Dreamscape No. 800
Dreamscape No. 800, 5x5, Alcohol Inks, ©June Rollins
I recently completed my 800th Alcohol Ink Dreamscape. Who would have ever thought that experimenting with a new medium over twelve years ago in the quiet of my studio would have this lasting impact.
I had been working in watercolor for almost a decade when I began exploring other mediums in 2009. I tried pastels, charcoal, oils, acrylics and one I’d never heard of. I was introduced to alcohol inks in a workshop offered by Karen Walker and became fascinated with their flowing vibrant transparency.
Afterward, I continued playing with the inks on my own. I believe that’s when discovery and creativity happen, in solitude. I know it did with me that day, when mingling colors became abstracted landscapes and dreamscaping was born.
A few months later, I entered a guild sponsored show entitled Small Treasures. Artists we're encouraged to enter up to ten small works. I entered Dreamscapes. The response was amazing. Opening night, three sold and I received two requests to teach Alcohol Ink Dreamscaping.
Dreamscape No. 12 was featured on my apron (2012).
The popularity and requests to teach continued and in 2012 I self-published Alcohol Ink Dreamscaping Quick Reference Guide available on Amazon and within the next few years produced five instructional dvds, now available as downloads.
From 2010-2014 my focus was Alcohol Ink Dreamscaping. In 2017 the urge to experiment surfaced and I delved into oils. Today, I’m enjoying oils, watercolor and alcohol inks. The relaxing meditative process of dreamscaping has become an essential practice. I’m not in a hurry, but I am hoping for Dreamscape No. 1000 someday.
On many levels, I’m looking forward to demonstrating alcohol inks at Twigs and Leaves Gallery in Waynesville, NC from 12-3pm on Sat., Aug. 20th.
I end with this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson:
It’s a happy talent to know how to play.
Believe me, I know.
From the Art,
June
