Sunday, March 4, 2012

The Pulse and Seth Apter

THE PULSE OF MIXED MEDIA: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed by Seth Apter has ARRIVED! Through a series of questions that Seth Apter asked artists, artists revealed their thoughts, insights and confessions. They shared ideas, secrets and frustrations. This book reveals their artistic souls, hence the pulse of mixed media. The book is available at Barnes & Noble and the link to Amazon.com is here.

One of the tasks Seth asked artists was to create a self portrait. Below is Seth's self portrait in the book.

When I look at Seth's self portrait... one of the words that come to me is BUSY. Seth Apter is a mixed media artist in New York City who works in collage, book arts and assemblage. But Seth also has a day job as a psychologist. So he divides his time between his professional office, his studio and his computer office. His work has been published in numerous books, magazines as well as his blog, THE ALTERED PAGE found here, and his online zine, THE PULSE. So Seth is very busy juggling so many aspects of his life and art and I for one am extremely impressed. Below are some glimpses into his studio.

"Putting this book together has been an adventure that I will always remember. My hope was that questions and prompts that form the basis of this book would uncover information that truly revealed the deeper issues and concerns of all artists. Would the artists in the book be honest and open in how they responded? The answer was a resounding YES." Seth Apter

"My second discovery came as I sorted through all the literally thousands of responses I received. As unique as each artist is and as distinct as their artwork looks, there are many things that connect us all. We each have a very personal reason why we become artists. We each put ourselves on the line every time we share our art with others." Seth Apter

"Reading through all these responses and seeing the artwork created by the artists has had a tremendous impact on me. As I answered the very same questions along the way, I learned so much about myself as an artist and as a person." Seth Apter
As I look at part of Seth's studio above with that word, I know that Seth approaches his art, his world of art, and his life with a resounding YES.

I have been fortunate to be included in this book. Seth is highlighting 31 artists from the book for the month of March. Today, March 4th is my day and if you go to this link at Seth Apter's blog THE ALTERED PAGE here, you will see what he has written.

Below is the self portrait I created for Seth's book. I think a self portrait can reveal a lot about an artist, especially for themselves.

My self portrait does not have my actual image. I used a 'blank' head instead, which could be anyone. This is because I am still trying to figure out who I am. I am on this inner journey, seeking balance in my art and in my life. I am also a private person who may not want to reveal too much. There is a mystery.

One of the questions Seth asked was: If your artwork could talk, what would it say? My answer is: Be still. Be quiet, tranquil and balanced where places in your heart and mind are found, and where the moment is present, and then past memories come. dw

GIVEAWAY!!
If you go to Seth Apter's blog THE ALTERED PAGE and leave a comment your name will be put into a drawing for a free copy of his book THE PULSE OF MIXED MEDIA. He is giving away 3 copies and you can leave a comment every day for the month of March. Plus you will get to see his posts on 31 artists who are featured in the book. blog here.

47 comments:

Tammie Lee said...

how lovely that you are in this book, congratulations. i find your portrait to be soothing....
lovely day to you~

Carol said...

Admire your work. I was actually first introduced to it by Misty Mawn when I took her online class. And now thru Seth. Love the self portrait.

michelle ward said...

Donna, what a lovely post. I enjoyed the peek into your philosophy in addition to the insights by Seth as he wrangled all the resources together for his book. I love his observance that while there are many distinctive differences between artists, there are also strong connective threads too. How interesting that you both incorporated silhouette heads for the self-portaits. A perfect example of different/same.

Magdalena said...

...you know already Donna that i admire your work very much...i find if very contemplative...congratulation on the book...it will be very exciting to read it...
and thank you for every comment you leaving me ...it means very much to me.

Judy Shreve said...

Your work and blog are visual poetry to me - mysterious and all knowing. Congrats on being in the Pulse of Mixed Media - and of course congrats to Seth - how does he do all that he does? He's such a fabulous community builder!

Unknown said...

Donna, today, in the rain, on my walk, I'm bringing a sketchbook and will "look for dots, marks and circles on surfaces" as you have nudged me in that direction upon reading Seth's post today about you. I am looking so forward to reading your blog and seeing your work as I am now following. Have a special day. *smiles* Norma

ZenDotStudio said...

lovely post, as always. love the thoughtful comments about self and your art. heading over to check things out at Seth's. Great self portrait!

Leslie Avon Miller said...

Beautiful work of yours in this post Donna and your new collage in the side bar of your blog.
I am pulled in by the order, the apparently simplicity and then rewarded with the subtle complexity.
Congratulations to you and to Seth. Who but Seth could have pulled together such a diverse group of artist and connected all the "dots"?

amy of studio four corners said...

congrats on being in this wonderful volume...I can not wait to see it...always find your work thought provoking...thank you

eb said...

Donna,
thank you so much
for your caring visit...
I love your shadowy self-portrait
and the mystery
that you hold dear and seem to follow I too am seeking balance...

eager to savor Seth's book,

xox - eb.

ArtPropelled said...

Donna, I've been looking forward to your post! Great to see Seth's self portrait followed by your own two pieces. Can't believe you have your book already. I hope South African postal services don't take too long to deliver mine.

Anonymous said...

Beautifully done as usual, Donna. Congratulations on a lovely post and being included in Seth's amazing book.

magpie said...

looking forward to the book. though its jarring to see that cover/those colors on your blog - a shock to the system. not necessariloy a bad thing, just a shock.

Altered Bits said...

what a wonderful wonderful post, donna! i am so excited to see some of your work that is in seth's book and to read a bit of your responses. i cannot wait to have this book in my hot little hands!

thank you, too, for sharing about seth. it seems that as these 31 days progress, we're not just learning about other wonderful artists but more about him as well. so much fun!

let me know when you will be in portland again and maybe we can have lunch or a cuppa tea and a little jaunt over to paxton gate if you're interested. xx

Jill Zaheer said...

What a beautiful post Donna, with revelations about Seth and yourself. Love to see both of your self-portraits. Especially like your response to the question- if your artwork could talk, what would it say-"Be still. Be quiet, tranquil and balanced where places in your heart and mind are found, and where the moment is present, and then past memories come. dw" Donna- you're so poetic, thoughful, graceful and so expressive with the connection between art and heart! Just love your art and your blog!

lyle baxter said...

Donna, as ever it is a pleasure to read your thoughts on "whats New". When seth first mentioned pre order I did! I had no idea my favorite artists would be in the cast! I am anxious to see your part and read your responses to his questions!I am happy you all are in such good company!

Hannah said...

Donna--what a wonderful surprise to c ome and discover these two self-portraits; yours and Seth's. I love the notion of a psychologist/artist asking questions that tenderly peel away the layers of the psyche to reveal the artist soul within. Can't wait to click on the Amazon link, but first I think I'll visit Seth's blog to read what he has written for you. Congratulations: )

india flint said...

it's going to be a wonderful book

Carol said...

Thanks to Seth I have found your beautiful blog. Your art is so peaceful and inspiring. Congratulations on being in Seth's book.

elle said...

Seth has introduced me to creativity in a whole new way. Stopping, silence, seeing... Thanks!

rivergardenstudio said...

Donna, I wrote earlier this morning, but I see my comment didn't appear. I love your words, about yourself and your art on Seth's post, always your art and garden, and your words about Seth. You are beautiful in your garden.
roxanne

Bridgette Guerzon Mills said...

Hi Donna- your work has always spoken to me and your words resonate- "Be still. Be quiet, tranquil and balanced where places in your heart and mind are found, and where the moment is present, and then past memories come." yes, yes, and yes.

Nice to get a sneak peek at Seth's self portrait! I would say that captures him pretty well. And yours as well. Wonderful

Anonymous said...

the book sounds interesting, now i wonder if he met all the artists that are in the book online.

liberal sprinkles said...

Congratulations on being in your book. I love your self-portrait and all the meanings behind the blank head.

ELFI said...

on ne comprend jamais, qui on est..
plaire ou ne pas plaire..faire ou ne rien faire.. il faut avancer pour soi- même et ici je trouve des réponses..superbe!

Lisa said...

a blissful and inspiring post Donna...the parallels between the two self portraits are interesting. I like that your self portrait is not revealing and leaves much up to the viewer...a philosophy I share as well. Looking forward to receiving my copies of the book soon!

henrietta (aka ani aka zani) said...

the colors and the spaces and the balance of the elements really has a calming affect. so happy to see that you were featured today and in the book. i have just that much more of the window open into you thoughts and process. congratulations for the quality and the work.

Mo Crow said...

Hi Donna,
your art & words are so gentle, calm and wisely peaceful,,, thank you for the always inspiring sharings, love the contrast between your & Seth's self portraits ! as the Australian artist John Wolseley said in a recent interview-
'I suppose we all sometimes wonder whether there has been a common thread in the way we make our work. In my case I know it’s been about trying to describe ways of relating to land. The thread which joins it altogether in my case perhaps has been about ‘threading my way’ across the landscape in as subtle and gentle a way as I can.'
Here's the link -
http://moirarothsgleanings.tumblr.com/post/16334896772/gleanings-11-john-wolseley

Kate Burroughs said...

Congrats on being included in Seth's book. Your work has a very calm and serene feeling to it.
Aloha, Kate

Parabolic Muse said...

I so love your aesthetic and am very glad that Seth brought your work to my attention! Isn't he fab? Dots. excellent!

Seth said...

Thanks for this post Donna and for selecting and sharing the photos that you did. The contrasts and similarities of our self portraits is fascinating. Thrilled that you are part of the book.

Caterina Giglio said...

wonderful words and images, congratulations, I am looking forward to reading my copy...

Carole Reid said...

Congratulations Donna! I admire your calm. Love your work. I'm jealous of you view from your studio!

Barry said...

D- well done and congratulations - both for being featured; but also the ongoing quietness and strength of your work. B

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You have a fantastic blog and very, very interesting pieces of art that you highlight. I agree that your art is calm and soothing, both in spirit and in color palette.

Terrie said...

I love your aesthetic and glad that I have the opportunity to 'meet' you through Seth's blog. I'll be checking in! And thanks for the glimpse into Seth's life.

Petra Eller said...

Congratulation Donna
Wow You are a part of this book. and i love Your self portrait and Your words about it.
many greetings

sukipoet said...

donna, have to switch browsers to respond to yr blog now due to the robot thing not showing up on my browser so it takes longer for me to get to the comments.

lovely that you are included in this interesting book. you are so talented. you seem so grounded in things asian, from your gardens, to home decor, that i was surprised you felt you didnt know who you were. Or whatever you said exactly, i cant scrollback to see.

good luck, suki

Unknown said...

Donna,
I have long enjoyed and found inspiration in your beautiful work. What a treat this has been to get to know you in the book and the pages here.

x..x

Kathy Johnson said...

Donna,
Our words are very similar - peaceful, calm, tranquil, harmonious.
Congrats on the second book in which your work has been included!
Kathy

JonesMoore Studio Art, Lisa JonesMoore said...

Hi Donna--my artwork is also in Seth's book, although I have not seen it yet(it's not yet in bookstore, available online though)...

I am thrilled to be a part of this project, whatever form it may take. Congratulations on being a featured artist!

--Lisa JM

nancy neva gagliano said...

MINE ARRIVED THIS MORNING!!!

Anonymous said...

well,
your art says that indeed.

Quietly and calmly, it must travel from the deep quiet places within you to the paper..

yes indeed, it must.
Such a clear channel you are.

Cynthia Monica said...

I learned something new about Seth, as I didn't know he was a psychologist also! I love your self portrait and your explanation Donna...how wonderful to be included in the book!

Donna Iona Drozda said...

Gorgeous and beautiful share of both your feelings about Seth and the terrific weaving of artists and their lives that he so consistently brings to the community on-line and also to your stunning 'reveal' of your 'portrait of self as a work in progress'...it's an honor to come here to Layers to feel your stillness.

Lucky Dip Lisa said...

Donna, my copy of this book arrived today. Very exciting!! I am going to pour over this book so many times and I am so pleased your art is in it too.

Barbara I. said...

I love your layers! Amazing work. Thanks for sharing your art with us and congrats on being part of Seth's book!