I’ve been preparing entries for a contest at the end of the month, and I’ve been surprised at what I’ve felt inspired to create. The theme for the contest is “8*8”. Basically, the pieces have to be 8 in. by 8 in. That’s it- anything else goes. So I pulled out a couple 8*8 wood panels I had, thinking that I would do some encaustic painting. Instead, as I contemplated the large opening in what is meant to be the back part of the wood, where you would put hanging hardware, I decided it was the perfect frame for some topographical layers of paper. Just a few seconds after that thought, came the idea of using sheets of clear acetate colored with alcohol ink with the layers of paper to create a “water” effect. I was surprised by how well the layers of blue acetate give the impression of deepening water- pretty awesome, really.

I will say that this piece was very hard to photograph. Even with my new camera, nearly 100 photos and this is the best one. Gotta keep practicing!! Any tips?

Maybe for the next one I’ll add some quilled paper pieces and build a coral reef between the layers.