Leafdays

Wow, the art zine project is taking a life of its own, and it is exciting! I am amazed, overwhelmed and really chuffed at the interest it is generating. A big thank you to all the artists who e-mailed, commented or told me that they’d like to take part in this adventure. I have already received the first few pieces too and let me tell you—they are jaw-droppingly fabulous. I look forward to getting many more.

I have also worked on the zine structure a bit more. After talking to Deb J, who has published zines before, I have decided I want a couple of ‘meaty’ pieces to go alongside all the beautiful artwork, so I am going to interview some of my favourite artists about their best-loved art project or technique. I have sent out the first few emails, and am hoping to hear back from them soon.

Come to think of it, this zine is looking more and more like a dream come true. Looking at everyone’s fantastic artwork, having the chance to interview some artists and wrapping it all up in a publication of my very own—who could ask for more?

Bizarrely, this zine idea has also spurred me to submit my own work to other venues. For a number of reasons—lack of time, perhaps lack of confidence—I have never submitted my stuff to magazines such as Somerset Studio or Stamper’s Sampler, even though I love them and read them assiduously. I haven’t even put forward this blog for Artful Blogging, which is another of my favourite reads.

So I’m setting myself a new goal—by the end of March, I’ll send a hybrid and a digital scrapbooking piece to Somerset Memories, a collage to Somerset Studio (even though I am not hugely inspired by the Aubergine call that is out just now) and my blog’s details to Artful Blogging. And if I don’t…woe betide me!

On a completely different note, what do you think this is?

It’s called Verona rose….and no, it’s not a rose. It’s a chicory, from the radicchio family. Great in a salad, I am told. But I find it too beautiful to eat.