Vickie Kammerer Gallery

Soot Stampbord Files

Artists Notes:
Behind The Scenes of Sooted Stampbord

Having no formal art training or education my creative process probably differs from others. I do not consider art theories or properties when considering projects rather I begin with what I like and what appeals to me. I have no pre conceptions or boundaries of right or wrong just what appeals to my eye and my senses.

My first consideration in the sooted Stampbord Project was the technique itself. Would the Stampbord soot well? It couldn't have been easier. Second, was to find designs suited for the look and the texture of the soot itself. What would I like to see in the soot? What would look striking with the contrast of the black and white when the soot is removed from the Stampbord. Trying to stay in the "natural" theme my thoughts went to simple yet striking combinations. For the ATC's I thought the paisleys and the hearts. The designs were simple yet distinctive in black and white. Complete with just ribbon tied in a bow. For the bracelets I immediately thought the Chinese symbols seemed destined for the soot. Further dramatized with jet black onyx between the links.

The blocks had to be special. I again wanted to keep it natural so botanicals came to mind instantly for the sooted surface. I also wanted the sides and the top to stand out from each other so I created contrast with natural rust for the sides. I'm usually one for just jumping right in and figuring it out later. Since the blocks surface was 6 x 6 and I was going to be using multiple stamps I did not want to re work the surface multiple times so I had a brilliant idea, (I only have a few) to practice first. I practiced my stamp patterns on 6 x 6 pieces of glossy card stock till I came up with the exact layout I liked. Then I only had to duplicate it on the blocks once. This really saved heartache!

The last consideration for the project was the sealing of the pieces. I wanted to preserve as much of the natural look and color as I could without disturbing the surface. I finally came up with a combination of glossy and matte layers that preserved both to my satisfaction. -VK