WORLD BLOG TOUR - WIN!!!

Read on. . .

All you need to do is comment on my blog after
reading Cate Prato's
answers to my questions on her new book -
"Mixed Media Self Portraits"
Remember, comments that you add to my blog
will automatically enter your name to
be eligible for winning her book!

Here it is..... answers to some burning questions directed to Cate Prato
author of the newest and hottest book to hit the market...
MIXED MEDIA SELF PORTRAITS

Random Arts asks Cate:
It appears that you have put a lot of thought into
taking the fear out of creating self portraits.
What steps did you take to feel comfortable about the process?

Cate replies:We definitely made a point of easing people into the process
of making self-portraits. First, I explain the history of the genre—all the
best artists have done it, so you shouldn’t feel self-conscious about it. Second,
I got two of the very best essayists I know to write about their awkward feelings
about examining themselves in the mirror: Cheryl Prater for her humorous
approach (of course) and Loretta Marvel for a more poignant
and thoughtful self-examination. Then, I have a series of “warm-up” exercises.
Finally, I hope the sheer variety of self-portraits included in the book—
from mixed-media photography to journal dolls to
assemblage will encourage readers to shake off
their anxiety about self-portraiture and dive in.

Random Arts asks Cate:
What about realism?
Most of us feel and have the impression that
a portrait should look exactly like the person?
How do you feel about that?


Cate replies: Realism is overrated! Even Rembrandt—
who made scores of self-portraits over the course of his life—
“disguised” himself with costumes, props, and so on to achieve
different results that informed his art. In the book we show
how a self-portrait can express “you” or
teach you something about yourself without being a
literal likeness.
It can be a book about the year you were born, as
Debbi Crane’s 1967 mixed-media fabric book or a
“snapshot” of time like Kelly Rae Roberts’ painted collage,
or Jenn Mason’s found object assemblage, where each item represents a
part of her life and her personality.

Random Arts asks Cate:
How does "personality" play into the creation
of a self portrait?

Cate replies: I guess I would say one’s personality
shapes one’s self-portrait, from the colors and
techniques you use to make it to the purpose of making
it to the style of self-portrait you choose. And that can change
from one day to the next. The best part of making creative
self-portraits is that it is, truly, all about you. And you can
do it any way you want. It’s like being a kid again.

Now, all you need to do is comment on Cate's
answers or my questions, for that point.
Remember, comments that you make will
be eligible for winning a free book
from Cate Prato.