Creating something lovely out of a mistake

Painters do it all of the time- they take a canvas horribly gone wrong and paint right over it.  I wonder how many masterpieces have been created over a work that was shmeared by an elbow or painted by a very dear, but untalented aunt.  It is in our very nature to make and destroy- hence, civilizations rise and fall.
Lately I've been revisiting my mistakes.  I hate throwing things away, so the other day when I was tidying up my workspace I found some early stamped postcards that I completely fudged.  Now, some I've used just to write on (as space) and then have thrown in a card for friends.  I can't stand wasting paper- and watercolor postcard paper is very nice.  That's when I realized that there was a better way to re-use this canvas- collage!

I've always appreciated the art of collage.  I'm not much of a drawer per se, but I love thinking about different media come together.  Right now I'm enjoying bringing together stamping, recycled magazines, and watercolor.  So, I've given the postcards I completely ruined new life.  It's also been a great way to use up all of my scrap paper in creative ways.

Blackbird & Peacock

It's official- Blackbird and Peacock are now open for business!  A love of all things paper- journals, letters, pretty paper- helped spawn this new Etsy shop by husband and wife team, Hope and Joe Von Stengel.  The shop will have an eco-friendly edge, as many of the materials used will be recycled or created from recycled  and sustainable materials.
This new venture is a movement outside of the bigbadartcollective shop on Etsy, an opportunity to focus time and energy.  Right now Hope has been getting ready for the holidays by making cards for friends, as well as the shop.  Joe sold quite a few journals at the City of the Hills art festival in Oneonta, NY, so a little catching up and re-ordering supplies has kept us busy was well.
Take a look at our new store- a great place to browse for those with eclectic tastes!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/blackbirdandpeacock

Culturerecycling & the woes of summer

It's been a busy summer!  Most of the members of BBAC have been preparing for art festivals, gallery shows, weddings, and visiting family.  Not that we haven't been creating- but there has been little time to devote to the blog, list items on Etsy, tweet, flickr, facebook and whatnot.  I am desperately looking forward to the routine of getting things up and rolling again.
Right now, the biggest change for BBAC is Joseph Von Stengel devoting more time to his own Etsy shop, Culturerecycling.  The last couple of weeks, when he actually is at home, he's been creating some fresh new art.  Will be listed throughout September and October in this Etsy shop.

Below is a preview of his new series of work, 2089.  These digital photos, as well as the animals he manipulated for them, will be available this Fall.

Paper Things

Obviously we're fans of journals here at BBAC, but lately my obsession is creating cards for family and friends.  Our Etsy shop has lots of cool hand-stamped and eco-friendly cards and I love to stamp.  Yet, sometimes a more elegant card is called for.  Something truly unique which is closer to a miniature work of art.
A few weeks ago I attended Tara Hu's month long journal making class at the Mennonite Church in Oneonta, NY.  The last week she was kind enough to provide all of the materials to make cards- exotic hand-made paper from China and Japan, blank cards, calligraphy brushes and ink, stamps and ink, and newspaper.  In less than 2 hours I produced 5 cards that were professional looking and gift worthy.

I was very excited to send my hand-made cards out into the world.  Mixing collage with card making is a lot easier than I realized- as long as all of the materials are present.  Next time I'll incorporate watercolors into the mix.

The Milk Pitcher & other stories

One would surely not be able to tell by reading this blog, but there has been a lot of activity from BBAC this month.  Stephanie Rozene's breathtaking ceramic work has been slowly added into our Etsy shop this past week. The colors in her pieces are utterly sumptuous and each piece thoughtfully original. 

Ms. Rozene has been spending the month in Paris researching royal french porcelain.  Upon her arrival, she will divide her time keeping busy in the studio and preparing for her wedding.
       With Stephanie's arrival comes Alyssa Jackson's departure.  We were very lucky to have her jewelry in her shop through Spring.  Alyssa's jewelry is very popular locally and can be purchased through her directly (just send us an email) or at the Green Earth and Shakedown Street, Oneonta, NY.
       Just one more note- Joseph Von Stengel's video work will be in the Soap Factory's Ten Second Film Festival on July 4th in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Check it out.