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.*