I recently read this four word quote …and it really struck a note with me…it seemed to summarize my art practice to a tee. This quote, by composer Lou Harrison, was included in a recent Friday newsletter published by Austin Kleon. If you don’t know Austin Kleon, you should - he is the artist/writer behind the “Steal This Book” series as well as a prolific commentator on all things creative. His weekly Friday newsletter is a ten point round-up of what caught his attention and inspired his musings over the last 7 days.

As many of you know, creating with the detritus that others toss is the foundation of my work. And it occurred to me that these four words, cherish, conserve, consider and create, are an accurate description of the process I follow. I vowed this year to use as much of the stuff I already have to create, challenging myself to even use up my own scraps that I might have previously recycled.

I thought I would share a recent project that has not only used up scraps of scraps, but also random leftover papers and art supplies languishing in my studio…there’s no expensive materials involved nor elaborate techniques. I find that as the pandemic lingers on, I need to get out of my head and get my hands moving…if you’re like me, I think you’ll enjoy this project too.

I don’t remember where I got the original idea for these matchbook memo pads…but when I came across a few I made a couple of years ago, I was ready to jump in and make up a bunch more.

Once you get going, its easy to set up an assembly line and crank out several memo pads…use one to throw in your purse for jotting down quick notes, have one next to your computer to keep track of to-do lists, give some away to your friends. If you post your creations to Instagram, tag me, studiofourcorners, so I can see what you made and cheer you on…because who doesn’t need a break from this covid conundrum!

And just to let you know…

I will have several of these matchbook memo pads for sale at the upcoming Mother’s Day Studio Sale on May 8…along with 3 other artists, we’ll have plenty of original art and treasures for gift giving…I hope you’ll stop by.