Each year, I take a week off to live my life as something I've always wanted to be/do. Most years, I lived my life as a writer to finish novels, put together pitches for books, etc. One year I lived my week as a raw foods vegetarian. This year, I'm living my week as an artist. The idea is that each day, I'm exploring something artistic that I've always wanted to try but have never found the time to do. To keep the projects simple, I'm creating artists trading cards (ATC). I first learned about these at a show for Mail Art at the Bath House Cultural Center in Dallas.
ATC's are collectable, original pieces of art created and traded by artists. There are a few standards. The ATC must be be 2.5"x3.5" (64x89mm). They mustn't be sold--only traded. And the works of art usually serve as personal calling cards between artists.
Information on the back usually includes: name, contact information, title of the ATC and number (1/8, 2/8...) if it's part of an edition. By definition ATCs are made in limited numbers, often no more than one of a kind. To read more about them, and to see examples visit http://www.cedarseed.com/air/atc.html.
I'm really fascinated with mehndi art (henna tattoos of India) and decided today to play with the patterns using ink and pens with nibs (you know, the metal kind you dip in a well.)
4 comments
You are totally freakin' inspiring! I hope you don't mind but I'm totally gonna copy your idea! You rock!
I'm currently in a swap making ATC cards.....we have too many things in common! Insane.
Hon. I just visited your blog. After picking myself off the floor laughing at the title...or more specifically the subtitle (which is now currently living in the "favorite quotes" section of my facebook profile) I read some of your posts. It was cool to get backstory on the events going on in Heidi's life. (Loved the idea of living a day like dad.)
I'll have to read back further to get to some of the fun stuff too.
Hi there! I'm Monica's buddy, so I simply had to come check you out after hearing about your "Living One Week As A..." practice. I love the idea! I think I may try to do that soon!
I know Mon told you about our ATC swap...Are you interested in joining? We have 5 more months to go and each month has a theme. There are six girls in so far, so each month you'd make 7 identical ATC's based on the theme (well, only 6 if you don't want to keep one for yourself). Anyhoo...just let me know and I'm sure the other girls would love to have you in our group!
Yes, I would be interested in the whole ATC thing. I'll send a message to Hon. Mrs. Cobbey via facebook for details!
Post a Comment