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There is Something Fishy About this Story

Step-by-step tutorial of mixed media tag experimentation and play by Carolyn Dube

There was something fishy about the story that my muse popped into my head as I was playing.  So fishy in fact, that I began to think about the plausibility of the story.  My logical left brain jumped in while I was playing.  That did not go so well until my inner teenager with ample attitude jumped in…

Step-by-step tutorial of mixed media tag experimentation and play by Carolyn Dube

 

 

It all started here, a tag where I had been testing out the colors of some Distress stains.  It seemed harmless enough…

 

 

 

 

 

Step-by-step tutorial of mixed media tag experimentation and play by Carolyn Dube

 

 

The tag just became a playground as I let go and played.  A stencil from Michelle Ward, some scribble writing, some stamping with one of Kari McKnight Holbrook’s polymer stamps. No logic. Just play.

 

 

 

The messing around continued with whatever was around on my counter.  Better to use it than put it away…

Step-by-step tutorial of mixed media tag experimentation and play by Carolyn Dube

 

Suddenly, a story  about London and sightseeing fish touring the town popped into my head.  I could almost hear the fish ohhing and ahhing over the architecture.  Really? This is what my muse was sending me?

The left brain lawyer jumped right in and began interrogating the story. Fish sightseeing?  Fish don’t sight see or tour famous buildings anywhere, let alone London.  There is no scientific evidence of fish ever being impressed by architecture.

 

 

Step-by-step tutorial of mixed media tag experimentation and play by Carolyn Dube

 

That obnoxious teenager inside of me decided to prove that left brain lawyer type in my head that this was perfectly plausible in art!

So I grabbed Aidan’s School of Fish stencil and set them to swimming in London.  And they can swim wherever they want to get the best possible view of Big Ben!

 

 

 

Step-by-step tutorial of mixed media tag experimentation and play by Carolyn Dube

 

I decided to really irritate the left brain, so out came Maria McGuire’s borders for a few waves.  Because there are crystal blue waves suitable for surfing in London…take that left brain lawyer….

 

 

 

 

 

Granted, this story will not be the basis of a Pulitzer prize winning novel, but it was fun to make.   It was a big reminder that my play does not have to be reality based or “make sense”, it just has to be fun!

I’d love to know if the stories you create in your art real or imaginary or something else? 

 

{ 10 comments… add one }

Leave a Comment

  • Judy Shea April 13, 2014, 5:06 pm

    Color love. That background you started with is so nice. Tags are the best to work on.. such a great size.

  • Marguerite Harty April 13, 2014, 5:13 pm

    I love the way you think. You always inspire me to do more art!

  • Ruth L April 13, 2014, 5:32 pm

    London and fish, pretty close, Carolyn, fish ‘n chips wrapped in the Daily Times… 😉

  • Cynthia April 13, 2014, 9:16 pm

    Love the sightseeing fish!! And the colors are gorgeous too!!

  • Ellie Taesali April 14, 2014, 1:35 pm

    Keep bringing us your wonderful stories! Your genius

  • Jo Murray April 14, 2014, 2:50 pm

    Fishy or not….it’s delightful.

  • Gloria Zucaro April 14, 2014, 8:18 pm

    Carolyn, you are such a delight. But it was funny, because after watching some of your videos on You Tube I found myself really missing your voice in today’s post as you told your fish tail. Your voice is always so relaxed and cheerful, and you have impeccable comedic timing! Okay, all your posts must now be on video, sorry but that is just the way it has to be!

  • Raine April 15, 2014, 12:36 am

    Carolyn, I LOVE this! Sightseeing fish? Why not?!?!?! I once did an entire two-page spread with pictures and a story about what would happen if it rained kittens! It’s one of my hubby’s favorite spreads!

  • Jackie P Neal April 15, 2014, 5:58 am

    Great story Carolyn! So glad that teenager came in when he did! heehee As always- your page is a delight with a wonderful post! hugs

  • Marjie Kemper April 22, 2014, 3:25 pm

    Missed this one! Love the mix of colors and how that text seems to sink back behind the paint.