CRUSADE No. 31 ~ Make It Your Own

 

If you've ever taken a class with me you've probably heard me say this:  Make It Your Own.  That can mean several things.  Sometimes I'll say it when I'm encouraging an artist to claim a material they are using.  Adding a little paint, or scudging it up with sandpaper, means you are showing evidence of an artist's hand at work, and you are claiming the item....making it your own.  Sometimes I'll say it when I'm motivating someone to put their own spin on a project or process.   We have heard the question asked, "what's the difference between art and craft?"  I think the answer might be when you make it your own, it's art.  When you follow directions, as you would a recipe, or copy a project from a magazine - that is craft.  Personalizing, interpreting, processing through your own filters, is art.

 

 

For instance, let's take a product.  I'll pick on scrapbook papers.  I've got a stash of them.  Sometimes I'll buy one sheet just for inspiration - the color or the pattern.  Sometimes I'll buy them to use as a foundation, then I'll paint over them, making them mine, claiming them.  I want the items I use in my work to look like me, not the recognizable brand.  You can see I've spray painted over the dots and the stripes....they are less XYZ brand, and more me.

 

Using images:  it's always cool when you can incorporate your own images in your work.  Your own photos are way more interesting and individual than 'collage sheets'.  Clip art is a favorite default source of images for me, but I don't always want them to be obvious, or identifiable.  "Oh, I know that one, she got that from page X in book XYZ".  Bleh.  However, if you were to make a transfer of the image, you claim it.  It isn't as easily recognizable.  I've put my spin on it.  It's mine.

Another example:  here I illustrate how I've taken items you could find in a store, and made them mine. 

 

And I can even claim a branch, making evidence of my artist hand:

A few years ago I wrote an article in Somerset Studio where I broke down my artistic process in terms of being inspired by something.  Inspiration can come from so many places.  It's up to you to figure out how to make it your own.

 

Here's a good example:  I gravitated toward this rug.  There was just something about it that attracted me.  Loved the colors, loved the shapes.  I will sit with this a while and eventually it will be interpreted through my filters and I will make a journal page about it. 

 

If you've been playing along then you are already good at this.  You take my prompts and make them your own.  Every artist has shared their own interpretation of the challenges presented.  You've been making your own tools and your own backgrounds.  Even your blogs have their own personalities - you present yourself with custom banners or colors, nothing right-off-the-shelf or standard-issue for us!  Apply that to your work.  Make your artist hand seen.  Make it your own.  You can show how you've altered a material or product to claim it, or you can show us how you've interpreted an inspiration like your new kitchen rug, or the pattern from your new summer dress.

 

I'm going to extend the deadline to July 1st since it is already mid-May, and we all have alot going on in June don't we?  (graduations, family visits, summer!)  Thanks for hanging in with me.  Love you guys.  xoxo

 

Comments

[iHanna]

What a great post Michelle! In a way this is what all your challenges are about, but I love how you describe it here. I think through your challenges I have come to make many things more "my own", inspired to experiment and view small portions of what I do in different ways as you lift them out and point to let me see them. I'm going on a blog break, but I will be making stuff that will be "my own" all through summer for sure. I'm already planning an Art Doll - a first for a couple of years now. While making her I will be listening to HIM I promise, I think you've made (finally) into a fan with that record. Love the vampire theme!

Oh, and I love the 3D stuff you've made and shown in this post, that was awesome!

Happy summer to you and the gals!

[Mary Geller]

Wow! Michelle- were you reading my mind??? I have really been thinking about this lately and mentioned it my blog. After taking a class I am trying to figure out HOW DO you make the techniques "your own?" Sign me up for the challenge! Your challenge is just the push I needed. Thanks.

[Carmen Torbus]

This has been on my mind a lot lately. I'm gearing up to take Julie Prichard's class and I fear being to copy-cat-ish... I want my art to be my own. This challenge is just what I need!

[Regina]

Great crusade. And bless you so much for extending the deadline. I'm committed to following thru with the crusades now that I've begun & this month is just nuts for me.

[Hagit]

This is great. I like the distinction you make between art and craft.

[Kimberly]

I agree with Carmen! I am looking forward to this one...I will get started this weekend!

[hedwig]

LOVE the subject of this Crusade!!!! AND...... LOVE your carpet rug: colors and forms inspire me too!
XOXO
Hedwig
PS the stamps arrived here in great shape

[Lorraine]

thanks for givng us a lot to think about..will have a go this one soon

[Sarah]

you have no idea how long I've been trying to understand when 'craft' becomes 'art' - nobody has ever explained it as well as you just did :)

I *hope* that with everything I do I MIMO :D

but I will be sure to keep the concept front of mind from now on...and wonder if I have made things my own ENOUGH or if I can push it just that little bit further

hope you and your family are well

Sarah x

[Renata Pacheco]

Wow, I love this!!! I'll do a lot of my own. Thank you for inspiration!

[Jane]

Michelle, you have out-done yourself!! I am so excited for this crusade. You did a wonderful job of explaining the difference between 'craft' and 'art'. I also love the doll hands with the heart, it reminds me somewhat of my logo (heart with hands) anyway, I can't wait to get started. Thank you for another great prompt!!!
-Jane

[forcryeye]

Whaaaaaa! Love the copy transfer...tutorial? Future Challenge? I would love to join in the fun, but may not be able to. I will make sure to check in on everyone's work though!

[Dale]

Awesome awesome challenge this month. I really have been reading a lot about this in the past couple weeks on a number of blogs... seems to be taking an uprising this month. As a relative novice creater of art jewelry, i find myself often inspired by the work of others but wanting to create my own thing. I will be entering this challenge for sure... i'll link it when i've posted up to my blog.

[Chris]

This is going to be a fun challenge! To me, the border between craft and art is often not very obvious. I think about this often. Some people draw the line at functionality. But I think your comments about it are much more pertinent than that. To me it's not even necessary to disguise the materials in order to make art. There are a lot of crafters who wouldn't dream of using a kit or even following a template. It's a challenge to their creative minds to take a tin can and turn it into a robot that doesn't look like any other robot but still looks like a tin can! To take a matchbox and turn it into a pendant or a journal or a picture frame. To take a pile of chenille stems and make a wall hanging out of them. That is the creative mind at work, recycling things and making them valuable again, and that person makes the rubber band or the hubcap or the tennis ball theirs even if they don't hide its original appearance. I would love to have a nuts and bolts brain naturally, but I have to really break things down an awfully lot sometimes!

I look forward to tackling this challenge. I enjoyed seeing those photos of your pieces again. Those doll's hands! And looking forward to seeing the rug pattern homage.

[Chris Meissner]

Hi Michelle! A coupla days ago I posted about this very topic. Check it out here: http://christinemeissner.blogspot.com/ "Are you the sound or the echo?" Loved your post, looking forward to the challenge!

[Megan Warren]

Hi Michelle - another great challenge - I try to do this in my work, but this was a great reminder and some great ideas for new things to try.
http://4ravens.wordpress.com/2009/05/14/creative-kindling/

[Jane]

Hi Michelle,
Thank you again for such amazing work and inspiration. I love your challenges!
Part one is up:

http://paintedheartstudio.blogspot.com/

--Jane

[julie thornton]

We love you too Michelle!

Yes, I am learning to make it my own...can't wait to have a go at this!

[Lorraine]

have made an inchie & twinchie mirror for this challenge..check it out on my blog

[Chris]

Mine's up.
http://prismtrail.blogspot.com/2009/05/metube.html

all the best to you for tomorrow!

[Regina Dwarkasing]

Michelle,

Thank you for this interesting theme. I think the real answer to the 'is it art-is it craft?'question will never be completely solved, but your definition is a pleasant one, a kind and encouraging one. As often I doubted whether sending an entry made in Photoshop would qualify, as it is merely the programm that does the trick, it feels too easy for me sometimes. On the other hand, the pictures were made by me, it is my eye that saw the subjects and in this case even my 'own'fabrics are involved. So here it is, I made it mine

http://mostlyturquoise.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-post.html

and indeed, will think about you all tomorrow..
Regina Dwarkasing
St. Maarten DWI

[Greta Young]

Wow this sounds great, I have been meaning to join in for ages! Don't seem to have much time for "Art" these days - working too many hours :-(
Anyway that is about to change with an online class and now Crusade 31 ;-)

Thanks for the inspiration Michelle and I'm glad yiu didn't stop these!

[Cath]

Having missed last month's Crusade, I decided to get cracking early this month. It coincided with the deadline for the latest NZ Art Guild challenge - you prompted me to really dig deep and produce something that says "hey, *I* did this". Thanks Michelle. http://cathsheard.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/latest-nz-art-guild-challenge/

[Megan Warren]

I'm enjoying taking ideas and making them my own
http://4ravens.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/taking-inspiration-making-it-your-own/

[kim mailhot]

Love this challenge! I have worked with the challenge craft vs art in my teaching days with kids too. I hate it so much when the kids are asked to reproduce some crafty project, following precise steps to do it and then the teachers call it art class !!! Where is the kid in the art work ? No wonder we have so many fearful adults when it comes to being creative and artistic!
I had always appreciated how you make us make it our own, Michelle, offering us techniques to create our own tools and to create pieces that are completely unique ! This challenge is no different !
Thanks for all you do, lovely lady !
Here's my Sunday morning play time post !
http://queen-of-arts.blogspot.com/2009/05/gpp-street-team-crusade-31-make-it-your.html

[johanna]

thanks for another wonderful challenge!! i love how you prepare them and how you get us going:))
hope you had a wonderful birthday!!
oxoxoxox

http://johanna-mixedmediafun.blogspot.com/2009/05/crusade-no-31.html

[Gabrielle Fabian]

Hi Michelle,
This was such a fun crusade!! I definitely followed my instincts down a different path this time ~ here's what happened!!
http://parissalon.blogspot.com/2009/05/make-it-your-own.html
Thanks for a great challenge!
Cheers,
Gaye

[inge]

Hello Michelle,

I ran a few days behind with reading blogs ( again...) and posting a new one on my website.

This evening I started with the post about my daughters birthday ( on the 18 th May, so just one day behind you !!!! I won't forget it anymore ! A Happy, happy late birthday and a special "pink" wink to you on this day...

In being busy on my computer, I suddenly thought of the crusades... would there be already another one ? Just hop over to the street team and YES !!!

I really like your post about the challenge... you do have an own style and make a lot of things "your own" !

And writing the post about Gaia's birthday, my post for the crusade developed in my mind..

I've been busy for hours now ( what a delight to be able to "create"...) and I actually have two posts now !

I guess my post for a crusade has never been made so soon :)

You can find them here :
http://web.me.com/pinkepinke/pinkepinke/Blog/Artikelen/2009/5/20_happy_16_birthdaysweet_Gaia_!!.html

and here :
http://web.me.com/pinkepinke/pinkepinke/Blog/Artikelen/2009/5/20_crusade_N°_31...and_Gaia’s_magical_birthdaycard....html

till later !
XXX x 45 ( for your birthday)
Inge

PS : and now to bed... it is already midnight...

[Melissa Sabin]

Thanks for another great Crusade Michelle! I always appreciate your asking us to try putting our own spin on things. I like it that you know how to provide structure in crusades and how to give free reign, at other times. Both signs of a great teacher. Both fun! Here is my link:
http://redtape.typepad.com/red-tape/2009/05/gpp-street-team-crusade-31.html
Melissa S.

[Pam Carriker]

Great challenge Michelle! I just added an onine workshop after much struggle with this very topic. I've been asked numerous times for a 'face' class and was very hesitant because I didn't want to teach a product, ie: Pam's face, I want to teach a process so people can use my techniques but develop their own style. I heartily agree, Make It You Own, claim it! You continue to inspire, I am so glad I took a stroll through blogland and ended up here this morning.

[Pam Carriker]

Just finished posting, http://www.thebagladysart.blogspot.com

[Darlene]

I love your challenge description and sample Art that you posted. Thank you for the creativity!!!

Here's my entry:
http://cinnamonpink.typepad.com/cinnamon_pink/2009/05/crusade-no-31-make-it-your-own.html

[Jo Smith]

Wow, thanks to Pam, who I am taking classes with online, I found you too. I sometimes can't believe what I am stumbling into on the internet...all these wonderful artists. I would love to do this challenge. I believe I grow with each new revelation I encounter.

Hugs,

Jo

[Nan Neely]

Such a relevant topic..one I struggle with and see other's struggle with....I am excited to try this as I am inspired almost constantly by what I see around me including other artists. That line between taking what you learn and incorporating it into your skills or having your work look like someone elses. Thanks to Pam C for leading me here this week through her blog!

[Jane]

Hi Michelle, what fun this is. Part 2 is up! You will recognize some images. :-)
http://paintedheartstudio.blogspot.com/

Happy Memorial Day!
--Jane

[cathy graves]

Michelle,
I loved what you had to say about "make it your own"--advice I can take to heart. Thanks for the challenge. 1st time I have been to this site and 1st time I have heard this music. I love this group and will be downloading these tunes to my MP4 player!!! You are an incredible artist--I have admired your work for a long time.
Cathy

[jennifer lorton]

I'm in again, thanks for the fun challenge. You can see mine at http://blog.jenniferlorton.com .

[kim mailhot]

Hi Michelle and your awesome fellow Crusaders,

I am on a roll making stuff my own these days !
Here's a new post for this month's great topic :

http://queen-of-arts.blogspot.com/2009/05/queens-style-making-it-my-own.html
Cheers to all !
Kim

[elizabeth bunsen]

OK - you know that I LOVE this...

and I got swatted with an idea...

I may be flying in the face of disqualification...

but here goes:

http://elizabethbunsen.typepad.com/be_dream_play/2009/05/swat-team.html

gotta love a team player...

xox - eb.

[gilvania jussara]

Great Crusade Michelle,
I love creating my own items and have many good things in the house and most importantly, we are helping to save the nature!

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=pt-BR&ie=UTF-8&u=www.giljussara.blogspot.com&sl=pt&tl=en&history_state0=
kisses

[Melisa]

Wonderful theme, Michelle! Here's my entry:
http://www.virtuallydesigned.com/gottamake/2009/05/28/crusade-31-make-it-your-own-the-pink-bird-post/

[Gilvania Jussara]

Michelle, increased the images and put a sneak.I hope you can see better
soul Huges
Gil

http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=pt-BR&js=n&u=www.giljussara.blogspot.com&sl=pt&tl=en&history_state0=

[Julie Prichard]

I didn't have time this crusade... but I want an assemblage crusade soon, Mama.

Here's my own:
http://lostluggage.typepad.com/the_land_of_lost_luggage/2009/05/making-it-mine-all-mine.html

xo

[Stephanie]

This page in my garden journal just screamed Make it My Own....thanks as always

http://rodrigvitzstyle.typepad.com/rodrigvitz_style/2009/05/pop-goes-the-garden-journal.html

x..x

[wanda miller]

i have thought about this a lot too, esp. when i see copies of other persons works. i would love to sign. is this how? wanda

[wanda miller]

i meant "sign on"..take the challenge. is this all i need to do? if not, what then? thanks, wanda

[michelle ward]

wanda - so glad you want to come play!
to participate: all you have to do is interpret the challenge and blog about it, then come back to the crusade and leave a link to your post in the comments.
click on some of the links listed under crusade no. 31 in the sidebar and you'll see how the team does it. super easy :)

[Kathy McCreedy]

Hey girlfriend! What an awesome Challenge! Great directions and examples (no surprise there), and I KNOW that took some serious time to put together. Thank you for the time and effort you put into it, I had a blast posting about it on my own site... you know where it is, right?!? xoxo, Kath

[Nerissa Alford]

Michelle
I'm so darn excited for this challenge. I've always wanted to do one & never made the time. I am MAKING the time for this one. It really speaks to me & I enjoy seeing what everyone else comes up with. It's all part of "making it your own".
Thanks for the inspiration :)
Nerissa

[Elisa Day]

I love, love, love HIM! I have been here a long time listening to HIM and reading!