Creativity Through Nature: Foraged, Recycled and Natural Mixed-Media Art

Ann Blockley's 'Go Outside and Play' is a passionate and purposeful book on finding real creativity through nature. It encourages artists to recapture a fun, no-pressure way of being outside and use that feeling when creating. It also includes work from other artists as well as her own, showing the ideas and work from textile and mixed-media artists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2021
Publisher: Pavilion Books

A captivating and transformative journey into the realm of creativity, fueled by the boundless inspiration found in nature. This essential guide is a lifeline for artists at all stages of their journey, offering a treasure trove of ideas and techniques to nurture and flourish their artistic endeavors.

In her most heartfelt and introspective work to date, acclaimed watercolour artist Ann Blockley guides both budding and seasoned artists on a profound exploration of how to harness the power of nature to ignite their creativity, inspire their souls, and cultivate a more sustainable artistic practice.

Through a series of thought-provoking and practical ideas, Blockley encourages artists to rekindle their childlike wonder and embrace a carefree, no-pressure approach to being outdoors. She encourages them to channel that joyful energy into their creative processes, infusing their work with a sense of playfulness and spontaneity.

In "Go Outside and Play," Blockley encourages artists to reconnect with the simple joys of nature and infuse their creative practices with that sense of freedom and joy. She encourages them to explore the natural world around them, observe its intricate details, and let their imagination run wild. By incorporating the essence of nature into their work, artists can tap into a wellspring of inspiration that transcends the boundaries of traditional art forms.

In "Connecting Materials to Place," Blockley takes her artistic exploration to a deeper level. She delves into the art of creating paint from the natural elements found in her surroundings. By extracting pigments from local ponds, she weaves a tapestry of colors that are uniquely tied to her location. This approach not only fosters a deeper connection with the environment but also allows artists to explore the vast palette of colors and textures that nature has to offer.

Blockley's journey also includes a profound exploration of the concept of "The Slow Movement." She reveals her year-long endeavor to intimately observe and paint a specific local hedgerow, capturing its ever-changing details in a series of captivating paintings. Through this slow and deliberate process, Blockley honed her artistic skills and developed a deep appreciation for the nuances and complexities of nature. She embraced the idea of creating regular creative rituals, using her weekly playing card as a starting point for a new painting that reflects the changing seasons. By reusing old paintings, tissue, and paper in a wabi-sabi style, she created new textures and even new paintings, demonstrating the beauty of repurposing and recycling materials.

Blockley's book is a tapestry of inspiration, featuring the work of other artists as well as her own. It showcases a diverse range of artistic approaches, from allotment inspiration to reusing old paintings and from nature prints to the alchemy of found materials. This journey is a testament to the boundless creativity that can be found when artists tap into their connection with the natural world.

In conclusion, "Go Outside and Play" is a transformative guide for artists seeking to unlock their full creative potential. It offers a wealth of ideas, techniques, and anecdotes that will inspire and empower artists to embrace the beauty of nature and infuse their work with a sense of wonder and authenticity. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a budding creative, this book is a must-read for anyone who desires to nurture their creativity and forge a deeper connection with the world around them. So, step outside, let your imagination run wild, and let the magic of nature inspire your artistic journey.

Weight: 840g
Dimension: 284 x 223 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849946490