Scavenge. Rip. Paint. Glue. Repeat.
          I spend hours in my art room these days, painting and tearing paper, gluing it onto card stock, chipboard or watercolor paper. I page through magazines to find interesting images or words to add to my creations. I notice the colors and shapes in everyday life, whether in nature or on a package I get in the mail.
          It all began with a “Tiny Tattered Houses” class offered by Jennifer Chamberlin online. I figured the $15 fee wasn’t too much to ask for an experiment in art. I was surprised how much I enjoyed painting paper just to tear it up and fashion a crooked little house in a 4”x6” format. I made three more to complete the set.
          I was hooked.
          I joined Jennifer’s online Maker Beehive and stayed with it for two years. Folksy art projects taught by Jennifer and my own creations delighted me when I wasn’t entertaining grandchildren, writing sermons or volunteering.
          Jennifer Chamberlin was the best teacher to get me started. She is down to earth, funny and encouraging. She reminds her followers that they don’t need the finest materials; they can use what they have. Her greatest lesson: if you like it, then it’s good. Do not compare yourself with other people’s work. It is the process itself that is rewarding. The Facebook group of her followers echo her encouragement. It is an affirming community, with both amateur and professional artists.
          After two years it was time to move on. I explored the work of other teachers. I signed up for classes from Laly Mille, Yvette St. Amant and Willa Wanders. I watch countless YouTube videos and Instagram videos.
         I got into gel printing, a kind of mono printing that requires a lot of practice but reaps great rewards. I created a few mixed media pieces of my own invention. Now I am taking a ten-week Collage Joy course instructor Catherine Rains, because I want to get better—and more courageous—at making larger pieces than those I have done until now.
         Twice I have made the trek to Mineral Point, Wisconsin, where I have learned from master art instructors at Shake Rag Alley. The art community and local galleries there feed my artistic vision.
          I am still finding my style. Gradually I have realized that I like to use words, repeating patterns, collage elements and faces in my work. I am slowly learning how to draw faces so I can use them in abstract pieces. I am pretty sure I don’t want to do representational art, because I gravitate toward at least some abstract elements that other artists employ.
          A few months ago I tried Louise Fletcher’s online Find Your Joy taster course. Tasters are free courses that provide the opportunity to try out an instructor and their style. Louise is an accomplished abstract artist. It was fascinating to give it a try. I don’t know whether I will pursue abstract art with only paint or in combination with collage. It was intriguing and encouraging enough that I joined her Art Tribe for monthly events and interactions, and I have access to all her courses except the premium Find Your Joy series.
          I appreciate Louise Fletcher because she emphasizes how important it is to do what gives me joy no matter what other people think of it. If I like mixing colors and gliding them onto a substrate, that is all that matters. If I like the composition of what I have made, all the better. Creating is never a waste of time. It is an expression of who I am, and it makes me feel alive.
         I have developed a unique style of handmade greeting cards that enables me to complete a small, fun project in a half hour or so that I can drop in the mail or give away. I use handmade papers I have purchased and papers I have painted by hand or on the gel plate. Washi tape, stamps, rub-on images and ephemera all combine to make what I consider a pleasing image. A number of these are on sale at the local gallery, under the brand “Bee Curious Cards.”
         The more I experiment, the more ideas and inspiration emerge. I do not expect to be a fine artist, but that is not my aim. Creativity is the point, and joy is the byproduct. Artistic experimentation has given me more courage in other areas of my life. If I can use imperfect torn paper to make something beautiful, then I can use my imperfect skills and motives to do good.    Recently I facilitated an online book discussion fueled not only by my passion for the subject, but also the creativity and confidence I have been cultivating within.
         I have invested a lot of time in money in making art. At this point I have no intention of stopping. I am compelled to continue this pursuit that makes me feel alive and creative. Adding to the beauty of this wonderful world is a great way to spend my quiet winter days.