Just for Fun
Did you know that you are learning new things everyday? But are you learning purposefully? Are you pursuing the joy of learning and then sharing that knowledge with others? There will be those that know more about a subject or are able to accomplish things better than you. But don’t let that stop you from learning more about God’s amazing world and exploring ways to creatively enjoy it!
A few months ago, members of Poiema Visual Arts met for their Annual Ice Cream and Create event. In the midst of laughter and conversations, we had the chance to explore a new art form: alcohol ink applied to ceramic tiles.
Permission to Play
Throughout life, I have enjoyed many opportunities to continue learning. But this was more than academic. It was my chance to "play" without worrying about the results. When given a pattern and fabric, I can make any number of things that are recognizable. Hand me a paint brush or pen, what I imagine in my head does not always come out on paper. Each of our gifts are different and a fear of messing up often keeps us from trying something new.
Alcohol ink, in liquid form, is unpredictable. It goes where it wants and becomes splashes of color when rubbing alcohol is added. You can plan a picture and try to control what colors go where but there is freedom in just letting go. Learning that it's okay if the colors swirl together or the picture changes halfway through the process can be frustrating but also freeing.
The fun of exploring a new art form is in the process. You start with an idea ("what happens if…" or "I wonder if I could…"), try it out, & then find others who have already explored and are willing to share their knowledge. There are also abundant resources all around you! For starters, consider consulting other artists, books, art supply stores, websites, youtube, or pinterest. Each interaction will bring you one step closer to understanding your medium and accomplishing your goal.
During the course of our Ice Cream and Create event, artists of multiple ages engaged in conversation while exploring the medium of alcohol ink. We had access to each other's errors and successes, as well as one another’s previous knowledge of how different types of inks and paints behaved. We found inspiration in books that were made accessible and my husband, Jeremy, shared what he had learned from another artist member, Deb Brown Maher.
The Wonder of “What If…”
A fellow fabric-lover posed a question that intrigued me: Could alcohol ink be used on fabric and if so, what would that look like?
I was curious. Since the tile project was so much fun, I went home and dug out some white scrap-fabric. Among other things, I quickly learned that alcohol ink in liquid form has a much more potent smell in a two-bedroom apartment than in a church fellowship hall! That potency only increases as you saturate the fabric with more rubbing alcohol; mixing or lightening colors to your liking. I’d urge you to learn from my experience and make sure to start your own project in a well-ventilated space!
The way you fold the fabric has an impact on your final project. To achieve a defined ink design, it's best to only fold the fabric twice. However, it was fun discovering that the design and color saturation changed with multiple layers. Each layer becomes a new piece of art!
Once the fabric dried, I soaked it in a solution of salt water and let it dry for a second time. This process removes excess ink and helps set the color. As I looked over the finished fabric, I realized my play time wasn’t quite finished. New pictures were emerging from the design! I wondered, “What would it look like to use the alcohol ink markers to embellish the fabric?” Out they came and, thanks to the help of my family, outlined images (a bird on its nest, an acorn, a butterfly, and a fairy) were added to my original design. To try this step out for yourself, I recommend you draw your outlines, add rubbing alcohol with a q-tip or dropper, and let dry again. Once dried and ironed the possibilities for its uses are endless...which is why my precious creation still sits, folded up, in my room waiting for that one perfect use!
Curiosity Continues
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a partially painted wooden box and wondered how alcohol ink would react to the surface. Would it adhere to its painted finish? What about its unpainted spots? Having learned that it is wiser to use the markers rather than the liquid in my home, I decided to “play” again. With a few colors, a little rubbing alcohol, and the idea that flowers might be a good theme for this small box, off I went! What I created may not be seen as a masterpiece, but it sure was fun!
Here are a few things I learned about using alcohol ink on wood. The darker the paint, the less the ink is visible. If the paint has a gloss finish, the ink tends to rub off. Finally, unfinished wood surfaces will soak in the ink and the image will be distorted by the grain lines.
My Take Away
The process of continual, purposeful learning can open many new doors. It can lead to a new hobby, an exciting new art form, or a simple but meaningful conversation starter. Don’t be afraid to try something new. I am not an expert in using alcohol ink yet. I’m just experimenting and learning a new medium. But I am enjoying the process! My prayer is that you also find this type of joy in learning or continuing to learn something new. Get out there and “play!”
