Introducing the Art Playdate

Something has been missing in my art practice. It’s been feeling too much like a business full of tasks to complete.  I was using the same materials and processes every week, getting work done, but not feeling fulfilled. 

While working in my studio, I opened a drawer to look for a sketchbook. It wasn’t the right one, but one filled with vintage sheet music. The colors, the typography, the images… something clicked, and I took a handful of them upstairs with me.

Last summer, I’d been at my favorite library book sale when I spotted two tote bags stashed under the book table. I peeked inside and found they were both stuffed with sheet music. I took them home, fearing they’d otherwise end up in a recycling bin. I didn't use this type of paper much in my collages, but I figured I'd find a use for it eventually. In my studio, I pulled out the flat file drawer where I stored sheet music and was reminded that I’d done this before. The drawer was now overfull once I added the new materials.  Guess it was time to use it up.

I hadn’t, until this moment, months later. 

In my sketchbook, I returned to an idea I'd had for creating collages using only one or two pieces of paper (as I did in my online class, Inspired). The existing graphic design of the covers made the collages seem to compose themselves. The colors are saturated and uplifting, unlike my standard muted tones. 

This felt like play- something I knew my art practice had been missing. There was no pressure for perfect cuts and compositions. I wasn’t making something to sell. I was just creating and noticing. 

What if… what if each month I choose a material, tool, or idea and explore it with a sense of play and experimentation?  

I spent some time in my Daybook, listing the things I’d like to try: Japanese papers, bookbinding, woodblock printing, player piano music, my sewing machine, my typewriter, marbling, and working with fabric. In fact, I keep adding more ideas to the list. 

And so, the Art Playdate project has begun.

Each month, I'll share my explorations here, on Instagram, and in my newsletter. Follow along—and if you're inspired to dive into your own forgotten materials, tag me. I want to see what clicks for you.