365 in 2013: Collage as Focus
When you do something all the time, even if you move too slowly for others to notice, the constant motion produces surprising volume and achievement.
Jude Hill
How about #365in2013?
I have made collages for many years now. It feels like through this constant making I’ve found “my” art form. I recently sold one of the few that I have up in my Etsy Shop and send it to the US. Making collages – and selling them – makes me happy in the core of my heart. That’s how I know it’s my art form. It speaks to me, and fulfills me. I find flow very easily when I make collages!
I’m thinking that maybe my focus for 2013 should be on collage as art form. Not the only thing I want to do or concentrate on of course, I’m a dabbler as you know, but maybe something to have as my intention. To keep in front of me throughout the year?
When I did a daily project back in 2008, called Daily Art Cards, I could literally see how I developed as an artist and grew. I found out what I liked, what I could do and how much I could stretch. Daily creative habits (creativity in bite sized chunks) are just awesome and so rewarding if you can keep it up (but very saddening if you don’t)! I didn’t create daily and can’t commit to it right now – but I still want creativity to be a habit! I want to create a better and more artistic habit in 2013 than I’ve had in 2012! I want to grow and expand!
I’m thinking that I, during 2013, will set an intention to do 365 collages and aim at doing seven (7) finished artworks each week. In that way I can do more on days when I have the time but will still know how many I need to do to achive my goal. Goals should be tangible and realistic!
Seven collages each week will be my personal aim. I’m calling it 365 in 2013, simple and easy for you to join in if you are up for it! You don’t need to do collages, but you could. You can do doodles, sketches, photography, journaling, writing a page or a paragraph, blogging, knitting, composing, doing lyrics, poetry, postcards, origami birds or what every you want to make a lot of!
Will love if it you want to join me! Would appreciate your support and encouragement through 2013 (or until we give up) for this 365 project. Let me know what you think in the comments!
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I’m up for this idea (although it wouldn’t be collage for me.) I was already thinking about some kind of similiar project…something long-term and something that would last the year. I’ll get back to you soon (especially since the new year is right around the corner) about what I’ll focus on. Reading your post helped solidify this concept in my own head…Thanks for the push!
Michelle,
so glad this is something you are up for. Yay! Can’t wait to see your drawn characters. I know they will be soooo cool. Button coming up soon!
This is a good idea! I’ve been thinking of doing some sort of challenge though, not being an artistic person in that way, I think I like your thought about writing a paragraph a day. Very accomplishable (and then some). Thank you for the inspiration! :)
Gwen, thanks for leaving a comment on my blog and joining the year long challenge. I think a paragraph/day is something you CAN do and will look forward to hearing about your progress! Thanks & Happy new Year!
Hi Gwen, so glad the year long creativity idea speaks to you, and that you are joining in. Will look forward to hearing from you about your progress! Thank you & Happy New Year!
I too have been contemplating how to manage my art for next year. I have too many ideas and really need to narrow my focus….I need to spend some time thinking about your key word “realistic” and decide what I think I can accomplish so I don’t get frustrated by over committing myself. Your blog continues to be an inspiration and I enjoy seeing what you’re up to….. I’m really looking forward to watching us all grow and encourage each other next year.
Hi Terrie!
Thanks for leaving such sweet comment on my blog, I’m get so happy every time someone tells me they find my blog inspirational. I hope you come up with a challenge bit enough for yourself and join me in trying to squeeze in as much artful activity into this year as possible! :-)
I love collage and use it in my workshops, Family Stories Through Art. There is something about collage that forces you to simplify your thoughts, get to the essence. And collage is an accessible art form no matter what level of art experience. If you don’t like the first shape, cut another. Don’t glue until you get it just the way you want. Such freedom! sign me up. I will join your challenge. 365 in 2013
Hi Sharon, oooh how fun that you are joining the challenge this year! Yay! Let me know how it goes!
quick photo collage today on my ipad- but its a start!
Hello, new follower here! So much inspiration, thank you.
I have a lot of unfinished creative projects, so my intention is 365 days of creativity in 2013: knit, embroider, draw, make jewelry, write, cook. As long as I make the space in each day to do something creative, I will be happy. The challenge will be to photograph and post my projects each day.
Happy New Year!
Joanna, a little every day is what will take us far, I feel certain about that! If you’re on instagram that is a good way to document your creativity. Add me there, I’m ihannas. And let me know how it goes!
First day’s creative post: a photo safari! Next: a collage :)
What a great, fun, creative and hard challenge you have got ahead. I dont think i’ll manage the whole year, but i might join a week here, a week there… Have a great new years eve and a happy creative year to come.
Madde, one of the best things about the 2012 year has been meeting you and getting to know you! So grateful, and I think you did so well in the 50 card challenge. I think you could easily do a 365. One way to do it is to commit to making something daily for January and see how it goes. If it was fun, then you do Feb and so on. Then it isn’t that daunting. I wish you’d join… anyway, happy new creative year!
I´ll think about it… :)
(great getting to know you to dear Hanna, see you in a couple of weeks)
I’m a bit like Terrie. Sometimes I have so many ideas, I almost feel overwhelmed.
I’ve just discovered this blog and it’s really full of inspiration! I’m not sure I’ll find time to do all these things (in 2013 I have to complete my PhD, whoops! ;-) ) but I’m certainly going to follow the updates and read what I’ve missed so far! :-D
Gott nytt år!
Sara, PhD is work and very cool, at night when you relax a creative project will help you rest from all the thinking! A challenge can be really good when you have too many things on your mind. Wishing you a happy new year, and thanks for commenting!
Marvelous goal for 2013 that I am sure you will accomplish as you set your mind and off you go. Love your collage piece and that is a wonderful voice for you. Looking forward to the journey with you in 2013. Happy New Year. xox
Corrine, thanks for all the beautiful comments you leave when you come visit. I appreciate every one of them so much! Happy New Creative Year to you too!
your collages are such a treat for the eyes and imagination so i am looking forward to seeing what you create in 2013. i am a dabbler like you but understand how a focus might help me really explore one medium and my abilities with it. i will be here, supporting you each collaged step along the way, in your goal of 365 pieces!
Thanks sweet Laurie! When you say it like that 365 pieces, it really DO sound too much. We’ll see how I do with this goal, but I’m pretty sure it will help me make many more collages than I finished in 2012! And that is a good thing even if I don’t do them all.
I’m in!
Reading your part about collage – I so relate. I’ve been drawing, painting, sewing, quilting and collaging for many years now – but this year I finally found my flow in collage as well. (Just sold my first 4 on etsy, too!)
I may do a 52 collage goal for 2013, but I can definitely commit to 365 creative endeavors in 2013.
Love that.
Yay! So glad that you’re joining Liberty, that is awesome and so much fun. Thanks and let me know how it goes! oh, and also congrats on the first sale, that is BIG!
You’re a great inspiration! I think I’ll join you in your 365/2013. It probably will be collage but small in scale. I’m thinking ATC’s or twinchies (2 inch square collages). That way I won’t be under pressure and have a lot of unfinished pieces ;-) I’m the kind of person that needs a little nudge to keep me moving–thanks for the nudge.
Thanks Marge for your kind words. Will be honored if you join and do this challenge along with me. My collages will be rather small too, but square. ATC’s are a great idea, I have made many many ATC’s in my days!
hi hanna,
happy new year!
will do my best to keep up……..i have started a new “altered book”……. thanks to you for the inspiration for this artform, i didn’t know what it was until i discovered your blog!
i too want to do it all, but it gets too much & becomes too confusing when i can’t decide which project to concentrate on.
having said that ….i want to experiment more with collage as well, i think i can combine the two, & still stick to what we do on our blog…..”simple stitches, recycling & art”.
Raylee, happy new year right back at ya! How glorious that you are joining the challenge! Working in an altered book, a little every day, is a great way to celebrate creativity during the year. Will look forward to seeing your progress!
Love this idea! I have found myself not wanting to do two calendar journal kind of things. I am committed to doing Project 365 in photos and doing an art journal with the same concept (journaling each day) doesn’t work for me. This sounds grand! I love the idea of committing to doing something every day. I might not make 365 but anything would be more than what I am accomplishing now.
Aloha, Kate
Thank you Kate, it would be great if you join me with a photo project. I look forward to hear about your progress!
An ambitious goal, Hanna! I love your collages, so I am very excited to watch your project unfold. I have two of your collages hanging on my art wall, you know! :-)
Maybe too ambitious, or just simply crazy? :-) I wish you would join, than I’d feel less crazy today… But I know it will be hard, and I don’t even have kids like you do. Let’s make 2013 as creative as possible, huh?
Hi Hanna,
I am going to give it a try!
I love the idea of 365 versus everyday. Makes it seem more possible.
This is very tempting. I’ve been wanting to really go deep with collage, and seven a week seems pretty reasonable for the way I work. And it will be fun to play along with others. I think you’ve hooked me!
I’m seriously considering this. Like super seriously. I made a collage today, as a start.
Vad kul! Jag har precis bestämt mig för att göra en årslång utmaning för mig själv, genom att teckna 365 ansikten. Precis som du har jag insett att det är bra att ge sig själv friheten att göra mer de dagar man har mer tid, annars skulle jag aldrig klara det. Jag har aldrig lyckats hålla ut ett helt år tidigare, men någon gång ska väl vara den första. Jag håller tummarna för oss alla :) Det ska bli kul att se vad du gör.
Thanks for this. I like the thought that it doesn’t have to be one everyday, but can be 7 in a week – I seem to struggle with trying to do something daily, but can see myself doing so many a week. Mine may not be just collages, I think I’ll stick with the anything creative idea! I have digital scrapbooking to catch up on, painting to experiment with the kids & other creative pursuits I look forward to getting around to!!
I would like to try it with you. I al ready did a journal daily in december. So why not for a hole year ? It’s already 2 th of januari, but I can make one more today…
Liefs, Melanie
I’m not one for making resolutions and I have long “to do” list. Sometimes having something to focus on helps settle that feeling of being overwhelmed. I do have a piece I plan on making today so this may be a good start to an artwork every other day. I know my routine too well to commit to 365!
Marissa
Back again to say I’m joining the craziness – when I actually made a list of the things I hope to accomplish this year, it seems a bit daunting. But this idea of making something every day with FOCUS on a theme suits me. After much thought I’m actually joining you in making collages – it’s a medium I enjoy and want to explore much more fully….some will be quick and simple and some will develop over time – I’m looking forward to them all! Hopefully one every day, but if not, the goal will be 365 by the end of the year! Thanks for the inspiration……
okay, I think I’m in, even though I’m already a day late… lol!! I’m a bit scared about committing to doing *anything* artsy daily, although I don’t know why- there are plenty of things I do every day without a second thought, like getting up, feeding the dogs, etc. I think it’s the *art* factor that intimidates me, for some reason. So, this is a good way to get over it and loosen up my preconceived notions (or expectations) about daily art-making!! I’m looking forward to it!
I’ve been doing daily photos for over a year, and plan to continue in 2013. Not sure I want to commit to anything more time consuming than that, but I look foward to seeing your collages!
Awesome idea! I’ve loved your blog for a long time, and I’m in for the 365 project! YAY!
Thanks for the ideas, the inspiration, the beauty you create and share, and now for the “socializing together” 365 project!
Hugs and Happy 2013
I love this idea! I’m an avid collager myself, and I might even try this challenge! Keep up the wonderful art! :)
Hi
Im on the coallage idea 365 days — or what come from my heart
My focus this year is LOVE — in any ways
Another challenge this year is to write in english on my blog – anyway its not correct. I just hope it will be understand….
Thanks for your inspiration … as allways
I am hereby offering you my support and my intention of going along with you on this! I think mine will be 365 patterns. I have been loving making my abstracts, and I think there are always more patterns to make, whether they be grids, mandalas, or repetitive shapes… it’s all something that makes me happy. I will try my best!
I planned doing a 52 things project for 2013 in addition to my own {be creative everyday} project. It looks as though {be creative everyday} is turning into it’s own 365 somethings: possibly an ATC book. This is a great challenge to add to my plans! Thank you!
Hi Hanna,
I am so glad I came across with your beautiful spot here.Great idea about 365. And what’s more it is about collage.
I personally feel that this area is well underdeveloped and poorly represented in my art. I will join you for this project. Will see how far I can go. First set is ready to be published now.
Thanks again for it. Lovely button will definitely grab it!
kissinia
Only just found this post Hanna, but love the idea. Especially the notion of doing 7 a week. I have done Project 365 – taking photos – for three years now. I sometimes really struggle on busy days especially when the light is dull and there are no photo opportunities that inspire me. Taking 7 a week rather than one a day is a brilliant idea! I may also think about other creative challenges, like your colleges. Thank you for the inspiration!
Hanna,
as always your collages are wonderful….i like the black and white one best!
cheers
You should make a book of all of your collages. They are all wonderful and I love your work!!! Looking forward to the postcard exchange this year!
cindy in Arizona