What is I-Tribe?

Imagination Tribe is an email list designed to support your creative endeavors. Excavate your artistic self with a support group that hosts several art and writing trades with other members of all ages every month.

Recently, mother-daughter duo Kristin and Chloe started a "Three Birds on a Branch" trade, inspired by a project in the May/June 2007 issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors. http://www.quiltingarts.com/cpsmag/cpshome.html

For the trade, participants were asked to create 6"x6" panels in fabric or paper related to a bird theme. Participants can interpret the theme however they wish, but using actual bits of nature always appeals to me. Finding ways to incorporate all those feathers, sticks, shells, bones and flowers we find gets them out on display instead of hiding in a box somewhere. Nature is a constant source of inspiration!

Using an object that inspires you in artwork, is referred to as Found Object art: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Found_object

Using mostly found objects in a 3 dimensional work of art is referred to as Assemblage art: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assemblage_(art)

Check out Dale Copeland's unique and expressive art: http://dalecopeland.co.nz/default.htm

Or this soda can feather: http://www.wingsofwitness.org/ProjectBackground.htm

This art blog has some interesting and unusual pieces to explore: http://www.jenworden.com/category/assemblage/

Hosting a trade is always a great way to inspire yourself. It's not only motivation, but seeing all the other artwork pouring into your home keeps you excited and experimenting with new methods and materials. Come on over and join in a trade soon, it will give your art new wings.

—Ren Allen

Fun at home:

Find new objects to paint with: paintbrushes are dependable but also predictable. Try some new tools for expression when painting! Make tracks across paper with hot wheels, balloons, fingers, hands or feet, fruits and vegetables cut in various forms, toothpicks, toothbrushes, a variety of sponges, tinfoil, plastic wrap, pinecones, shells, feathers, marbles, crumpled paper etc....

Try incorporating some found objects into a painting just for fun. What about working some of your photos into paint? Tearing or otherwise altering photos can make for fun collages. One way to alter a photo is to soak it in water for about 1/2 hour. Upon removal, gently sand away the parts you want to remove, leaving the image behind that you wish to save. Use pastels or paints to rub and embed color into the sanded portion, creating a work of art that can be added into another piece or left as is. These also can be formed into ATC's.

When I need a burst of inspiration, the Creativity Portal always has something nourishing for my muse: http://www.creativity-portal.com/

Creative Challenge:

Display some of your nature finds in new ways this month. Honor the interesting objects your children bring home by enshrining them in some manner. Also.... Check out these "collage cubies":

http://www.creativity-portal.com/howto/a/collage/cubies.html

I've never made one, but something about them is highly appealing. I'm picturing them attached to a canvas, open on the front end with bits of nature items displayed inside! I can also picture collaging a few with inspirational quotes and leaving them in public places to be found randomly by strangers. Or perhaps as small gift boxes with surprises inside. A photo collage cubie would make a sweet gift. However you do them, I bet they'll be a lot of fun!

If you try a few cubies, send your photos in to be displayed here at the IT page!

Please send any and all entries to starsuncloud@comcast.net with "I-Tribe Creative Challenge" in your subject heading. I would also like to include links to unschoolers' art and writing blogs on this page. Please email me a link to your blog if it's focused on art or creative writing.