This: "For me, for a project to be sustainable, it has to be something that hooks me in some multilayered way." Totally. 100%. A deep connection: philosophically (it has to align with where my head is at...my beliefs and values), emotionally (it has to align with where my heart is at...what moves me), and physically (it has to align with the medium that I love working with). I wasn't aware of your 100-day challenge until this article published, but I started what I believe will be a 60-day series (maybe more...who knows) a couple of days ago: a daily photomontage art journal that speaks to current affairs. Think John Heartfield circa 1930s/40s. Why a 60-day series and not 100? The page length of my multi-media journal...LOL. I started thinking about the series two months ago, piecing it together in my mind: what I wanted to accomplish with the work, what story it would tell, and how it would be laid out and flow. I've been inspired by photomontage as a medium since the age of 20 so committing the journal to it was a no-brainer. I initiated work on my journal two days ago... following the roadmap I've developed. So far, so good with lots of excitement and enjoyment! I look forward to the daily creative process...and therapy session. Thanks for the inspiration, Amy!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Rob. Your photomontage project sounds wonderful. Sixty is great, too. There are challenges throughout the year of varying durations. A challenge can be however long or many we want. Keep the momentum going! (The 100 Day Project isn’t something of mine — it’s a very large annual project that has been running for many years. But there are, truly, lots of counted projects in the year.)
Thanks so much, Lauren. I was going to ask what you were doing for the 100 days — but I went and checked first to see if you had posted. I see you are taking a break. That’s a good thing ….and a long one. I know you typically do long projects, too. I hope your projects are fulfilling right now.
Thanks Amy, yes it’s kind of a confluence of things. I am doing a 100 series and it’s not Instagram-worthy so I went ahead and bundled in the forced break. We’ll see! And maybe I will post some art on here instead!
I love this project and can't wait to see it unfold. The previous challenges were great too. The feel/aesthetic of contour drawing really speaks to me in some way.
I perused The Right Word: Roget and his Thesaurus this week and I love it. I didn't want to give it back to the library. The story was great and the illustrations were inspiring. I took some pictures and made some notes.
Collage/photomontage will continue to be a daily goal for me. Duane Toops is so inspiring. One thing on my list is to set aside something like a composition book to start playing around with collage in a low risk way. I am making my February mixtape collage in procreate, and I have to admit, it is pretty fun even though I am slow as molasses.
I have definitely increased my walking, but I need to move on to the stage where I actually take a walk when I don't have me neighbors to drag me out of the house. Or dust that stationary bike off.
I agree about doing some low-key work in a composition book. It’s on my list, too. Duane’s collage work is beautiful, indeed. I am glad you enjoyed the book on Roget. It really is inspiring in terms of the illustration. I am glad you were able to check it out. I hope your 100 Day Project got off to a good start today with your abstracts — and maybe you did some collage, too. Keep walking!
I love the ideas you have for the 100 day project. I simply lack motivation it seems. I think for me 100 days of just creating something is my best bet.
Thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing your creations.
Thanks, Gail! I think “daily art” is a fine project. You are already incredibly productive! If a specific project doesn’t feel right, that’s okay. I hope you have a good week ahead.
Maybe I’ll just recommit to my illustrated journal for 100 days.
I already read every day and track it. I will plug The StoryGraph as an option that’s not sullied by Amazon/Bezos/big business, and you *can* transfer all your info from Goodreads to StoryGraph once. It’s so much fun to see all the data in graphs and they’re improving it all the time.
Have a wonderful week and a satisfying start to your 100 days project!
You know why I love you? One of many reasons is ....because your curiosity is inspiring and it awakens the curiosity in me ❤️ 🌞🎨🖌️❤️ I'm very thankful to you for all the work you put into sharing your vision with the world 🌍
Never wordless is right. When I read that sentence, I chuckled. Because you are a poet and an artist. Your words carry wisdom and insights I've never entertained and that broadens my scope. Never wordless, but sometimes you make me speechless. And double yes to footnote number 2. I'm looking forward to following this project. My counted challenge is as follows: The thing I do every day since August 8, 2023 is attend at 12-step meeting. I haven't missed a single day.
Thank you, Nan. I really appreciate the generosity of this comment and the supportive boost. These words mean a lot to me. I don’t know how you have it in you to be so supportive of so many. It’s inspiring. That’s an amazing track record for showing up for yourself, Nan. Every. Day. I hope the next 100 days are smooth in all the ways that matter.
Thanks, Amy! Will it be on Insta, or will you be posting the images in Notes, or both? I'm avoiding too much involvement in Meta, but I don't want to miss your project. I love the people here. You were one of my few early supportive people. Like attracts like, doesn't it?
Like attracts like, even though the timing was weird, right? Probably sharing a mix of here and Instagram. I'm used to crickets -- and so sometimes posting becomes simply an exercise in thickening my skin and in insisting I'm not invisible ;)
I like to hang in one place, so I spend a lot of time at Substack. I know you do, too.
I started my blind contour portraits (and stuff) drawing + watercolor today with my doggie. I love your project so much!! I hope you continue to share it.
I’m glad you got your blind contours started. I hope you really enjoy them - and that you share them! I’m glad to hear you stuck with the postcard series, too. That’s nice to know! Thank you for commenting.
This one really hit Home “don’t let the fear of not finishing prevent you from starting” and so much more. a very inspiring piece to create after taking a break. Thank you, Amy. Very ambitious beauty to follow
Thank you so much, Jill. I appreciate all of this. I love that prism image. You've caught something of my obsession with fracturing of light and color, so thank you!
Ooh, I love the feel of this new project, Amy. Impressions of a moment, with a themed splash of color. And I see those colors are mirrored in your keyboard as well! Clearly something that brings you joy.
I appreciated the 'Takeaways' in this piece and how they punctuated the rest of the narrative. I really found myself in this line: "...right now, this has opened up as something that I think will be real." I love how ideas can open up for us, seemingly out of nowhere but sometimes so perfectly suited that it's as though our subconscious has pushed them to the surface.
I also like the little spiral pops scattered throughout. I don't remember seeing those before. Did I just miss or forget them?
Speaking of ideas opening up, I wonder if your affirmations might be good material for a book? I know they were very personal to you, but as I recall they also appealed to me and many. I could see a series evolving, possibly different themes. You may have no interest, but I figured it was worth letting you know what bubbled to the surface. 🌈
Thank you, Elizabeth. The portable keyboard is nice and modded with silent switches that allow working from the library and colorful caps that do bring a smile. I appreciate the feedback on the takeaways and on the spiral section dividers I’ve been trying — always trying to improve the experience of wading.
Wouldn’t a collection be a wonder? Thank you for even suggesting they might be good book fodder. I love that so much.
That feeling of the subconscious rising is always a surprise, even when we know it happens. How special though when it does, right? Whatever the reason or force, how special to sometimes feel the right thing has appeared.
They are sweet. If your keyboard has key caps that can be replaced, there are all kinds of sets available in a wide range of colors and profiles (which relates to size and slope).
Such great “takeaways” in here! Your 100 day project sounds really interesting. I am so glad you found something that is making you feel excited and motivated to explore it. Looking forward to following along!
This: "For me, for a project to be sustainable, it has to be something that hooks me in some multilayered way." Totally. 100%. A deep connection: philosophically (it has to align with where my head is at...my beliefs and values), emotionally (it has to align with where my heart is at...what moves me), and physically (it has to align with the medium that I love working with). I wasn't aware of your 100-day challenge until this article published, but I started what I believe will be a 60-day series (maybe more...who knows) a couple of days ago: a daily photomontage art journal that speaks to current affairs. Think John Heartfield circa 1930s/40s. Why a 60-day series and not 100? The page length of my multi-media journal...LOL. I started thinking about the series two months ago, piecing it together in my mind: what I wanted to accomplish with the work, what story it would tell, and how it would be laid out and flow. I've been inspired by photomontage as a medium since the age of 20 so committing the journal to it was a no-brainer. I initiated work on my journal two days ago... following the roadmap I've developed. So far, so good with lots of excitement and enjoyment! I look forward to the daily creative process...and therapy session. Thanks for the inspiration, Amy!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Rob. Your photomontage project sounds wonderful. Sixty is great, too. There are challenges throughout the year of varying durations. A challenge can be however long or many we want. Keep the momentum going! (The 100 Day Project isn’t something of mine — it’s a very large annual project that has been running for many years. But there are, truly, lots of counted projects in the year.)
I hope you continue to enjoy what you are doing!
I love the walk figures! From your previous project and from your tests with the topography! Looking forward to seeing these!
Thanks so much, Lauren. I was going to ask what you were doing for the 100 days — but I went and checked first to see if you had posted. I see you are taking a break. That’s a good thing ….and a long one. I know you typically do long projects, too. I hope your projects are fulfilling right now.
Thanks Amy, yes it’s kind of a confluence of things. I am doing a 100 series and it’s not Instagram-worthy so I went ahead and bundled in the forced break. We’ll see! And maybe I will post some art on here instead!
I love this project and can't wait to see it unfold. The previous challenges were great too. The feel/aesthetic of contour drawing really speaks to me in some way.
I perused The Right Word: Roget and his Thesaurus this week and I love it. I didn't want to give it back to the library. The story was great and the illustrations were inspiring. I took some pictures and made some notes.
Collage/photomontage will continue to be a daily goal for me. Duane Toops is so inspiring. One thing on my list is to set aside something like a composition book to start playing around with collage in a low risk way. I am making my February mixtape collage in procreate, and I have to admit, it is pretty fun even though I am slow as molasses.
I have definitely increased my walking, but I need to move on to the stage where I actually take a walk when I don't have me neighbors to drag me out of the house. Or dust that stationary bike off.
I agree about doing some low-key work in a composition book. It’s on my list, too. Duane’s collage work is beautiful, indeed. I am glad you enjoyed the book on Roget. It really is inspiring in terms of the illustration. I am glad you were able to check it out. I hope your 100 Day Project got off to a good start today with your abstracts — and maybe you did some collage, too. Keep walking!
I love your 100-day projects and am excited to see where this one takes you! You always inspire me to keep experimenting with my creativity!
Thanks so much, Jason. I appreciate knowing you looked at this. I hope things are going well.
I love the ideas you have for the 100 day project. I simply lack motivation it seems. I think for me 100 days of just creating something is my best bet.
Thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing your creations.
Thanks, Gail! I think “daily art” is a fine project. You are already incredibly productive! If a specific project doesn’t feel right, that’s okay. I hope you have a good week ahead.
Maybe I’ll just recommit to my illustrated journal for 100 days.
I already read every day and track it. I will plug The StoryGraph as an option that’s not sullied by Amazon/Bezos/big business, and you *can* transfer all your info from Goodreads to StoryGraph once. It’s so much fun to see all the data in graphs and they’re improving it all the time.
Have a wonderful week and a satisfying start to your 100 days project!
Thanks, Jen. I think your illustrated journal is a wonderful focus for the project!
You know why I love you? One of many reasons is ....because your curiosity is inspiring and it awakens the curiosity in me ❤️ 🌞🎨🖌️❤️ I'm very thankful to you for all the work you put into sharing your vision with the world 🌍
Thanks so much, Melissa. What a lovely comment to see! Thank you for reading and commenting. Your put so much good energy into the world.
Sharing visions
Inspiring others
Awakening action
Never wordless is right. When I read that sentence, I chuckled. Because you are a poet and an artist. Your words carry wisdom and insights I've never entertained and that broadens my scope. Never wordless, but sometimes you make me speechless. And double yes to footnote number 2. I'm looking forward to following this project. My counted challenge is as follows: The thing I do every day since August 8, 2023 is attend at 12-step meeting. I haven't missed a single day.
Thank you, Nan. I really appreciate the generosity of this comment and the supportive boost. These words mean a lot to me. I don’t know how you have it in you to be so supportive of so many. It’s inspiring. That’s an amazing track record for showing up for yourself, Nan. Every. Day. I hope the next 100 days are smooth in all the ways that matter.
Thanks, Amy! Will it be on Insta, or will you be posting the images in Notes, or both? I'm avoiding too much involvement in Meta, but I don't want to miss your project. I love the people here. You were one of my few early supportive people. Like attracts like, doesn't it?
Like attracts like, even though the timing was weird, right? Probably sharing a mix of here and Instagram. I'm used to crickets -- and so sometimes posting becomes simply an exercise in thickening my skin and in insisting I'm not invisible ;)
I like to hang in one place, so I spend a lot of time at Substack. I know you do, too.
xoxo
I requested the book from my library.
I started my blind contour portraits (and stuff) drawing + watercolor today with my doggie. I love your project so much!! I hope you continue to share it.
Sent my feb postcard off this week, too.
I’m glad you got your blind contours started. I hope you really enjoy them - and that you share them! I’m glad to hear you stuck with the postcard series, too. That’s nice to know! Thank you for commenting.
My sister text me today that my “purple tree” postcard was a big hit with the niblings and made the cover for their pretend restaurant menu!
That is so awesome. I'm smiling that they have a pretend restaurant menu, too!
I love these layered ideas and drawings
This one really hit Home “don’t let the fear of not finishing prevent you from starting” and so much more. a very inspiring piece to create after taking a break. Thank you, Amy. Very ambitious beauty to follow
Thank you so much, Prajna, for commenting. I so appreciate it. We so often simply have to start and start again, right?
Yes
I’ll keep you posted, Amy! Thanks for all you do!
Feels like you've struck, not gold, but a rainbow...a rainbow held together in a prism of color that you create as you go.
Yes a LOT of words. Yes a lot of color. Yes a lot of inspiration, motivation. Now I'm here, heartfully.
Thank you so much, Jill. I appreciate all of this. I love that prism image. You've caught something of my obsession with fracturing of light and color, so thank you!
Ooh, I love the feel of this new project, Amy. Impressions of a moment, with a themed splash of color. And I see those colors are mirrored in your keyboard as well! Clearly something that brings you joy.
I appreciated the 'Takeaways' in this piece and how they punctuated the rest of the narrative. I really found myself in this line: "...right now, this has opened up as something that I think will be real." I love how ideas can open up for us, seemingly out of nowhere but sometimes so perfectly suited that it's as though our subconscious has pushed them to the surface.
I also like the little spiral pops scattered throughout. I don't remember seeing those before. Did I just miss or forget them?
Speaking of ideas opening up, I wonder if your affirmations might be good material for a book? I know they were very personal to you, but as I recall they also appealed to me and many. I could see a series evolving, possibly different themes. You may have no interest, but I figured it was worth letting you know what bubbled to the surface. 🌈
Thank you, Elizabeth. The portable keyboard is nice and modded with silent switches that allow working from the library and colorful caps that do bring a smile. I appreciate the feedback on the takeaways and on the spiral section dividers I’ve been trying — always trying to improve the experience of wading.
Wouldn’t a collection be a wonder? Thank you for even suggesting they might be good book fodder. I love that so much.
That feeling of the subconscious rising is always a surprise, even when we know it happens. How special though when it does, right? Whatever the reason or force, how special to sometimes feel the right thing has appeared.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Where can I find a pastel keyboard like that?
They are sweet. If your keyboard has key caps that can be replaced, there are all kinds of sets available in a wide range of colors and profiles (which relates to size and slope).
I was hoping to just buy a keyboard already set up. Mine is black, anyway, wouldn’t work. But thanks.
Such great “takeaways” in here! Your 100 day project sounds really interesting. I am so glad you found something that is making you feel excited and motivated to explore it. Looking forward to following along!
Thank you, Erin! I'm hoping this is a colorful series that will be interesting to see as well as do.