Sunday, August 30, 2009

Wings of Paper


I am continuing to collaborate with Supria, Jill, Rita, Veronica, and Roxanne on our Inner Works project. We have each created an altered book and selected a theme, which one by one, all the artists will interpret in each book. We are nearing the end of this special adventure, which began back in January 2009. I just completed my pages in Supria's book and have one more book to work in before I receive my own, no doubt bursting at the seams with creativity.



Supria's altered book is entitled "On Paper Wings" and it tells the inspiring story of Helen Keller, well known to just about every one. I've included some peeks here but I do not want to post the pages in their entirety until after Supria gets her book back.



Helen's story is really one we all could take a lesson from...


thriving despite obstacles...



seeing hope where others may have seen despair...


(eye image created by Lynne Hoppe - thanks Lynne!)

meeting challenges with dignity and grace...



battling against the odds...



and ultimately achieving and surpassing her goals.



Please click here to be taken to the Inner Works blog, which highlights all the books in this project.

24 comments:

Jill said...

What a beautiful and inspiring addition to Supria's "Wings of Paper" book. I think even Helen is looking down and smiling- loving all of the creative work and detail you've included. She must be "feeling" what you've created to celebrate her spirit. Love Lynne's eye that you've included too, in addition to the different sizes of pages and very old look to your spread. Really love it- and know Supria will as well!

layers said...

All very inspiring and what Helen overcame should encourage us to never give up.

lynne h said...

wow, this is gorgeous, seth... truly... i really want to *touch* everything!

so i was scrolling down slowly, really examining the photos - checking out that gauze (cheesecloth?) over the eye extra long and thinking what a great idea that was, when i thought i saw my name. i looked again and it was me, hee! honestly seth, i can't take much credit for that eye - it's a stamp. but i just love seeing it used here...

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

Tears came to my eyes as I studied your collaboration and the images you all have shared. The intimacy is almost touchable...It makes you want to reach out and touch the world. Thank you for sharing this gift. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Yes I have been up late stitching my story...night s are sometimes rocky so I see with my heart and touch others through our shared words.

Luthien Thye said...

wow!! what gorgeous pieces! what fantastic artists!!

Kim Palmer said...

This is wonderful Seth. Love the eye behind the gauze fabric. Great ideas and use of elements to tell the story here and the textures, lovin them of course. Also like the smaller page within the whole, nicely done. This has been a wonderful collaboration to watch unfold and like evryone else I'm eager to see the pages after you are all finished. Saw Viv's pages on that collaboration yesterday. That looks another good one too!

MrCachet said...

Anybody using braille on their pages?

Umā said...

A beautiful theme for what looks like a very tactile book.

~*~Magpie's Nest said...

inspiring and beautiful reading and seeing what you've created Seth!!!

Mary S. Hunt said...

these glimpses are stunning
as have been the other pops in past posts about this project

such an inspiring and gracious theme

Caterina Giglio said...

Spectacular! VERY visually chewy!

femminismo said...

Helen Keller did have an extraordinary life. When I worked in an elementary school, during our reading sessions the textbook we used featured her. The students were astonished that someone who could not hear, see or speak could learn anything. Yes, never give up. Often insurmountable goals can be achieved with the right help and the right attitude.

ART*ticulation said...

So many ideas pop up for the subject of Helen Keller what and interesting book and title. What will you be doing in this particular book.

The Weaver of Grass said...

I love the whole book idea seth.

Kelly Jeanette Swift said...

This is such a lovely way to honor a great woman. Helen Kellar should be a source of inspiration to all of us.

BT said...

What a wonderful collaboration, Seth. The photos of the pages you show are stunning. The books will be bursting and awe inspiring. I can't wait for the photos. I have a big button telephone (as I can't see too well) with an amplifier (as I'm deaf too) and I've always called it my Helen Keller phone. Who can ever forget that wonderful film? She truly was a remarkable woman.

cookievf said...

Seth! I gush and grasp for words every time I drop in to see your SIGNATURE STYLE! You have such a clear vision - and you really are a treasure. La Dolce Vita's comment "Visually Chewy" is pretty right on - lol!

I am looking forward to the post where you not only share your book when it returns, but hopefully you will share how the collaboration came about.

- vicki xo

PS When are YOU teaching on the east coast? Sign me up!

azirca said...

This looks like such a gorgeous piece of art. Helen Keller's story, just like your art is full of inspiration.

Nettie Edwards said...

Beautiful work Seth. I'm especially touched by what you have done with Lynne's eye stamp as both of my parents are registered blind x

Gaby Bee said...

What a great collaboration, Seth. Fantastic compositions! All are very inspiring! I always love seeing what you've created. The eye behind the cheese cloth is gorgeous.

Chris said...

gorgeous images. This is stunning.

Anonymous said...

you six are amazing, inspiring and talented beyond words. all of your work is truly breathtaking. i've gone through this post and looked at every photo at least seven times. the hand sign within the tarnished circle, the eye peeking through the gauze, the verbiage and the emotion behind it all are just stunning.

rivergardenstudio said...

Amazing pages... I love the little book that pops out, and just wish I could open it and see more. I can feel that you put your heart into this beautiful book... Have a wonderful weekend... Roxanne

Supria Karmakar said...

Wow...I love what you have done to my book...I can hardly wait to get it back...it is like waiting for a birthday or special day to arrive...waiting in anticipation to hold and absorb the great creative energy put into this book...I am such a great fan of your creativity...and I know I will love what you have done...love Lynne's eye and all the loving words embedded into the pages. Thanks for your lovely heart and soul...with anticipation and excitement I wait to hold it..Supria