Thursday 1 September 2022

2022 Topic 12 : Minimalism {by Nikki Acton} with Sara Naumann stamps


Hi everyone, it's Nikki with you today, and I'm here to share my interpretation of our Minimalism theme with a simple wall tryptic.


From an art history definition of Minimalism I have included elements that were part of the art movement: the use of repeating geometric shapes and minimal use of colour. However I like my art to be expressive and subjective which is the opposite of the Minimalists. But we can interpret the theme as we wish and for me all this white space is definitely minimal!



I began by deciding on my supplies - keeping it simple - blue tones with PaperArtsy Fresco Chalk Acrylics (CloudyVenice BlueBlue Oyster and Chalk) along with Sara Naumann Stamp Set ESN41. It did get a little more detailed as my idea developed.


I started in my sketchbook drawing some simple designs with circles - focusing on the composition, making the three squares work together. I then cut some paper to the size of the white board squares (4 inches square) I was working on and roughly cut the leaves from the stamp set and started moving them around until I was happy with the composition.
 
 
It was at this point I realised I needed some additional elements for the design - so I used some Seth Apter stamps - more details later. 
 


A key element to my scribbled designs was the size and position of my circles. While it was a repeated theme on each square I wanted them a little different. I decided to create some gel prints on vellum.


I made sure I used different size circles (cut with metal dies) for each square and their positions varied so that each worked individually and as a whole (originally in a horizontal configuration, but as I took photos I think the vertical works almost as well).

 
I used three PaperArtsy Stencils by Sara Naumann - PS102PS092 and PS324.




Looking back to my scribbled drawings - I had imagined a border of some sort so added my circles to some card slightly smaller than the 4x4inch squares. I didn't want a solid border so reached for a Seth Apter stamp.


The border is created using the bottom stamp from PaperArtsy stamp set ESA18. I also added the extra element using one of Seth Apter's mini stamps - EM71.
 

I added words from Seth Apter Mini Stamp set EM66 to feature alongside the wonderful leaves / branches from Sara Naumann.

 



Going minimal is quite hard for me - I feel it puts added emphasis on the composition. But I am happy with how these turned out (although my fussy cutting could do with some improvement). But for our blog theme 'minimal' it can be interpreted however you choose - so give it a go!

Nikki

2 comments:

Marianne C said...

These are marvellous…very inspired to give it a go. Love the stamp variety and especially your “process”. Have never done gel on vellum..going to give that a go, thanks so much.

Seth said...

These might be minimal in style but they are maximal in beauty and inspiration. Thank you!