BAD JONES RISING, the blog.

ORIGINAL ART VIA LOST & FOUND THINGS. Work in progress photos, studio shots, and everyday rants & raves about art. I really enjoy collecting paper, cutting up stuff, making lists, memory keeping, and sending mail art. Learn, teach, inspire, motivate, and create! • Follow me on Instagram @badjonesrising & badjonesrising.com

[badjonesrising]

Archive: BJR Neon Graff ATCs (December)

YAY! We have finally made it to December! That means I am only about a month and half behind on documenting my projects here on the blog! I don't document EVERYTHING, but making sure the final and special ones get some shine- well, that's important to me! This batch of ATCs are some of my favorite I have EVER done in my whole life and I really want to make them prints at some point. See the original Instagram post HERE. I also decided when I made these, that maybe I should start making a batch a month and that's exactly what I have been doing. I made two batches in December and two this month. I want to base them on "themes" but usually I just go with the flow.

These cards were made with my rainbow sidewalk scroll paper and some new graffiti handwriting pieces from a BJR Paper Pack. I really wanted to use the last of the packs and kits of 2020, and I thought ATCs were the perfect opportunity for that. I also love looking back on these and realizing how many table scraps and recycled paper and mail art that I used and USE daily! I was just telling my friend Shannon that if my internet art friends didn't swap and trade paper and scraps with me, or I didn't find it stashed all over the old boxes and magazines in the house, I would be lost. It's hard to go hunting the way I was before cv, and quarantine is rough because going out and finding inspiration out there…well, it's nearly impossible. I am grateful that I can find the best sparks of inspo in the smallest and most mundane of things. I love paper, and I love making art. Life wouldn't be life without it.

[badjonesrising]

Archive: BJR Graff Sign— “Keep Going Keep Trying”

As promised, I am still going strong on posting the last projects of 2020. This particular sign is going to be one of my favorites, even in 2021! These words just have such an impact, even though we see it very often. I started writing "Keep going, keep trying" in my sketchbook last Spring, trying to keep myself motivated. I made it a daily mantra, saying it all day long under my breath and in my head, and even in the shower while deep conditioning my hair! It's exciting to know I am not the only one that loves these words, and I was very excited that it became a recent commission.

I also want to note, as I did in the original instagram post, that I RARELY write more than one word on a sign. Sometimes, I will do a first and last name, but it's every now and again. It was also a challenge to restrict myself to a 12" x 12" square, as I usually set my size once the word, bubbles, accents, and borders are complete. I also always use black backgrounds with white or neon splatter, so it was really nice to switch it up with the Kraft paper.

I always offer these signs on my website, and am always open to sign commissions. Please let me know if you are interested. They are my absolute favorite thing to do for customers, and they make such great gifts! Thanks for reading and hope you are having a great Sunday.

[badjonesrising]

Archive: BJR Rainbow Sidewalk Scroll

Okay, so I am sticking to my plan and going to keep posting these last few projects of 2020! I am thrilled to know that I was so prolific in just a few months! I always did work well under pressure. For a video of this bad boy and some more pics, check out the original Instagram post!

This particular post speaks for itself...I went out on a gloomy October day, a few days before Halloween, I think, and made a really, really big painting! I rolled out some white paper, from the steps to the street and just went for it. I had a blast pouring, splattering, dripping, and using all the biggest house paintbrushes I could find. The mission was simple: paint the paper, then cut it down into smaller sections, then cut those sections into pieces that were more manageable in the house or at my desk. I used this paper for ATCs, postcards, some sketchbook pages, mail art, and BJR Paper Packs! I actually still have almost HALF of the scroll (cut down) and I’m going to treasure it for a while until I need some rainbow paper.

I would love to do this again but I would change a few things. It might be nice to gesso or paint the surface with white next time for a more painterly effect (and much thicker paper!) Although, I did love the final thickness and texture the dried paper had. I also think that I need to work on a sunnier day because it took forever to dry. Even though I didn't get rained on, it was so cloudy and damp out that I had to take all the sections into the house and put the heat gun on them for a little while. I also think I would like to do some monochromatic pieces. I think with sections full of one saturated color, I might be able to make some really nice, dynamic backgrounds that would be ready or re-working later on. Definitely one of my favorite projects for prep of 2020. Painting outside is hard in the city, but if you are in the country you can use your yard, or if you are in the burbs, you usually have access to a garage, shed, or small front yard! I have never been so happy for a sidewalk and nosy neighbors. 🤣

[badjonesrising]

Archive: October BJR 2020 Paper Packs

The other day I finally sat down and saved and uploaded over fifty photos from the last couple of months, hoping to get them published on this blog. One of my biggest things in 2021 will be documenting. YES, I know. I am always documenting, but I think I want to go bigger. I want to archive. I want to make sure every little thing gets the time and place to shine. There is simply no reason for any of my work, no matter how big or small, should go undocumented. Yes, it's not all final and significant in a keepsake or financially advantageous way, but it's all special to me. If I stop to think about it and I stop to make it, it means something and I want it set in stone. I am going to mark it down on paper in my journal, photograph it and put it in an album or scrapbook, or simply blog about it. For internet's sake, blog on! One of these days, people are going to wish they didn't give up their text blogs for gridded photo apps and I am going to bask in the glory of knowing I never did! I am backlogged like twelve or so posts, but I’m determined! Wish me luck! 🦋

Anyway- I have forgotten the actual chronological order of when this art and these projects were shown to the public, but I have checked some dates and I am going to do my best to try to keep them in order. The oldest stuff I could find on my phone after NYC AND that wasn't posted here on the blog were my October Paper Packs! I made them amidst Election Day bullshit and Post-Halloween, because I didn't want to waste the Autumn inspiration that was practically oozing from my fingers. They served two purposes: 1. to purge and organize papers and collage fodder that I had been saving for YEARS and completely forgot I had and 2. to make up packs in a fun way, to get my creative juices flowing. I didn't make art for almost an entire month when I got home to MD, so it was so nice to do something that I knew would motivate me. I sold all these packs as soon as they were posted and am glad to know people enjoyed them! Plus, just look at these photos- so good! I vowed I wouldn't make more of these in 2021, and I probably won't. Instead, I am going to lean into my digital shop and some monthly kits. I am excited!

[badjonesrising]

New Work: Post Halloween/ Election Day ATCS

Here it is Friday night, almost 9pm...I am watching the end of the first season of Castle Rock (great show!) and very happy to be in the house. It was quite beautiful today, and I hung out with my Mama and my nephews and ran errands. BUT I also worked- a lot. AND I'm still nowhere near finished with my projects! I have tons of trades, swaps, and mail to go out. I am working on a BJR Graffiti sign, and an ultimate BJR Mail Pack/ Paper Pack. It's been fun making merch and trying to gather enough inventory o keep my shop updated- considering ALL my supplies are in NY! I am doing one helluva job.

Anyways- I wanted to get these ATCs posted before I finish with the rest of those October posts that I never archived. It's important that I stay on top of these things because the "new year" will be here in no time! I also have a lot of books to read...another post, another day. LOL

I didn't have everything I needed to make thse ATCs at first, but I did some digging. I pulled out stickers, washi tape, old paper stacks, OLD mail art (that I haven't seen in at least two years), and even some really old die cuts and paint. I tried my best to stay positive and work with the limited supplies I did find, and in the end, well...I think it turned out for the very best! I actually really love this little batch. It's funny because I used the painted paper from my BJR rainbow road sidewalk scroll, and realized a lot of them were Halloween colors. I stayed off instagram and the internet in general last weekend, because I knew that Election Day would be a headache and a half. Sure enough, it's still giving some people migraines. It was nice to work without interruptions or distractions.

Here are some things I learned/ remembered while making these little cards:

1. Less is more. If I limit what I have to work with, the ideas will come to me quicker, but better yet...the work will be cohesive. All of these cards have a nice little spooky vibe and I'm totally into it because I totally missed Halloween shenanigans.

2. Being back in MD gives me strange opportunities, like using a sewing machine. Ben took it out and it's covered in dust and dirt but I took my happy ass down into that basement and I sewed away. Stitching paper isn't something I have done in a long time, but I'm so glad that I did.

3. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. This includes old tape, old paper stashes, old mail art from all your favorite pen pals. Did you know that I have mail and paper from almost 10 years ago? How is that even possible?

4. Don't rush things. I did the masterboard, not expecting much tbh- but then I woke up feeling motivated, and finished those ATCs within a few days. One step at a time. When I got frustrated, or stuck, I just stopped and took a break. It was good to know that I still wanted to finish them, even after all the cussing and throwing and stomping my feet. (Yes, I have tantrums when it comes to art- don't you?)

5. Knowing that most of these, maybe ALL of them would be given away or traded made me work even harder. I kept thinking about how much I love to share art and what good is all this talent and love, if not to give it away? Luckily, people want to see my art as much as I want to share it and if I can keep that in the front of my mind, well then...things will be alright.

[badjonesrising]

Work in Progress: Rainbow Plein Air Painting

It's raining cats, dogs, and chickens here in MD. In fact, I think it’s been raining for a straight four days, but I’ve lost count tbh. That horrible hurricane hit down South and now the storm is coming up the to the Northeast. I feel for all those people down there because if it rains here for more than 8 hours we are a hot mess- so I can only imagine. It has been so gloomy! And Halloween last night was just so cold and wet! I didn’t leave the house honey child! I had Chinese food, watched scary movies, and went to bed early. I woke up feelin’ good and super productive. I even set time aside to publish this blog post! I worked out and even made some art— new things coming to the shop next week!

I was trying to think of something positive to write and I do have lots of little things to be grateful for, but I will just stick to the art for now. We have had many great big sunny days in October and I have been lucky enough to catch most of them! At the beginning of the month, I decided to not waste my time indoors, thinking of what to draw and just went outside and painted my poor little heart out. The first big batch of fun were these old paintings from last year. I started them in the summertime and never did finish them before going off to NYC. There were in a great state, but of course after a year, my mind and feelings have changed. I am never afraid to paint over something, cut anything up, or destroy old art to make new. I used some of my power box paint (which has served me multiple times this Fall and I am so glad! Such a good investment) to just cover some boring parts of these not-so-exciting pieces. I usually like to add huge brushstrokes and swatches of paint once the first layers are dry, but there's something about exterior paint melting together into perfect gradients. The viscosity of the paint is different and gives the strokes a different kind of depth and texture that you can't get with usual acrylic. I also busted out some of Ben's old spray paint ( I never know how old or new some of these supplies are because we save ALL art supplies, no matter what) and I was pleasantly surprised to find some great, intense colors! I went with my favorites primary colors and did some light drips and splatters. In the end, I was so happy with the added stencil layers and white paint accents. Made me jot down new colors to buy!

I haven't touched these pieces since that day. They have made their way from floor, to table, to easel and back again, but I haven't figured out where I want to take them. It's nice to just have some nice abstracts and some good potential backgrounds waiting for me. I find joy and comfort (big word for me) in knowing I have unfinished work that I WANT to finish at some point, but there is no rush to do so.

Hoping this blog post brings some cheer, and please go over to instagram and say hi! I am posting there in my stories when possible and there are some big, fun projects posted that you may have missed. Hope you are well and staying creative. Goodnight!

[badjonesrising]

Work in Progress: Public Art Project- The Update!

Yesterday, I finally got down to my public art project I started three years ago. I can't believe it's been that long. My friend Jamie has been bugging me about updating it and I even got some not-so-nice complaints about it looking unfinished. I am amazed that the sealant I put on it in 2017 actually kept the design pretty much intact.

Ben and I started early and just figured we would start and see how far we got- I didn't really want to paint over anything, so I left my BJR Orbs as they were, and created a border around each one. I didn't want to lose any of the splatter or the drips that I worked so hard on years ago. Plus, it's a part of my signature style and the layering of textures and paint really makes me happy and I think it adds character to the power box. It's a huge box and it took FOREVER the first time. Yesterday though, we got a lot done. We painted solid colors on the side to get rid of the white and primer. After sanding some parts, we added white and actually got to the black lines. Once the black lines on my rainbow taffy ribbon and portals are done, I will add the white highlights.

It was so hot yesterday and I totally got a sunburn. We got hungry and I got hangry, so we called it quits around four o'clock. I am so proud of us for getting so much done. I plan on going tomorrow and busting out the rest of the black so we can seal it this week.

I haven’t really made any art since I got home two weeks ago- so it was nice to be surrounded by supplies and emerged in creativity! I'll post final pics of the finished box when I am all done. I didn't edit this photos either- I wanted to make sure you guys saw the box as is. I like the minimal feel of my first design, but seeing those big color accents make me really happy. Super BJR art party fun box vibes.

Original posts can be found HERE & HERE!

[badjonesrising]

New Work: “Back to School” Postcards! And a very special note lol

This draft has been sitting for a hot minute, but I need to add a note or two before posting. Always need to put myself straight. Someone, please tell me how to stop beating myself up all the time. ANYWAYS. I’m going to try to bust out some graffiti signs. I am proud to say I always have name and word commissions. I am going to invest in some crazier markers and some metallics. Shiny paint always looks great on typography and design-y stuff. I am also def making that postcard set! See? Now... to your original drafted post. Happy Monday! It’s a new week guys, default settings for most even though it’s not technically the first day of the week. I ramble. Stay positive. You got this. Lol xo!

I made some sweet postcards. I like making them from recycled scraps, which is always my favorite way to use mail and hauls. I stuck with the theme "Back to School" and I used lots of neon. I teased all last week about it giving me all the "Saved by the Bell" vibes. So 90's! My favorite one is the "school see" one. That bright orange just made everything pop. I like them as a collection. I need to scan them. I will be releasing that particular postcard as a postcard set in my shop. I am thinking about a little 5 pack...

Also, I love the look of that micron on the hot pink. I actually thought of a few more ideas I really want to do by writing that little card. I'll need the iPad and Fresco but it will be worth it. You know I always have more ideas than I have time for execution but I am going to try! lmao

[badjonesrising]

New Work: Altered Tags for BJR Mail Packs & Such

I used up all my store tags in the last two journals I made. I had to use a smaller version but at least it made it easy to know what kind of scraps I needed to make them, and how much collage stuff was needed. I like making these little things because it gets my creative juices flowing. It's also fun to see art so small, and keeps my hands busy. I also include handmade tags in most of the packs that I make and mail that I send so I always need them.

I made some individual ones to use up pieces I had been saving. I also really wanted to use the painted deli paper that Jackie sent me. I saved half for printmaking and the other half for collage. I took a small rubber brayer and rolled bold colors on the deli paper, and off the edge. I have been enjoying the transparency of the paper and the little spiked edge. It's a great way to add a pop of color and seal in the collage beneath. The orange tag (above) one turned out great because I just used the paper as a cover and added some white splatter. Turned out great! Don't mind the scary Halloween one- it is so ugly but I like it.

I also made a big batch of tags from the another old painting I had. I previously had cut it up to use as collage pieces but I couldn't figure it out. Finally, I just glued tags to the entire piece and cut them down and called it a day. They are so thick and bumpy! It's my favorite time when there is so much paint, you just have to touch it! I had to "dye" the strings that came with the tags because they were so boring. I used watered down acrylic spray and bunched up the string before wetting it. I let the string soak and then made sure they were dry and stretched out before adding them. For most of the tags, I used two strings and then cut short, once tied. I am going to use the fancy ones for packs and kits and such and the smaller, thinner ones for packaging orders. It was a good batch. I am going to make a new batch next month. That's my new thing- themes of the month. I gotta reflect. lol

[badjonesrising]

Shop Update: Papers from “Back to School” kit.

I have spent multiple days working on my shop update— which is totally live btw! I see famous instagram ladies that talk about the big update and it all comes out so seamlessly on the internet. Let’s be honest here- you know it’s not real! What you see, is what you get guys. I am one person and I only make art when I can and I am limited in supplies and space. I think it's fun to see all the new and surprising bouts of inspiration (and motivation). I made a lot of art this month and I am so excited, but I just can't share it fast enough. I have taken LOTS of photos though. I want to be able to document everything, and not worry if it gets shared on the internet.

Anyways, enough of me ramblin'. I am so glad that I took pictures of some of these awesome papers. I also photographed the painted ones that I threw in the "Back to School" kit, because how beautiful are they!? These particular stacks were all a blur. I busted out some construction paper, old vintage stuff, and some weird bits from mail and trades. I just used markers, crayons, and cheap craft paint to make marks. I wanted to make sure they looked "fun" and "playful" like the ATCs and postcards I made. I remember back in school, you had to use what the class had. I remember being mad that kids didn't treat art materials the way I did, and they way I thought they should. I was drawing and making marks on these and thinking how less is more, and a black marker on yellow paper will always make me happy. I put all of these papers together with some tags and jazzed it up a bit.I also cut up an unfinished painting on paper I did. It was my second failed attempt at it and I kept it thinking I might finish it. I just cut it up and gave each piece away.

This was also a fun way to use Poscas because they dry so fast. You can write big and the ink will continue to flow, if it's shaken well. Poscas splatter too, which is a must for me. I love those bold, word patterns so much that I think I am going to make some digital printables for the shop. I have an ultimate goal about memory keeping and hybrid scrapbooking, but I won't get into that now. I do know though, I have a plan and it's a good one. I just want to mix all my colorful art with photography somehow, and I think I know exactly how I am going to do it. I am so excited! It was a lot of fun to make these "kits" and I am thinking I might make more. It would be fun to change the theme every month.

[badjonesrising]

Work in Progress: BJR Motivation Junk Journal

I don't know what has gotten into me. I'm happy to report that the Full Moon has brought me some motivation! I have to use it while it is here. I woke up, worked out, went to the store and fruit stand, and now I am back working in planner. I’ve been writing and readin daily for the a while now, but planner work?! Surprise! I think working on commissions and updating my shop usually keeps me encouraged. I have a sense of purpose when I am making art for others, rather than trying to pull out masterpieces for myself. My personal work is very important, along with the process. BUT I can never force it, so I am going to ride this little new August wave and think positive thoughts.

I really want to get this motivational journal posted to my shop this week so I had better finish up posting the wip photos here. My favorite thing in the book so far, are these bold sentiment pages. I used some chisel tip inks and paint markers to make the words big and bold, and splattered some paint to create that urban vibe I am always striving for.

I also am pretty proud of all the altered tags and cards that I turned into inserts. I used packaging tags, old index cards, cardboard boxes, and some small chipboard pieces that I’ve been hoarding. Inserts in traditional scrapbooking and memory keeping are usually smaller than the main pages, interactive, and are used to highlight a photo or a story. In this junk journal, I used them more for texture and to give some tactile elements that create a fun and surprising vibe. I enjoy working this way, because it's a challenge to make sure that EVERY page is exciting AND works with the opposite page as a "spread". All the colors and textures should create a dynamic composition, no matter how abstract it may be.

I mentioned before that I had to take the small 1" book rings out because once the book was done, the were too small. To have the pages flip easily and without pulling on the punched holes, I switched them to 1.5" book rings. I kept the cover plain jane, just the way I like it. It's made of a recycled sketchpad board (my fav material to make covers with). Minimal covers are important so it doesn't take away from the juicy inside! Lots of popular “junk journals” are made with “vintage” or stained papers and lots of frilly stuff and lace. Not really my style so this book was me proving to myself i could make a cool BJR-style junk journal, that still had all the scraps and papers I wanted in it. I didn’t buy anything to make this book- everything was recycled and reused, found in my stash, or traded through mail art. It’s important for me to inspire and encourage people to “USE WHAT YOU HAVE” when it comes to making.

Omg, I am beyond excited about this book and I really want to go live or do a narration flip thru. Unfortunately, I have tons or work to do. Also, storm's a-brewin' so let me get settled in! Happy Tuesday y'all! Hope all is well, wherever you are. Be safe! Be sane!

[badjonesrising]

Work in Progress: Sketchbook Shenanigans

I had a lot of folks ask me about my current sketchbook, all directed from yesterday's post on here and on instagram. Luckily, I took lots of pics on the 23rd, including how I cut the book down to punch holes. I made this Sour Tamarind book way back in May, but until last week, it only had about 5 pages in it! I promised I would get back to it and hopefully can knock most of it out this month. I use my sketchbook strictly for ideas buzzing in my brain, color inspiration, and lots of experimenting and playing. I throw all my new thoughts, frustrations, and techniques in there. It's also the first place new materials get used.

In the beginning, it was just lots of recycled watercolor paper and painted paper folded in half, into a single signature book. As soon as I started working with it and handling it, I realized that it would eventually be too bulky and eventually I would have to rebind it altogether. Unfortunately, I am very impatient when it comes to art and if anything gets in my way, the project usually doesn't get done because I am quite the procrastinator. So, instead of sulking, I just cut the binding right down the middle, and took about a quarter of an inch off both sides. I kept the pieces (obviously) and made a super big altered tag with it. I have no idea what I am going to do with it but I just couldn't waste my precious sketchbook pages!

Now, all the square pages are held together with a three book rings. Right now they are 1" but after my motivation junk journal fiasco yesterday, I have a feeling I might need bigger ones for this book as well. LOL it's a good thing! It means that I have filled every page with awesome stuff and they are fat and crinkly and chunky- the way all art books should be!

I also like this ramen noodle spread- totally into orange and pink lately. I have no idea where or why this has happened. The only thing I could think of, was the fact that it is Leo season. AND we are at the end of a heat wave here in NYC. AND I am just diggin' sunshine-y colors because I have been stuck inside for 5 months— LMAO! Also, I saw my friend Christina use this florescent orange in her books, and it reminds me of Nike's "Infrared"- which I have always been obsessed with. I don't buy neon paint in bulk, because it's usually for accent purposes only, but I think I might start. Always act on your highest excitement, right?

Yes, that is an actual recycled plastic ramen noodle bag, adhered with a glue stick to minimize wrinkling. I’m always sticking in stuff from my daily life! Very important to do so. The right hand side is a piece of paper that was never cut down for my BJR Paper Packs, and I thought that black swoop was so de Kooning of me (which is usually what I am going for) so I kept it. The white and black stenciled piece is also from my own paper pack. What isn't pictured is a really nice insert, backed with a vintage science book page that my friend Carolyn sent me. I love when I finally get to use a collage piece or a paper bit that I have been keeping FOREVER. It's the little things that count, ya know?

[badjonesrising]

Sketchbook Archive: End of July

AUGUST.

I keep forgetting. I forgot to post all these wip photos, and publish my newsletter. This is why blogging and writing and making art is important. It's my way of sorting time. If I lose track of time, the messages get jumbled. The Universe is very eager to make you happy, but if you can't receive or deliver the messages, someone is in trouble. lol

Anyways, I have so many work in progress pictures and I can't post ALL of them so I have to be specific on why these photos matter. Because believe me, I would just rather keep on working and when I get in the zone, it's over- I am having fun! Usually experimenting and seeing what I am comfortable with. I only have this one book right now, for personal use. It's being filled with paper scraps, collage bits, and random words and thoughts. I need to make a blank white one for drawing but let me not get ambitious. I have been working on a junk journal for my online shop but I think I’m finished with that today!

The 23rd was a great little day to make art. I had big ideas and I wasn't sure where I was going. I kept it fun, light. I always admire a lot of anime, manga, and sailorjerry-esque stuff because it's always playful. This blue page is from a Citra-Solv session with my Book Club back at home a while back. We went outside in the park and did big batches of cira-solv papers. I have a few pages left, and I really had been saving this piece for a while. It's awesome just on it's lonesome, so I didn't want to take anything away from that. I always thought it looked like the inside of a pool, or the sky. Those cloud like shapes reminded me of the Sun, which makes me laugh. I am so ridiculous but it turns out so beautiful. I added some pencil and ink on the other side to blend those collage pieces in.

I always am sorting through paper for various things. Papers are SO important to my work, that if I didn't keep the things I liked and kept, I would never make art. I actually wanted to make a video of me just counting and showing everyone what I collected and why. Hell, I would like to know. I’ll probably post tomorrow and the next day so I can catch up— because I cannot wait time post about my junk journal I finished! Happy Sunday!

[badjonesrising]

New Work: Motivation Junk Journal

Last week, after not making art for about a month, I decided to get off the couch, tidy up my space, and get back to work. I have a few commissions that need to be finished and I am currently working on two different handmade books. I have my own personal sketchbook which is less about drawing and more about cutting and pasting, and color theory. The other one is a fun project I just dove into the other day, to keep my hands and mind moving and also to offer a really awesome junk journal in my online shop.

It’s made out of recycled papers (as always!) and vintage school book pages. It is measured at 5” x 7” max, although all the little tags and inserts are smaller. I chose to punch holes in the pages so I could move them as I please. I like to make page spreads with two at a time, but sometimes I want to use handmade embellishments and inserts (think scrapbooking or Project Life). It gives me the freedom to move around and make a mess without breaking a binding or spine. • I take memory keeping very seriously, and although I don't use a lot of photographs, my books are extremely personal. I always add my own handwriting, my own drawings, collages, etc. It’s also nice to be able to take these pages out and move them around to where they fit. Sometimes a pink page goes better with text, and a bold image might nestle in better with something floral or pastel. Does that make sense?

This book's theme is "motivation" because I think it's something we all think about daily and often struggle with. My eagerness for making art and doing creative things in general isn’t always so easy to come by. People think us artists are machines but we are not. Our thoughts and feelings come and go, like the ebb and flow of the tide. When I feel good and groovy, my art happens and shows it. When I am feeling distracted and confused and frustrated, the stress keeps me from working. Making this book is a tiny test to keep going, to finish a small project with big meaning, and more so, to let it go when I am all done. Learning to let go is leading me to a lighter, brighter life. This little junk journal is just a small token of my appareciation for myself and my art. And patience! I’ve got to stop being so hard on myself, and give myself more credit.

[badjonesrising]

Sketchbook Archive: New Summer Book!

Peace! Well, here we are. If you are reading this, you made it to today and that's big news! I have been missing in action and slowly eating my way back into my delicious vegan world of food. After a 21-day fast and 7 days of fruit recovery, I am FINALLY feeling good enough to workout again and even make some art. I have been digging deep to find motivation and keep it so I can get some commissions done, upload some new stuff to my online shop, and of course finalize all my summer art projects.

I made a new book back in March, like I always do and haven't even really dug into it. It’s larger than usual, made from a Sour Tamarind box, and filled with recycled papers. My goal is to fill it by Fall so I’d better start doing a page a day! I only did two spreads in April, and only one page in May! So, I finally sat down yesterday and promised not to get up until I finished a 2-page spread and that's exactly what I did! Finally, Page 5! Haha. Unfortunately, I didn't film it, but I did remember to snap some photos while I was working! I promise I will do a better job about that- I have always been such a documenter but lately I get so in the zone and my brain just gets all wonky. LOL

This page is 99% done, and all I have to do is add a bit of blue on the left hand side. I used some acrylic ink spray, papers from an old BJR Paper Pack, some mail labels and stickers, and of course different pens and markers for the handwriting. I added two little white hearts for the little kid's eyes and I am in love with the wrinkled clear paper. I used a piece of deli paper that my friend Jackie sent me for gelli printing, and wanted to write on it but I decided to crinkle it up and rub on some black archival ink to make it look distressed. Then, I turned it over so the black wasn't so strong- I wanted the blue and pink to pop and that black just took away from it. With the deli paper upside down, it toned the page down a bit and I ended up liking it waaay better. I'll post a final pic when I get it done, and post the previous four pages as well.

Hope all is well in your world, or as well as you need it to be right now and hope you're finding a tiny bit of time to be creative. Sending love from NYC! 👋🏽🗽🌇🌃

[badjonesrising]

Work in Progress: Shop & Mail Goodies

I promised I would show more work in progress pics, but I think the blog is the best place for them. You can always find most of these photos daily on my instagram stories! I apologize for the dark photos, even after editing. I usually work in low light to relieve tension and anxiety and it's been working great for me. I will say it's always a pleasant surprise to see my final work in well-lit rooms for photographing and outside in the sun!

Last week I realized I am actually pretty low on my inventory for BJR Mail Packs and fun flair for packing shop orders and mail art. I like them all to be one-of-a-kind and super awesome and original so I ALWAYS make things in small batches like this! I never use bought paper or fancy stuff for my art. I take pride in recycling. However, I just can't resist the urge to buy cheap mail stuff, stationery, and labels from the dollar store. If you ever want to buy me a gift, it's weird stuff like this!

One of the most requested things I get from people wanting my work, is stickers. I have some I like and want to make in bulk, but I am still deciding on the designs. I made some new BJR HELLO stickers that I will throw into mail or orders. I also found some really cool starbursts that are glossy, so I used some alcohol ink on those and will def use those for BJR Mail Packs. I also like the price tags with my writing- reminds me of something tribal or primal! Aren't they rad? Of course, there's no better use for paint chips than for graffiti and tags, so I made plenty of those!

Overall, I was pretty satisfied with this little work sesh. I have lots of fun things for my own work and sketchbook, and now I have plenty of extra goodies for strangers and friends alike. Which one of these weird little things do you like best?

[badjonesrising]

New Work: BJR Rainbow Portal Wormhole Thingies

I don't know if I will ever get sick of these little things I have been obsessed with making. In fact, I want to make more of them in different color ways and take more photos of them. They also need to be stickers at some point and maybe even something weird like a wall decal or bumper sticker. How funny would that be?

Originally, these things came from "squishies", which are tiny, nautical space-like creatures that I cut up and collaged with in my sketchbook back in the day. Check out the hashtag- #bjrsquishies. Over time, they became less gelatinous and more organic and whimsical. Also, rounder and bigger. I have been calling them portals, because they just give me a rainbow wormhole vibe. I have had a lot of people tell me they remind them of candy, taffy, licorice, even sushi. I still haven't named them and I still don't think they are going to be this way for long. I am constantly pushed by my art to help the shapes, colors, compositions and other elements EVOLVE and I am sure these are no exception.

Lately, I have been throwing them in my shop orders and cutting them up for my own delight and sketchbooks. I don't seal them or laminate them either, although, now that I think about it- could be a very interesting option. If you get one of them IRL, you soon realize it's acrylic paint and ink on heavy-duty watercolor paper. It's matte and scratchy in all the best ways. I wanted to make sure they got their proper blog documentation- so here we are. Happy Saturday y'all. Make some art and be alright, eh?