‘Breathe’ has been on my to-make list for a couple of years, ever since I stumbled on the quartet of Latin mottos that inspired it.
Is it based in soaring social feelings and a genuine wish to see good in the world? Yes. Especially in this sordid election season and social turmoil.
But there’s a more basic truth at play here, as well. As a book artist, I am always looking for very small quotes, poems, etc. They are easier to carve, paint, sew, and print! That very constraint sparks invention.
And for twenty years a line from ‘The Mystic’s Dream’, one of Loreena McKennit’s songs, has pushed at me, wanting to be acknowledged in art form:
“A painting hangs on an ivy wall
Nestled in the emerald moss…”
Projected materials: 1″x.25″ white mother-of-pearl beads painted with illuminated script. Mother-of-pearl accent beads. Commercially-printed cotton. Polyester heavyweight felt. Waxed polyester cord. Poplar and basswood. Glass beads. Acrylic paint. Probably more stuff I throw at it, along the way.
Projected size: 2.75″ x 1.75″ x 3.75″. Page count: 12.
Should be fun…whenever I get it finished!
As of April 15, 2017, ‘Breathe’ is done. You can see it here.