When Did You Last Receive A Handwritten Letter?

OPEN AT ONCE - Collage

There is something about a handwritten letter that warms the heart. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike emails and texts. They have their place as an efficient, and quick, means to communicate. But letters...sigh...they speak in an enchanted language all their own. The choice of paper, the envelope, the stamp and any other embellishment the writer wishes to affix says just as much about them as the words they choose to add to paper.

Today is "National Send A Handwritten Letter Day". Celebrated on January 17th it is the birthday our first Postmaster General of the United States, Benjamin Franklin.

Again...synchronicity at play...I am a Lunagirl Moonbeams Design Team member. Our current challenge is Postcards and Letters. What could be a more perfect way to celebrate Handwritten Letter Day!

I recently entered into a paper swap and received a huge envelope full of beautiful postcards, paper and ephemera of all sorts from Germany. In the package was a brochure from the Sir Hubert von Herkomer's, Herkomer Museum in Landsberg am Lech in Bavaria. The tower of the Mutterturm was incredible and very romantic. I knew I wanted to add this image to the tag I was working on.

But which Lunagirl image to choose? I loved them all, but finally settled on a woman pensively holding a letter in her hand. What could she be contemplating? Was there a story unfolding as I gathered up my art supplies? I let my Muse guide me.

The old saying, "No news is good news" kept coming back to me. Inspired by Handwritten Letter Day, I thought..isn't a letter the best news of all...a little bit of magic in your hand?

The substrate for the tag is illustration board. I covered the background with Distress Ink, fluid and metallic acrylics. In addition to the lovely Lunagirl image, I added the Muttertrum, fabric, Junk Mail, wax infused and art paper, telephone book paper and other ephemera from my collection. I rubber stamped the saying on to a vintage envelope from the 1920's. Stenciling completed the tag. In honour of today...off went the tag for a "magical" tag swap.

I hope you are all enjoying "National Send A Handwritten Letter Day" as much as I am. You still have a few hours left. Why not touch someones heart in your magical way by saying "hello" with a letter?

What Brings Spice To Your Life?

SPICE OF LIFE. Collage. PAY IT FORWARD

Some time ago I signed up to participate in the "Pay It Forward" exchange. The idea is to produce a small work of art and exchange it with another participant.

As I was looking through my box of ephemera, I found a line of type I had cut out of a book. It listed spices..cinnamon, pepper, sesame, anise... In the same envelope was a reproduction of  a painting of a woman. Languorously reclining amid a bed of roses, she wistfully smiled. As the year drew to a close, I could imagine being her presence surrounded by the heady scent of roses and the piquant quality of spices in the air from her Holiday cooking.

And it made me think...what is the Spice of Life? Is it variety as the popular saying suggests? Or is it something deeper, more personal and divine? Is it what makes each one of us unique and brings passion to everything we do? Is "spice" just another name for the magical quality we strive for in our work as artists?

The substrate for the postcard is illustration board. I covered both sides of the card with gesso. I sponged the background with a selection of metallic acrylic paint. The woman, the line of type, a wax infused doily, tea bag paper, painted gauze, art and vintage papers complete the card. And off it went to its destination in Washington State.

As the New Year begins we all have a chance to build a new recipe for ourselves. What will spice up your life in 2015?

May You Find Your Way To Your Treasures!

An Airplane Took Us - Postcard

As 2014 quickly draws to close, memories of the year...some good, some not so good...come rushing back to me. But over all, I am hopeful and looking forward to a New Year with new possibilities.

I designed this postcard for the LottoHEART exhibition hosted by Camp Rehoboth in Delaware. The exhibit displayed over two hundred cards. The theme of the card was set when in a magazine I found the Thornton Wilder quote:

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

How true this is at all times of the year, but especially when we are saying good-bye to the old year and anticipating the start of the new.

Have you thought about what you treasure most? For me it's not only the cherished people in my life, but the feeling being creative, and listening to my Muse, gives me.

I warmly look forward to 2015's opportunities, the newest of which is my joining the Lunagirl Moonbeams' Design Team. I am excited and honoured to be part of the Team.

The substrate for the postcard is illustration board. Gleaned from magazine pages are the Wilder quote and the title edit at the top of the card. Postage stamps, a photo of the women, a decorative leaf, art and vintage papers complete the card.

As we move through the Holiday Season may your days be filled with all that your treasure!

Where Have Your Steps Take You?

CREATE - Mail Art

Working on Mail Art feeds my soul. I have always been the person who eagerly awaited the arrival of the mail every day. Holding an envelope in my hands gave permission to my imagination to meander. Who wrote the letter? How far did it travel? Where did it stop along the way? Did anyone else wonder about this letter as I did?

So being a part of a Mail Art Challenge was exciting for me. I enjoyed producing and giving away the Art as well as experiencing the anticipation of receiving beautiful Art in my mailbox.

I found this quote torn from a magazine:

"Art is a Journey. Embrace Each Step."

It was perfect for the Challenge. I thought of how Art has shaped my life. From childhood to the present, Art and Life have intermingled...so much so that I can't separate one from the other. Nor would I want to. Art has opened door to possibilities I never dreamed were available to me. Art has welcomed so many wonderful people, with so many distinctive points of view, into my life. It has made it richer, more enjoyable, and at times, incredibly challenging. But Art has, most of all, allowed me to be my authentic self...to accept each step along the way to becoming the Artist I am today.

Again, the substrate is a craft envelope. I surrounded the image of the woman with art and handmade paper, wax infused paper which I rubber stamped, postage stamp, clippings from magazines, and joss paper. I finished the envelope by rubber stamping and stenciling with acrylic metallic paint. Then off to the Post Office it went with my hopes that the recipient would be intrigued when it landed in her mailbox.

Are you like me...putting one foot in front of the other passionately following the steps wherever they may lead? Where have your steps taken you?

What is Essential to You?

Han's Richter's Dada XYZ 1948

As a creative person, what is essential to you?  "XYZ", an Artist Trading Card call from the Carlisle Arts Learning Center in Carlisle, PA. had me thinking. My Muse was on hiatus. I felt stranded when I opened my book on the Dada Movement, and received inspiration from Hugo Ball's Sound Poems.

It was what I needed to kick-start me into action. So it felt natural to explore the world of Dada through the eyes of other members. And what could be more appropriate than to read Hans Richter's "Dada XYZ".  The piece opens with: "I never understood Hugo Ball very well."

I photocopied the photo of Hans Richter and attached it to illustration board. The text in the background is Richter's thoughts written in 1948. It is published in Robert Motherwell's anthology of Dada writings, The Dada Painters and Poets. I finished the card with sponged metallic acrylic paint. At the end of the exhibit this card will also be traded.

Inspired by the Dadaists, not understanding is the essential quality I look for in Art and in Life. Not understanding keeps me thinking...keeps me investigating...keeps my lines to my Muse open. And when I do finally understand, even if not fully, it can lead me to some very interesting, unexpected and inspiring places.

My question to you is...what is Essential to You?

Finding My Way Through X, Y, and Z!

Hugo's Sound Poem - ATC

A call for art from The Carlisle Arts Learning Center in Carlisle Pennsylvania intrigued me. "XYZ" was the unconventional theme for an Artist Trading Card exhibit sponsored by the Gallery.

XYZ..XYZ... The letters rolled around my mind...What do those final three letters of the alphabet mean to me?

I admit, I have been struggling lately. Feeling uninspired,  I know my Muse hasn't abandoned me, at least not completely, but we just don't seem to be connecting. Projects started are in my studio, half completed, if they had the good fortune to even get that far.

And it saddens me. I miss the rush, the passionate excitement of new ideas, of experiments successful...and perhaps not quite so. I miss the joy of creating. But how can I get on track and open the lines of communication fully with my Muse?

Waiting for an appointment I pulled a small book on Dada from my handbag. The book fell open to a page with a photo of Hugo Ball dressed in costume and ready to recite a poem. A Sound Poem. My Muse reaching out? Synchronicity? It was perfect. I could feel the spark of excitement starting again.

Dadaism as an art movement was founded in Zürich Switzerland on February 5, 1916. Artists are poets rejected the conventional methods of Art and started something new. The Cabaret Voltaire hosted performance art and sound poetry. Hugo Ball wanted to return to "the most intimate alchemy of the word, and even to go beyond it in order to preserve for poetry its most sacred domain".

XYZ...over and over...with a rhythm going to the source not only of the poem I could hear, but the uninspired place in my soul.

The substrate for the ATC is illustration board. I photocopied the photo of Hugo in his shaman's hat and Cubist costume. Finding the letters X,Y, and Z seemed to just fall into place, gleaned from various magazines. I finished with metallic acrylic paint sponged on to the card. At the end of the exhibit the cards will be traded.

Although I'm still finding my way through, returning to Art History certainly has started opening up the lines of communication for me. How do you rekindle your relationship with your Muse?

Travel Authentically!

Travel Easy - ATC

Sometimes travelling can seem overwhelming. Preparing for a trip produces a laundry list of things to do...and often it seems never enough time to do them. But exciting it is. I love everything about the preparations, knowing events many not run to plan, but that's where the "adventure" begins.

Keeping this feeling in mind, I looked through my box of ephemera, letting my Muse guide me. And there they were...my collection of road maps. I love to look at maps. The road systems intrigue me. The names of the cities always sound so exotic. The cool blue of the rivers, lakes, and oceans make a peaceable rest stop from the lines and names surrounding them. Attached to the maps I found a piece of phone book paper. It was just what I wanted. And so my journey began...

The substrate for the Artist Trading Card is illustration board.  As many of my favourite excursions were circuitous in nature, I cut some of my favourite maps into strips and wove them together. And places are nothing without faces, so I added the translucent phone book pages.

Our travels, whether physical road trips or spiritual trips within, are a journey of transformation. Each experience brings knowledge and wisdom. To quote Robert Frost, "I look the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference." May you find the less travelled road to your authentic self.

What Lurks Between The Covers?

Pulp - Collage

Books. I love them. All of them. From the tiny mini books sold at the registers in stores to the lavish coffee table publications, each have a place in my heart and my life.  The printed word. I can't live without it.

I can chart the years by my books, and I can usually remember where I purchased them and why. I note cities I've visited not only by name but by the bookstores they possess. And Heaven on earth to me is a Public Library.

While trying to reorganise my bookshelves, I came across my small collection of pulp or pocket-book fiction. Although normally associated with the mid twentieth century, Argosy Magazine started the genre in 1896. Portable, accessible, and cheap to produce and purchase, the books were available at bus and train stations, drugstores, and newsstands. Westerns, War, Detective, Science Fiction, Horror, Romance...no topic was taboo. Who could resist titles like I Am A Woman, Murder In Paradise, Nude In Mink, or Halfway To Hell with suggestively illustrated covers guaranteed to bring in sales?

Tereska Torres' Women's Barracks, "the frank autobiography of a French girl soldier", was just what I had in mind for my collage.  The substrate for the collage is illustration board.  I cut the cover into strips and wove it together with art paper, handmade paper, and text from within the book.

Pulp is now part of the National Collage Society's 17th annual Postcard Exhibit, and is one of the award-winning collages. I am delighted...and honoured...to be in such fine company.

For me, pulp fiction will forever conjure romantic images of steamy train stations and glimpses of forbidden lives with each turn of the page.  So, what does lurk between the covers?

Mixed Media Artists-Celebrate Earth Day Every Day!

Chasing Rainbows - ATC

Happy Earth Day! Over a billion people will share in celebration today, the forty-fourth anniversary of the annual day of awareness and action. And yes, this unabashed Tree-Hugger will be celebrating!

There is no question that we all have a role to play in taking care of the Earth. If we even make a small change, each one of us together can bring great transformations.

"Chasing Rainbows" is an Artist Trading Card. The substrate for the card is illustration board. Layered on the card is a combination of different coloured paint samples, handmade paper, joss paper, and a wrapper from a Hershey's Kiss. The quote is cut from an old dictionary. I finished the card by adding a decorative leaf.

But aren't we collage and mixed-media artists living the spirit of Earth Day every time we produce our work? Aren't we staying true to our Muse when we follow the path of nature and inspiration?

Who could not be inspired by all the magical wonders the Earth has to offer? Just think of what life would be like without the vastness of space, the infinite variety of colour presented to us with each sunrise and sunset, the boundless texture and form of soil, the nurturing sensation of rain...giving way to rainbows, when we are fortunate enough to see them.

We mixed media artists do chase our own rainbows in our own way....our mantra "reuse and recycle". And haven't the resulting finished art been incredible!

May you have a wonderful, inspiring Earth Day...each and every day!

What Is Your Recipe For A Delicious Life?

Recipe For Two - ATC

The weather we are having today makes me want to cook some real "stick to your ribs" food. The rain is constant and streams down the gutters. The temperatures are relatively mild compared to what we have been experiencing. But still, there is a distinct chill to the air that makes you want something warm and comforting for dinner.

Looking through a cook book, I found inspiration not only for a meal, but for an Artist Trading Card as well.  Attached to a fragment of a recipe was a photo of two women. Irony, Synchronicity, or Muse...the recipe was "for two"...and begs the question: "What Is Guacamole?"

I couldn't help but think...isn't everything more intense, more joyful when shared? Problems don't seem quite as unconquerable. Our happiness blossoms. Creativity soars by exchanging new ideas.

The substrate for the ATC is illustration board. I copied the photo of the two women on to newsprint paper. I stained craft paper with tea. The recipe is from a newspaper printed in 1970. Washi tape, sewing pattern paper, and metallic gold acrylic paint complete the card.

Isn't the recipe for a happy life one that includes a mixture of generosity, compassion, and creativity?  We all have the basic ingredients within us. May you find that person who encourages you to explore a delicious life.

Oh, and in the end I decided on slow cooker lasagna. 

Do You Dream?

Life Is A Dream - ATC

I like to dream. I like the word.

Dream.

It rolls, it meanders, it drips off the tongue with power and eloquence and the promise of mystery, moonlight, adventure. It's the name on the door we open to liberate us. It allows us to feel, to imagine what can be, if only we become fully aware.

"Life is a Dream...Realize it.", is a passage attributed to Mother Teresa I read in the Grand Circle Corporation book of quotes. It inspired this Artist Trading Card.

The substrate is illustration board. The background a mixture of Distress Ink and acrylic paint. I stencilled a Nouveau pattern in gold metallic paint. A strip of art paper, the vintage photo, and rubber stamping of various designs finished the card.

Do you dream? Do you close your eyes and allow your Muse to take you to a place your heart knows is flawless? Realize your dreams. Live the life you desire.

Who Are You...Really...?

The Journey From There To Here - Collage

Do you ever wonder who you really are? Why are you attracted to some things and not others? Are you consumed by wanderlust or are happier to be close to home? Do you wonder if perhaps other members in your family share your emotions?

My Mom’s family is Eastern European, Polish and Russian. When growing up in Brooklyn we lived in the same building as my Grandmother, Zosia. My Grandfather, Anthony, died years before I was born, so I only know of him through the stories passed on to me.

This is the main reason I cherish my Grandparent’s wedding photo and my Grandfather’s passport.

My Grandmother, due to a father who also embraced the wandering spirit, was born in Brooklyn, but as a baby returned to the farm they owned in Poland.  She emigrated at nineteen, an American citizen who could only speak Polish. Through night school and working at the Oh Henry! candy factory she mastered English. She was a brilliant woman, a true feminist, a woman ahead of her time.

My Grandfather emigrated from Belarus to New York. A brilliant chef and linguist, his Muse was the Arts. He instilled the love of libraries, art galleries, and museums in my Mom who in turn sparked the passion in me.

The collage is an homage to my Grandparents. The substrate is canvas, covered with sewing pattern paper to give me a warm ground to build the collage. I stencilled the squares using metallic acrylic paint. I photocopied pages from my grandfather’s Russian passport on to tissue paper. I enclosed the paper with red string, a nod to my Grandmother’s belief in the power behind the talisman. The oak leaf, symbolic of strength and courage, was found in my back yard. The Polish quote on the wedding photo means “True Love Never Grows Old”. I placed both on red Ogura paper. The postage stamps are Polish and from the Soviet Union.

So, who are we…really. Do our ancestors influence who we are today? Can we trace our strengths to those who came before us?

Zosia, Anthony…I like to think so.

What Is Life Without Mystery?

Life Is A Mystery - ATC

Mystery. I  love the word. For me, it conjures up images of smoke and mirrors, the positive and negative aspects of religious fervour, the secret of the inexplicable. Was the reason for the birth of the word in the 14th century much different from our use of it today?

Mystery spurs us on, a kind of Muse who quietly nudges us to explore, discover, and find our ultimate truth...in essence, to "know".

I chose to illustrate this line, attributed to Mother Teresa, from the Grand Circle Corporation book of quotes . The substrate for the card is illustration board. Dreamy shades of Distress Inks and acrylic paint set the background. In addition to the art paper and a wrapper from a Hershey's Kiss, I rubber stamped images using metallic acrylic paint. The thoughtful woman pondering her fate was over stamped with a Fleur-de-lis, a symbol representing wisdom, faith, and chivalry.

Our paths are many, but mystery and the search for answers and meaning in our Art and in our life, inspires us all.

Where would you be today without mystery in your life?

Life is a Game...Break The Rules!!!!

Life Is A Game - ATC

Is life a game?

Inspired by the Grand Circle Corporation book of quotes, I chose to illustrate seven of the twenty lines from a passage attributed to Mother Teresa. Artist Trading Card three is "Life Is A Game...Play It".

Bill Bernbach, one of advertising's most influential people, said: "Rules are what the artist breaks; the memorable never emerged from a formula."  And break the rules he did with a lifetime of  ingenious ad campaigns, including Volkswagen's "Think small" and "You don't have to be Jewish to love Levy's"  for Levy's rye bread. I can still see myself as a young girl standing on the corner of 43 Street and 13 Avenue in Brooklyn thinking "Wow" as I stared up at the Levy's poster. Bill Bernbach's work, to this day, inspires my creative journey.

The substrate for the card is illustration board. I covered the background with Distress Inks and acrylic paint. I also rubber stamped and stencilled the card with metallic acrylic paint. I added printed text, handmade paper and the wrapper from a Hershey's Kiss.  The vintage Pierrot, which is as close as I will ever get to a clown, completed the card.

In life, as in Art, inspiration comes to us in many forms...if we are open to see it. We play the game of life uniquely, bringing our own interpretations to each and every situation. Success is allowing our Muse to guide us to new dream-filled possibilities.

So, is life a game? Are we all players taking part and playing by the rules...or are we rule breakers?

Will You Dare To Be Adventurous?

Life is an Adventure - ATC

As we are now a few days into 2014 I can't help but think of what the year will bring. For me, the new year is like a clean work table. I can keep what I liked from last year to build on, but I can do away with the things that were less than successful. There is an optimistic, glorious, hopefulness in my heart for life to move on, dreams to be fulfilled, and adventure to be my by-word.

With this in mind, I created the Artist Trading Card for an ATC swap. From the Grand Circle Corporation book of quotes, I chose to illustrate seven of the twenty lines from a passage attributed to Mother Teresa.

The substrate is illustration board. I covered the board will a map, Italian hotel receipts, crystalline paper made from sewing pattern paper with coloured mum petals folded in, handmade art paper, the quote, and photo of the two lovely ladies looking for adventure. I finished the ATC with a stencil of metallic acrylic paint.

The women in the photo intrigue me. They are obviously ready to go on an adventure, handbags at the ready. But where were they going? Were they following their Muse to parts unknown...or was it a simple trip to the shops?

In 2014 will you dare adventure to take you wherever your Muse guides you? Will you travel many miles and across many cultures...or explore areas close to you with awe and wonder? Or will the adventure be looking within?

Adventure is waiting. Will you dare it?

Have you let your light shine?

Life Is Bliss ATC

When wandering through my local Salvation Army store a spiral bound book caught my eye. Printed with six words..."At the end of the day..." it's small with a plain ochre cover. And what a find! Each page is a plethora of inspiring, uplifting, or just plain quotes that make you go "Hmmmmmmm...". For a collage artist, a book like this is a gold mine of inspiration.

Published by the Grand Circle Corporation in 2007 it is a collection of readings the founders  thought of as companions on their journey through over one hundred countries. Their hope was that all who read the book received the gift of reflection. I love the line from their Dedication page: "Have you let your light shine?"

With this book in mind I entered into an Artist Trading Card swap. But which quote to use! I let my Muse guide me, closed the book, and randomly opened it. There it was, just what I was looking for on Page 78. The chapter is on "Blessings". Although sources say the quote is falsely attributed to Mother Teresa, I find it inspiring. It starts with "Life is an opportunity, benefit from it".  I chose seven of the twenty lines to illustrate.

The first card in this series is "Life is bliss, taste it". I found a lovely photo of a saucy woman holding cherries between her teeth. Perfect! The substrate is illustration board. The background is a mixture of Distress Inks. Acrylic paint is rubber stamped or stencilled on to the card. In addition to the photo, I also attached handmade and art papers, finishing off with a French postage stamp.

And as the year quickly draws to a close, what a wonderful motto to hold close to our hearts as we welcome the New Year. My wish for you is that you find your bliss by tasting all the flavours life has to offer. And why not let your light shine and share your unique self with those you meet on your journey?

Are You Ready To Flood The Streets?

I recently learned of this event and thought it was a fantastic idea.

The organiser Scott Wong promotes Free Art Friday in Wisconsin. He now is trying to make this event global in nature.  The concept is simple...make a piece of art and leave it somewhere to be "found". The date for the event is Black Friday, November 29th. Full details are found on Scott's Facebook page.

When I read about Free Art Friday, I couldn't help but think of one of my most favourite films, Amelie and the wonderful feeling you are left with at the finale.  I hope I can get an ATC together in time to make my drop. Now the question remains...where should it be?

What an inspiring way to spread the spirit of your Muse...and who knows...maybe bring a little love and happiness to the recipient.

So...are you in?

"Greet the New Year and Encounter Happiness"

Happy New Year - ATC

As this year draws to a close, I can't help but wonder...where did 2013 go? It flew by for me, with numerous changes: some major, some minor, and with the eternal promise of new opportunities for the coming year.

With these thoughts in mind, I sat down to work on a list of fifteen Artist Trading Card challenges.

"An Asian Inspired" ATC is Challenge Number Two. I started by looking through my box of Asian papers and ephemera. Right on top was a New Year postage stamp. Muse..or Synchronicity?

The substrate is mat board. I sponged on several colours of gold acrylic paint. When it was dry, I rubber stamped part of an Asian image stamp to the card. As plum blossom signify being lucky, I tried to keep them within the live area.  I then added the postage stamp, mulberry paper with gold foil, and pearlescent liquid acrylic paint. I coloured the edges of the card with red Distress Ink.

Although normally filled with an even amount of money, keeping with Chinese tradition, I will give the card away in a red envelope. I love the idea of sleeping on the envelope for seven nights to bring good luck to the recipient.

January 31, 2014 ushers in the lunar Year of the Wood Horse. According to Chinese lore, the year will be one unexpected adventures, surprising romance, sudden and swift victories. Decisions should be made decisively and quickly. Distant travel is encouraged and will be auspicious.

Although the New Year is a few months away, I think it is never too soon to wish you all happiness by following your Muse...your bliss...and greeting the New Year with enthusiasm.

Giving Art Wings...

Remember The Girl With the Two Different Coloured Eyes?

To me, all art is a form of communication. When I dance, I am in that moment. The music guides me and takes me to a place in my history, my life experiences,  I want to share.

So too with the Visual Arts. I can look over my past work and see the influences shaping the choices I made in media, technique, and style.

I heard about Memory: International Mail Art Exhibition and Swap exhibition scheduled to take place at the Richmond Art Gallery in the city of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. I have always loved getting mail...real, in your hands mail...so I thought I would give it a go.

The theme was "Memory" in all variations. The art could not be larger than a standard postcard. The concept of Mail Art is that it allows artists to share and swap art sent through the Postal system. I often wondered if any of the art catches the eye of the Postal workers here and abroad.

And so I began the project. Looking through vintage magazines I found a story about a girl with two different coloured eyes. My Dad was on a course at the Pentagon one Summer and we made it into a family vacation in Virginia. During the vacation I had met a girl with this, as I saw it, very exotic condition.

I flipped through a box of ephemera and found a map...a map of Richmond, Virginia. Coincidence..or Muse?

The rest seemed to fall into place quite quickly. The image of the woman is one I digitally altered some years ago for a book mark. I added the map, dictionary passages, art paper, art and coloured tissue paper, and a rubber stamped image on tissue.

Who knew I would be thinking of someone met so long ago...just a chance meeting. Memory and Muse now giving art wings.

Keeps rainin' all the time.....

Ethel Sings ATC

I recently took part in another Artist Trading Card swap. The theme was "Stormy Weather".

In a way, this card is an homage to my Dad as much as it is to Ethel Waters and composers Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler. My father was a great music aficionado. Jazz was his Muse. The voices of Ethel, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Peggy Lee flavoured my childhood. I loved hearing about the concerts in clubs in Manhattan that ran from Friday to Sunday with one band after another taking the stage. My heart skipped a beat hearing about Gene Krupa and his glow in the dark drum sticks. Swing, Big Band, Progressive Jazz, even Scat filled the rooms of our home.

So when I heard of the swap my thought was of the beautiful vocals of this song first performed by Ethel Waters in 1933 at the Cotton Club in Manhattan.

The substrate is illustration board. I dyed it using Bleeding Art Tissue. I enhanced the photo of Ethel with Iridescent Medium. I added metallic and distress inks. I altered the music with Glimmer Mist. The final touch was handmade paper using a variety of inks and acrylic paint.

Can a Muse be passed on from one generation to the next? In this case, I think it was.