Scribble Town (ST): With us is Joel Garten, an artist, composer, writer, and entrepreneur.  Joel says, “I have so many different things that I do, and the thing that unites them all is a sense of flow and creative energy.  I use that sense of flow and intuition in everything I create, and try to have a sense of flow in my path through life.”  Yes, you do Joel and it is seen in your colorful, vibrant, and musical paintings.

Joel, where are you and what are you up to these days?

Joel Garten (JG): I am working on a series of large scale paintings. These paintings are 4 feet by 8 feet, really long scrolls of paper that I paint with many different type of media.  I also compose music on the piano regularly.

ST: When did music enter your life and was there somebody that encouraged you to compose?  I wonder what came first- music or painting?  I say this because I can see the music in your paintings!

JG: The music certainly came first in my life.  It came very early, I started playing piano when I was eight or nine, and I began composing music very soon thereafter.  It is something I took to very naturally, and I have been composing for more than 20 years.  Interestingly, I have a lot of difficulty reading music – almost like music notation dyslexia – which meant that I devoted most of my musical output to improvising music.  This means I write the music as I play, it is all one artistic creation of the moment.  My music is very personal, and an expression of my sense of intuition and rhythym.  My music has also always been influenced and inspired by visual art, such artists as Jackson Pollock, Giorgio Morandi, and Richard Diebenkorn.  It is meditative, soulful, dissonant, and repetitive; but repetitive in a good way – the way that repetition can unearth deeper truths in the music as it unfolds.

Here is an improvisation from a recent concert I did in Toronto: joel-garten-live-in-concert

"Untitled" 22x30 inches, mixed media on paper by Joel Garten

ST: And with painting- how do you feel the two artistic elements support each other?

JG: Creating visual art myself is something that happened only recently, and has really increased in intensity in the past few months.  I was inspired to create art by seeing works by Jean-Michel Basquiat.  Just like Basquiat, my work has a lot of bright, joyful colors, but also works at deeper level, what the Abstract Expressionist called “the sublime”.  Abstract expressionism is an influence on my art, as is the work of Cy Twombley.  Yes, there is a lot of music in my artwork, and a lot of people say they can really see music in my paintings.  It is because there is a lot of energy, vibration, and that sense of flow that I talked about earlier in the paintings.  The artworks have rhythm.

ST: When did you start composing, playing the piano and painting?  You play improvisational music- do you ever paint in that manner?

JG: The artwork is definitely improvisational.  I start with no preconceived plan or sketch, I simply start in, and follow my intuition.  I let the painting tell me what to do.  And recently I have been starting to use acrylic paints to do essentially finger painting – except using my whole hand, and sometimes my whole arm.  I also use both hands to paint, sometimes at the same time, just like using my right and left hand to play piano.

ST: What have you been listening to when you paint?  What kind of music do you like?

JG: I have a number of different things on when I paint, sometimes it is Stevie Wonder, sometimes it is jazz by Keith Jarrett (a big influence in my music) or Bobo Stenson.  I like classical music, jazz and Motown, as well as new music.

ST: Where do you find yourself feeling really inspired to create?  If there’s a process you go through to spark the creativity, please let us know.

JG: I usually get most inspired at night.  I don’t really need daylight to paint, I like to paint under incandescent lighting. I put on some music, take some supplies and start painting.

"Untitled" 22×30 inches, oil pastel and oil stick on paper by Joel Garten

ST: What are some other forms of art you practice? Do you ever mix other mediums with your oil pastels?

JG: Well, I have a plan to do a number of other types of art.  The next thing I would like to do is use my artwork to create fashion.  Yes, I use oil pastels, oil stick (oil paint in stick form), and acrylic paint.

ST: I can’t wait to wear a piece of your art!  Do you ever play with other musicians?  Please let us know of your next show.

JG: I improvise music on my own, it is a very personal, and maybe even spiritual experience.  I do have interactions with other musician though.  When I was younger I was invited by the rock musician Bryan Adams to play a concert at his studio in Vancouver.  I am also doing a series of artist profiles of musicians, which is being published on the Huffington Post.  Right now I am focusing on doing small scale studio sessions-concerts of my music, and I want to turn those into a CD.

"Untitled" 22x30 inches, mixed media on paper by Joel Garten

ST: You are up to all sort of creative happenings. Definitely keep Scribble Town posted on all your adventures! Just hearing about how energetic, active, and open you are is encouraging in itself.

JG: A lot of children are natural artists, and famous painters like Basquiat and Jean Dubuffet were inspired by children’s paintings.  It is hard for people to hold onto to their child-like talents as the get older, and marry those instincts with experience.

ST: Thank you Joel for all your insight and inspiration!  Joel has also given parents and teachers tips on how to talk about art with young artists.  To read more about that please go to the Scribble Shop Inspirations page: http://www.scribbleshop.com/content/artist-joel-garten-shares-how-create-and-talk-about-art-your-child

Check out Joel Garten’s website www.joelgarten.com!

"Untitled" 22x30 inches, mixed media on paper by Joel Garten

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Scribble Town (ST): Pedro Mena, a person of multiple trades and interests, is here with us in Scribble Town!  Pedro is an artist, teacher and a first time dad. He likes NY Pizza, Spanish Soccer, and the History of Rock and Roll!  Pedro, where are you and what are you up to these days?

Squeegees of Spain by Pedro Mena

Pedro Mena (PM): San Francisco Bay Area. Off on Paternity Leave! Returning to teaching visual art shortly. Donated a piece for the upcoming annual HAPS (Haight Ashbury Psychological Services) Art Auction Benefit.

ST: Congratulations on your new baby! Having a new family member will put a special spin on things How has your art practice changed over time and does being an art teacher (and for the future- being a father) have an effect on your own art practice?  Please let us know what ages and where you teach.

PM: It has become more specific in addressing necessity. Yes! It has allowed for more patience and flexibility – and a new outlook on seeking and bridging ideas. Middle School, Burke’s, SF.

A peek into Pedro Mena's classroom

ST: From the looks of your classroom you definitely encourage all kinds of artistic practice- from visual to musical!  What do you hope to communicate with your art and with your teaching?  Are there any other artistic mediums you work with to help push your idea along?

PM: Excitement and Engagement. Anything and everything! Music, technology, storytelling…

ST: How old were you when you first started making art and who encouraged you to create?

PM: I remember the first time getting recognized for my drawing – it was in 1st grade. A classmate asked for a drawing of Spider-Man after seeing mine. I won 3rd place in a community coloring contest later that year. I bought a toy robot of Twiki from the Buck Rogers series with the $10 toy store gift certificate prize. My family encouraged me. I was surrounded with the paintings, drawings, and prints of my grandfather growing up. He encouraged me as well. 

ST: Who are some of your favorite artists and/or authors?

PM: My grandfather, Bolivar Mena Franco, El Greco, Andrea del Castagno, Velasquez, Max Ernst, Rothko, Forrest Bess, Philip Guston,Jack Kirby, Wes Wilson, ’80s Ashley Bickerton, Jonathan Lasker, Steve Dibenedetto (college professor), Lady Pink, Nate 1…too many to name! They’ve all brought static works to life. As for writers, Peter Guralnick can sure bring a biography to life.

Pedro Mena's Rock Benefit Merchandise

ST: I can see how your favorite artists have inspired you.  Your students are very lucky to have such an enthusiastic and caring teacher.  Thank you for sharing with Scribble Town and keep us posted on your upcoming auction and other benefit programs!

To read more about Pedro Meno’s tips on how to make Sticker Art please go to:
http://www.scribbleshop.com/content/sticker-art-pedro-mena 

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Sari Toivola (Sari): Hi! I’m Sari Toivola a Graphic Designer and Illustrator from Vantaa, Finland. I love drawing, designing, comics, history, horses and cats.   I’m working as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator and my business name is Sari ja kuva. I am also a qualificated special needs assistant and have worked with kids, so I’m really excited when I get a chance to create something for them!

Katteja by Sari Toivola

Scribble Town (ST): Thank you Sari for being with us at Scribble Town!  I like your business name ‘Sari ja kuva’ because when I did a translation of it from Finnish to English it means ‘Sari and picture’.  I started playing around with your words and found that if you put them all together (take away the i) sarjakuva means cartoon!  How clever of you to come up with that name!  It makes perfect sense why a girl named Sari from Finland should be an illustrator and comic lover.

With that said please tell us more about yourself.  What are you up to these days?

Sari: At the moment, I’m doing different kind of works for small companies, associations and private persons. Drawing and designing isn’t only work for me, it’s also a hobby and a lifestyle.

Wonderland by Sari Toivola

ST: What do you like most about illustrating?

Sari: Drawing is creative and the most natural way for me to express myself. By drawing you can mix reality and fantasy, only sky (and your own imagination) is the limit. It’s also rewarding to draw for some specific purpose where illustration is supposed to be a part of the big picture and support, for example, a text. I’m always trying to create something a bit new and bring the subject a new point of view. I also want to express feelings through my pictures, hoping they will touch the viewers as well.

ST: What is your favorite place to create?

Sari: Most of the time I work at home but some days it’s also nice to go to a nice coffee house and work there. It totally depends on my mood… If I’m tired I’d rather stay at home but sometimes it’s good and healthy to go outside and then I usually pick a nice place with some background noise which helps me concentrate.

ST: What art techniques or tools do you like to use?

Sari: Mostly I draw digitally on the computer using a mouse and a few programs, but I also use pencils and markers for sketching. I usually start a new work by drawing and sketching by hand. Then I scan my sketches and finish the work with a computer by drawing the lines and coloring.

ST: Where do you get your inspiration from?

Sari: I get my inspiration from every day life, people, animals, and nature. I’m also very into European history of arts and culture. This is one of the things that inspires me most.

ST: Do you have a craft, piece of art, or art technique you can share with our Scribblers for them to make at home? Any tips would be great!

Sari: I have been working with an intreresting technique lately called “Taikataikina,” which translates to “Magic Dough.” Everyone can make it, you just need some wheat flour, salt, water and cooking oil. You can handle it like play dough or clay and it can be harden in a regular oven.

Instructions on how to make Taikataikina aka Magic Dough:

Taikisnaamio or Magic Dough by Sari Toivola

3 dl wheat flour

1½ dl salt
1½ dl water
(dl= deciliter)

1 spoon of oil

If you like you can also add a hint of food colouring to the dough for more color.

Mix all the dry ingredients together and then add water and oil. Fold the dough until it’s smooth and then start creating.

If you don’t use all the dough at once, keep the rest of the dough in fridge so you can use it later.

Finished artworks can be harden by heating them in an oven about an hour in 125 celsius degrees. Hardened works can be painted and varnished by using water colours, acrylics or permanent markers.

Sari Toivola's Taikisnaamio or Magic Dough going in the oven

This dough is very easy to make and simple to work with. It’s 100% non-toxic, so it’s also suitable for small children. And it is cheap and can be hardened at home without any complicated or expensive equipment.

Here are a couple of photos of fresh Magic Dough Masks waiting to get cleaned up and colored.

ST: What a great idea, Sari! Perhaps the Scribblers out there could make their own Magic Dough and send in pictures of their creations. We can post your Magic Dough sculptures on the Scribble Blog. I’m definitely ready to get my hands all floured up and turn 2D into 3D!

Here's what Felipe, Christian, M, & Pierre look like with color! Painted by Sari Toivola

After the Magic Dough creations bake in the oven you can paint them.  To the left are Felipe, Christian, M, and Pierre with rosy lips and faces full of color.

For more info about Sari and her artwork please have a look at www.sarijakuva.fi.  I’m sure she’d love hear from you!  In Finnish you can say “moi” or “hei” for hello. Hay is not just for horses in this part of the world

Thanks Sari for all the inspiration you have given us!

Scribblers, don’t forget to send in jpegs of your Magic Dough creations to info@scribbletown.com. Can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with!

Kissalumiukko "A Snowman Cat" by Sari Toivola

Kameleonttilinnut ja neljä vuodenaikaa "Cameleon birds and the four seasons" by Sari Toivola

My Life and Ego by Sari Toivola

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Well, this month is off to an unseasonably warm start. That’s making it all the tougher to really believe that it’s already December! But don’t be fooled—winter is here. Let’s just enjoy the mild days of December while we can because chilly air and snow can’t be far away.

Speaking of snow, how cute are these snowman cups? Becca of Blue Cricket Design created these adorable little guys with Styrofoam cups, some pink and black paint, and a little orange stiff felt.

With a small, round sponge and pink paint, dab some rosy cheeks onto your cup. Next, dip the back of a paintbrush in black paint and create the coal eyes and mouth. Finally, cut a triangle of orange stiff felt and hot glue it to the cup as the carrot nose! That’s all it takes! If you’re making a whole bunch, you can set up an assembly line and do each step in bulk one at a time.

Cute, cost-effective, and useful! These little guys are just perfect for milk and cookies or hot chocolate. They also make adorable carriers for classroom snacks or clever goodie bags (just stick lids on them)! And even in the nice weather, these snowmen won’t melt. Have fun!

Photo via Blue Cricket Design

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Happy Friday, lovely Scribblers. Any good plans for the weekend? Better yet, any fun crafts or drawings made this week while inside during the bad weather? Well here’s a fun and easy tip for more indoor creative time!

We all already know how I feel about pencils…and here’s another great use for the wooden wonders in arts and crafts!

Take some pencils with unused erasers and an ink pad to make your own stamps! These pink rubber stubs make perfect polka dots every time, but you can also get creative with it. With some different color ink, you can make a variety of pictures and patterns. You can create cute dots, an abstract design, or an ambitious pointillist picture!

Photo: Oh! Crafts

Have a scribble-icious weekend and a blast with your new pencil stamps! If you give this a try, be sure to share your creations with us!

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Chalk is a great medium—it’s the cornerstone of sidewalk drawings, hopscotch boards, and school lessons, but people tend to be limited to chalkboards and pavement.

Chalk can be used for so much more than that! It’s easy to blend, erase, color and write. But with the blunt edges, it can be tough to be precise with details or calligraphy. Like most writing utensils, a point is certainly helpful! Who’s to say we can’t put a sharp point on chalk, though?

Similar to our tip on how to get a fine line with paint, here’s a tip to get a fine line with chalk. It sounds obvious, but just sharpen it! Take a small manual pencil sharpener and use it to create a point on a regular piece of chalk.

Chalk Pencil

 Photo: The Creativity Exchange

You can use this for any surface you cover with chalkboard paint, elaborate sidewalk drawings, but also even writing on black matte cardstock. With this one simple technique, you can open up a whole new world of projects and pictures to create with chalk. Pretty sharp, huh?

Photo: The Creativity Exchange

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I really like a cartoon called Adventure Time so I draw a lot of that.

Adventure Time drawing by Chase, 12 years old

This is one of my recent realistic ones.

Realistic Drawing from Life by Chase, 12 years old

My realistic drawings usually take awhile. This one maybe took thirty minutes. I really like drawing little cute colorful drawings because that’s really what my personality is.

I’ll be drawing more realistic drawings soon and I’ll be sure to send some pictures to Scribble Town, so maybe you’ll see them here.

A few of my drawings are on the Scribble Town Facebook page.  You can share your drawings there too!

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What’s your favorite kind of paint to work with? I like certain paints for different things (like many artists, I assume). I always forget, however, that we can also break the rules a little and combine art supplies to create new mediums. Watercolors are gorgeous and soft, but don’t often have much in the way of texture. Why not add something to watercolors to change that?

Like what, you ask? How about using glue and salt? It’s a great way to add depth, texture, and an element of surprise to your watercolor creations. The salt lifts the pigment from the paper and makes those white speckles on the page.

Regina from Chalk in My Pocket provides not one, but two posts on how to achieve this look at home. What I love about art is how there are no limits to creativity—you can always try combining different mediums or tools, experiment, and see what happens. We should all remember to give that a try more often.

In the meantime, I’m going to get out my watercolors and go find me some salt and glue! Happy painting!

Photo: Chalk in my Pocket

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So it’s the middle of October! Are we preparing for Halloween yet? These creepy crawly spider lollipops from House of Baby Piranha are a perfect treat for the spooky day! They could be great favors or snacks at a Halloween party… or even an extra-special treat for trick-or-treaters.

All you’ll need are your favorite lollipops, black pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and glue. Just twist a pipe cleaner tightly around the base of the lollipop stick (make sure each side is even) and repeat this three more times so you have four pipe cleaners making eight legs. Bend the ends of each spider leg to finish the look. Then glue on two eyes and you’re all done!

Photo: House of Baby Piranha

 Do you have any fun Halloween treats that are both spookily festive and tasty? Any plans to make the most of the holiday that combines all things creepy and candy?

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Ever see a great tutorial and wonder, “Gee,  I wonder when I could find those supplies?” Or get to the store and realize you weren’t exactly sure what supplies were used? Well, Scribbleshop.com has got a solution to your problems!

On Scribbleshop.com you  will find Photo Tutorials, Instructions and Scribble Inspiration that link to blog posts combined with easy one click shopping for the supplies needed to make those crafts! Scribble Tutorials link to posts with easy step-by-step and photo tutorials to help you craft. Under Instruction you will find activity sheets and templates and under Scribble Inspiration, you will find links to other crafting blogs, ideas we found inspiring and things that looked fun!

Need a little more convincing? Scribbleshop.com is offering site-wide discounts of up to 15% off AND Free Shipping on all orders of $50 or more! What’s not to love? Check out Scribble Shop to craft your home decor and get scribbley with the kids!

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