Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Challenge update...

Artwork by ArtsyMama
Some of you are getting more and more curious about the Cabinet of Curiosities challenge that begins on Thursday (see post below). Those that have signed up are anxiously awaiting whats to come and some are on the fence wondering if they're ready to make the commitment. First off, this challenge is meant to be fun. To get your mind fluid and in creative "mode" and to get you creating something every couple of days. We will be doing two prompts per week. Bonnie will post each Thursday on her blog and I will post here on Sunday's. The prompts are going to be very open-ended. You can really do what you want with them. Whatever you're feeling passionate about at the time. You could do an art journal, a written journal, an altered book, scrapbook pages, whatever suits your fancy. I have this vintage magazine rack that I've been wanting to use to showcase some art. So for each of the prompts I plan to work on a sheet of 8x11" watercolor paper and place each piece in one of the holders.


Anyone can participate at any time...blog or no blog. You can do any or all of the prompts. If you make something inspired by the challenge and post it on your blog, we would love it if you would leave a link in the comments section so we can all check it out and be inspired by one another.

Ok....so what the heck is a cabinet of curiosity??

Cabinets of Curiosities (also known as Wunderkammern- or cabinets of wonder) proliferated throughout Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. They emphasized the exceptional, the rare, and the marvelous, attempting to encompass the results of both nature and art. The term "curiosities" referred not only to the unusual nature of the materials collected, but through its root word, "curious", to humankinds desire for knowledge.

Before the Renaissance was born
Curiosity was scorned
as part of human pride.
But with the new age,
Curiosity raged.
And the cabinets opened wide.
Upon unlocking the cabinet door,
All was visible
ceiling to floor.
Every inch a wonder
at a single gaze.
A collection of oddities
arranged to amaze...
Think about in your own life...what do you collect...whether materially or in your mind? What objects and ideas could you use in your art to reflect your world? Gather some of your favorite supplies and some oddities and decide what type of "cabinet" you would like to make (book, individual sheets, art journal, etc.) Bring your curiosity and an open mind and we'll see you on Thursday!
*I have added a running list of links to those participating on the side bar. That way we can check out each others work along the way. If you want to participate and don't see your link, please leave a comment.*

21 comments:

Lilli in Vancouver said...

Waah! I would really love to do this. I'm hoping that once we're in the new house I'm able to find enough of my supplies to participate in some way. At least many of the necessary materials are found outdoors.

"Cabinet of Curiosities" always makes me think of the movie "Possession":

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0256276/

I'll letcha know in a few days if I think I can join in the fun :)

Anonymous said...

Great intro Kari! my

Anonymous said...

Ok, I signed up on Bonnies, do I need to sign up on yours too?

Anonymous said...

Oh man! These visuals are yummy! I can't wait to get started!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm interested but haven't done any art journals before. I enjoy scrapbooking and stretching myself. I am also curios. I'm going to try to play along.

www.untroubled.org/lori

MarilynH said...

I can't resist a good challenge! I would love to play.

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful artwork you've posted!! Your idea for using your magazine rack is brilliant!

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you are going to be very busy!! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

Anonymous said...

I'll play and post when I can.

pammc.typepad.com/my_christmas_journal/

really need to change the name but haven't copied everything I want to save yet.

Anonymous said...

I am looking forward to the "Cabinet of Curiosities" challenge, and I can't wait to see everyone's beautiful creations!

Anonymous said...

I am in girl tell me what I have to do!-Lilia

Anonymous said...

Kari,

I want to comment to join the challenge as well. I read the post and thought I wouldnt do it, I would just watch everyone else, but forget that!! I want to be in the thick of things too! I kept thinking of your challenge... its the title of a book I read too, and today I got a book to alter! Your blog and others have really got my thoughts going! Now I have to put them to use. I'm new to blogging but I have a blog at

fromthepines.blogspot.com

if you want to link to me and I will be eagerly looking forward to everyones different ideas.

Thanks!
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

My rational mind tells me I'm way too busy for this but I just can't resist such a cool and interesting challenge. Please count me in! Thanks :-)

Kathy said...

I too have put off signing up, but just can't resist. I've never done a 'challenge' before but am looking forward to it and will do my best.

Anonymous said...

just so excited to watch this grow...again, wish I could take the journey.....who knows, maybe I will find the time to join in now and again!

Monica said...

I'm very short on time at home...but this sounds so interesting that I'll be so happy to participte. Please count me in!

(Angie) Norththreads: said...

Thanks for stopping by & visiting! Now I know who you are-Ive been admireing your beautiful work over at flikr!
~cheers~
Angie

MyMosaicMind said...

Okay, count me in! I'll do my best to keep up. Sounds fun for this newbie! -Ginger

beth said...

I would love to join you and everyone else in this fun little adventure. Can I still be added ?? I started the new year with a 12x12 group of old file dividers ready to be created/journaled on, so I'm ready to play, if you'll have me.
www.seasidedreamer.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Please add me to this challenge - I need something to get me back to paper arts for the new year
thanks
Juliann
http://juliannsblog.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I'd love to be a part of this. Sign me up! I've just been a quiet "lurker" reading others' blogs and I guess now is a great time to get creating.