CHERYL H. HAHN
The uniformity of my "Day by Day" project translates well into a small pocket-sized
book packed with creative expressions that range from a rubbing of a headboard to an
abstract collage, and to an ink drawing of a leaf. I created the images at home, in my
studio, on the ferry, in restaurants, on airplanes, in the car, in Oregon, Florida,
Indiana, Ohio, etc. I used whatever was at hand be it pencil, a ball point pen, markers,
watercolor, even tea out of my cup. Ultimately the intended "Day by Day" book or visual
diary helps to define my perceptual growth, and I hope to share it as a powerful tool in
helping others discover their own personal vision. This aspect of collaboration is
evidenced in my previous projects including the "Handwriting Is Disappearing"
installation at the 2000 Northwest Bookfest and also another collaborative installation
titled "Lend Me a Hand" that was exhibited at Seattle Pacific University. I have also
produced two other artist books made of wood, paper and slate merging my love for books
and writing. This generative project grew from a pact made at the end of 2002 between
another artist-Becky Frehse, and me. As an artist, Becky had lamented that by the end of
each day she seemed to have only "15 minutes left" for her own work. I stated that I
would make a commitment to making something every day for an entire year as she
would-spending no longer than 15 minutes on each effort as a way of helping her. I
pointed out that by the end of year we would both have 365 versions of "15 minute art" adding up to a large body of work. She agreed and we shook hands on it. Her approach was
completely different from mine, and we are currently exploring future venues for this project.
