. You can find out more about ACEOs in this blog post I wrote about them, and see those I have for sale on my website (note that the online store is still closed for the moment, but you can still view the art, and reserve it if you wish by contacting me directly). I started painting ACEOs in 2017. I liked that they were small and could be sold very inexpensively. I think that, although I hadn’t realized it at the time, I also liked that their small price tag made it possible for just about anyone to own a piece of original art (see this blog post about why that is significant). Most of the ACEOs I have created are in watercolor, with many being pen and watercolor, but they can be created using absolutely any media! They are a great way to try out a technique on a small scale. But even though Artist Trading Cards have their own page on Wikipedia, no one I have ever shown them to, or spoken to about them had ever heard of them before! I would like to also trade Artist Cards, but I have never found anyone to trade with! And I would like to change that in Quebec, or at least in the Eastern Townships! The workshop part of my project proposal was to have a 2 or 3-hour long session where budding artists could first learn a bit of the history of Artist Trading Cards, then get to create one or two cards, then of course get to exchange them with the other participants. My long-term goal would be to have participants then spread the knowledge to other budding artists, and to create a community of Artist Card Traders, allowing people who may never have thought they ever could, to become art collectors!! Ideally, there could be regular trading sessions at the art center, similar to those currently held in several cities in the world, but just not in Quebec. Not yet! I still have to meet with and convince the director of the art center to give this a try. Last week I happened to find a second-hand book, entitled “Artist Trading Card Workshop”. It is full of ideas for making cards using an impressive variety of materials and techniques. It will be most helpful in illustrating what I want to do! As soon as the non-art project I am currently involved with is completed, I will be able to present my idea and hopefully get it approved! If not, I have a plan B! What do you think of my idea? Would you participate in an Artist Card creation and trading session?
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AuthorMy name is Claire Bureau. Archives
March 2023
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