About

Defining the title…

“abz”
That’s me… Andrew Brian Zampier…
Marianist brother, artist, lover of sketchbooks and things creative. I was born in Utica, NY and grew up in Barneveld. I have always loved my initials. I sign my work “abz” — all lower case letters, no periods. That makes it a little different and it has become my own personal logo.

“paperless”
In going paperless, I can share all sorts of things by scanning them, taking a digital picture, or drawing on my iPad. Paper is saved, while at the same time it is shared around the world.

“sketchbook”
This is a place where I can experiment with my creativity.
It does not have to be perfect. It just is.

“journal”
I also enjoy words, writing, and reflecting about my life.

This blog starts with the beginning of the second year of the “abz paperless sketchbook journal.” Starting on 21 January 2012, with the idea of designing and sharing one image from my life each day in an album on my Facebook page, I have managed to keep it up for an entire year. To see earlier posts, visit the “abz paperless sketchbook: year one” album on the “A. Brian Zampier” Facebook page.

This “paperless sketchbook journal” is a wonderful creative tool. I have always loved cartooning and have had aspirations of becoming a New Yorker cartoonist. Here is a chance to try out my own brand of creative cartooning. I was curious if I had the stamina to post one image every day for a whole year and by the grace of God, I did it!

Keeping a traditional sketchbook journal has turned into a life long creative art project. I am currently on sketchbook journal number 100! My first sketchbook dates back to December 1974 and I now have an archive of almost 15,000 pages. It is a visual and written history of my life. When I give sketchbook journal presentations, I usually bring along samples of sketchbook journals dating back 5, 15, 25, and 35 years from the actual date of the presentation. It becomes an abz mini sketchbook journal retrospective. From here I can review my life, make connections, and show the creative potential of keeping a sketchbook journal.

Taking advantage of the current technology has opened up a whole new creative life for me. With the “abz paperless sketchbook,” I am able to share my sketchbooks — past and present, digital photos (sometimes manipulated with funny captions), collected images, and creative energy with the world! It is an exciting challenge to think up the next posting (or series of posts).

21 January 2018 marks the beginning of year seven.

     

12 August 2003 – 7 August 2014
“abz” art ministry at Marianist Galleries in Kirkwood, Missouri.
Working with Bro. Mel Meyer, doing my own work, and helping coordinate the distribution of Bro. Mel’s art after his death on 12 October 2013.

September – December 2014
On sabbatical at Mercy Center in Colorado Springs. Where I was exposed to needle felting for the first time.

I am currently living in San Antonio, Texas with ministry at the National Archives Marianist Province of the United States at St. Mary’s University as a Social Media Archivist. My goals is to preserve, promote and inspire Marianist creativity around the world through postings on our Facebook page. I also continue with my own art, the giving of sketchbook journal workshops, and the posting of images on Instagram.

The practice of keeping a sketchbook journal promotes private reflection, experimentation, and creative development across all media, cultures, and ages. I love giving sketchbook journal workshops. They are designed to help anyone make marks to capture their life inside and out. Through the promotion of blind contour, cartoon, and imagination mark making along with writing, collage and digital mark making & photography, I open new doors to expand creativity.

If you are interested in attending a sketcbhook journal workshop or designing one for your group, community or organization, feel free to contact me at a.brian.zamp@gmail.com