The Art is Found

Happy, happy 2009!

I'm still so surprised that "my" little site, that I started thinking up this time last year, has evolved into this space. Many, many inspiring, gracious Guest Designers, awesome sponsors, and the addition of the "TAIF Girls", has really crafted this blog into something that I certainly couldn't have done on my own. And that's mainly thanks to the readers and participators! So. Thank you. :D

As I've been talking to the rest of the TAIF ladies, it's been decided that we really want to start having The Art is Found "grow up", in a sense. We're moving in new, more art driven expanses in the new year. Unusual, insanely talented Guest Designers, crazier prompts.

And don't get your curls in an uproar, all the prompts are easily interpreted into scrapbooking still, but we want to see you all step out of your box and just try something new.

We LOVE seeing prompts intrepreted in unique ways and we also love seeing the beautiful, scrapbooky artness too. (yes, those are technical terms.). Anyways. I'm way excited to announce our first prompt and Guest Designer of 2009! The prompt is:

Mobiles

Y'know, the cute little hangy things you hang over cribs? Well. Dude. I want you to make a mobile. It could be artsy and bizarre. I don't care if you decided to string butterflies over your window. Or you could make something with the word "mobile", like journalling on a layout or whatever.

Our Guest Designer, this time 'round, is the awesome Jeff Stephens! Jeff is the awesomely talented husband of Jek, one of my favorite flickrers. Here's what Jeff has to say about his mobile--


Mobile, Alabama never been there. Never got a degree in art, but after earning one in Economics I made art instead of pie charts. The fine art gallery scene didn’t seem to want me so after a bit I figured sticking to one medium for the sake of being easily identified was silly. I started out as a printmaker, but when the technical rigor of etching and engraving didn’t thrill anymore I moved into paper cut silhouettes, mechanical gizmos, cartoons, and stuffed toys. The paper silhouettes led to mobiles of black shadows. They recreate the kick I got as a kid watching this 60s far-out iridescent fish mobile that hung in front of a window in my parent’s house. Backlit by the window, silhouettes of lazy fish would ease past the window and the house was under water. The mobile photographed here hangs in our bedroom window now, and I watch chairs cross sky in morning light. I’ve had time to make a few mobiles, but there’s a mess of drawings waiting to be cut from thin veneer plywood. Most of the objects get a coat of jet black. In dim light they make a nice illusion of depth. The moon in this mobile is gold leafed and gives a bright, reflective flash as it turns. Mobiles give simple objects a lively kinetic punch. Hell, maybe I’ll make one out of pie charts.

His project--

I love the winged chair, so great. Thanks for Guesting, Jeff!

Now onto what the rest of us made!

Gentle Mandiii-

Magical Rhi-Rhi-



Debee




Uhhh. Kara- Haha.

Dani-


As always, feel free to interpret the prompt however you see fit. A painting, a series of polaroid pictures, art journal, blog post.... Don't forget to share!

The winner of the SFAC Kit is Kinzie Lynn!!! Email me your address at karahaupt[@]gmail.com.

Have a blessed week!

xoxo.
kara.