I joined the 2013 Sketchbook Project!

The 2013 Sketchbook project!

I just signed up so, for now, I have to wait maybe a month they mail me a package containing a custom-designed Sketchbook Project sketchbook with a barcode on it, the chosen theme, and detailed instructions about the project. Then I will fill it out and send the sketchbook back to them. It will be archived in the Brooklyn Art Library and exhibited to the public!

The Sketchbook Project is a worldwide creative experience. Together, thousands of regular people from around the world will form a traveling library of handmade books. This project is for anyone who craves an outlet for that undeniable creative bug. Anyone — from anywhere — regardless of his or her creative background can and should participate. The Sketchbook Project is not just a project for sketchbooks. It’s a library featuring all kinds of handmade books. I loved this piece of advice from the organization:"Draw in your book, cut it into pieces and glue it back together, sleep with it under your pillow, write about your trip to the lake, tell the story of how you lost your keys that one time, write a poem about how the summer makes you feel warm inside, stare at your book until the night before the deadline and then feel inspired by the impending doom of the due date and bust out the most amazing work you’ve ever made, use your book as a release for all those stresses you’ve been under, or just sketch. The choice is yours.I liked the idea of my Sketchbook making a journey across North America. They say we’ll get an email or text message from our book every now and then to keep you updated on its journey. Then the book will move into its new home at the Brooklyn Art Library.

For now, I am waiting for a custom-crafted sketchbook made from 100% recycled, locally milled paper, printed with vegetable-based inks, and produced at Pinball Publishing in Portland, OR. The book is 5"W x 7"H, bound with wire staples, and filled with 32 blank pages — just waiting for me to fill them!

The Sketchbook Project is organized by Art House, an independent Brooklyn- based company that organizes global, collaborative art projects. Art House began in 2006 in Atlanta, GA, and moved to New York City in 2009. Since that time, the small organization has grown into a worldwide community of artists and organized dozens of interactive projects both massive and small. Art House's co-founders, Steven Peterman, and Shane Zucker, and a small team of artists and organizers keep everything running from the HQ in Brooklyn, NY.

The Sketchbook must be ready to post by January 15th, 2013!!! You can still join if you're fast! Check The 2013 Sketchbook project!