#the100dayproject - What ? Why?

 

Some of you may have heard about  #the100dayproject ... What is it? 

Every year, thousands of people all around the world commit to 100 days of creating at the same time. Anyone can participate . The idea is simple: choose a creative project, do it every single day for 100 days, and share your process on social  media using the hashtag #The100DayProject, connecting with other participants and followers of the project. 

This year #the100dayproject started on 13 February and finishes on 24 May ,  if you count consecutive days. Some participants take up to 2 years to complete 100 days of creating! 

The first step is usually to decide on a personal project ... this year, I decided to do something simple and late last year,  I purchased a box of 100 pantone colour postcards. 

As I am also preparing a much bigger project, based on the "exuberance" of colour, I thought this would be a great way to move gently into the project and practise working with various colour combinations. 

What I learnt from previous years of participating in this project is that whatever the project is it needs to be manageable and an easy fit into your lifestyle. This year, I have really simplified and  fine tuned my approaches to the  project -  it has to be a process which

- uses materials which are easily accessible, recycled or found : 

- does  not take up too much space or time, ( ideally 15-30minutes on a small table) 

- needs no financial layout ( only the cost of the postcards - no further purchases ) 

- results in small artworks which can be used/gifted ( in this case posted to friends) 

- will help to develop techniques and skills.  

My project #100pantonepostcards2022  is exploring colour through collage and stitch.

 Every day, the base  is already prepared and I collage small scraps of paper and/or fabric (stitched or not) .  I use a simple glue stick and sometimes, some matte medium as my adhesives. My "away from home" kit comprises a small glue stick, a small envelope of  fabric and paper scraps,  a few postage stamps, a needle and  black, white and red  thread, scissors, a black felt tipped pen  and however many of the postcards I need.  What I don't have in my small travel kit, I usually gather wherever I am.  For the first 13 days this year, I improvised a lot as I was not at home. I used  bits of brochure pages, the back of my airline folder, some chocolate wrappers, and tea bags - there were even a few coloured threads in the bottom of my bag! 

I have  often been asked WHY I do this or what do I gain from doing this project. 

 There really isn't a definitive answer to why I do this - I think I am the kind of personality who likes a challenge and likes working in series. I also know that I benefit  greatly from regular practice and like to commit to a process of improving my skills ( in bursts, at least) .

I also like the process of recording how I feel about the project in a journal , or as is obvious, in this blog.  

As I try to devote 20-30 minutes to a daily art practice , 100 days isn’t too much of a stretch depending on the ‘rules’ I set for myself .  One year I combined stitching with walking - about 5k daily and another I wrote a haiku to go with each little pin/brooch . I enjoy the discipline, the accountability, and the opportunity to experiment and practise . 

The bonus is the sense of community - about 8000 worldwide making and sharing art for 100 days together . This year  these Pantone samples are perfect preparation for a bigger artwork … and I will have  arty postcards to send to friends at the end of it  - bonus ! I think I said to a friend yesterday, if I get 10 good postcards out of 100 , I'll be happy . 

 In #the100day project nothing is mandatory- you set your own parameters so I guess  all participants ( now over 13,000 in the FB group) each gain something different but share the common sense of  creativity, achievement and commitment. 

Please follow my #100pantone postcards2022  on Instagram @empress.wu.designs or on Facebook  @Empress.Wu.Designs