I was immediately drawn to these two fabulous images from Finnish artist Samuli Heimonen because they remind me of how I feel when I am in that gestating almost there stage of writing. The first is called "Hiding Place" — where story hangs out, where my confidence hangs out, where anticipation hangs out. It feels […]
Hiding While Thinking About Writing Read More »
Penelope Writes to Odysseus I am still in awe of these amazing little Medieval illustrations of the classical Greek and Latin heroines of Ovid writing imaginary epistles. Ovid’s work was translated into French by poet Octavien de Saint-Gelais, and it so delighted Louise of Savoy (1476-1531), mother of the future king Francis I of France,
When Heroines Write Their Own Stories Read More »
Have you even noticed how it feels like your characters are peering over your shoulder as you write? Making sure, no doubt, that you will properly represent them. So many authors have written on that weird sensation that characters take over one’s life, that they refuse certain manipulations, that they interrupt the flow of writing
I’m Being Watched: Characters Weigh In on the Progress Read More »
Can I just say how much I love these two etchings by 18th century artist Thomas Rowlandson? The first is a woman diving into the water from a wagon pulled into the surf to serve as a diving platform. "Venus Bathing" is vigorous, round and robust as she takes a "Fashionable Dip" into the ocean
Falling Into Water and Rising Swimming Read More »
"Many Siberian fairy tales tell of the deadly clash between criminals and representatives of the government, of the risks people run every day with dignity and honesty, of the good fortune of those who in the end have got the loot and stayed alive, and of the 'good memory' that is preserved of those who
The Dark Fairy Tale World of the Siberian Urkas Read More »
How stunning is this? The text reads "Ave Maria Gratia Plena" — "Hail Mary Full of Grace." But within the confines of each letter, the calligrapher depicts individual narratives creating tension between the two — the formality of the letters joined into sacred text and the liveliness of the people and animals engaged in very
Life in Letters: A Calligrapher’s Narrative Read More »
Among the more celebrated Japanese tricksters are the Tengu. These peculiar half-human, half-bird (sometimes hawk-like, sometimes more vulture) creatures are famous for their love of sake and their abilities with the sword. In fact, part of their mythology is that the tengu created the unique Japanese style of kendo, and were responsible for teaching it
Drunken Tengu: Masters of the Sword and Drink Read More »
Sometimes in the midst of all our work, it seems impossible to find the breath or the balance to stay upright. I love this video of RIGOLO Sanddornbalance 2012 Art Installation – it has an almost instantly soothing effect. This is the way to work, breathing, focusing, a quiet intensity which balances effort on an
Remembering It’s All About Balance After A Couple Of Long Weeks of Work Read More »
In the midst of all my work (and looming deadlines) I received this unexpected gem in the mail and wanted to share it. A gentleman in Madrid, NM had discovered the remnants of the 36 ft wooden statue of Jesus my grandfather, Pierre Ménager built for the Christmas light show in Madrid, New Mexico in
Jesus on The Fence Read More »
Artful alphabets please me. Here is a beautiful early 18th century Italian alphabet currently housed in Berlin, but happily digitized and available online. I like the the fact that my first intial “M” — is graced by Masks and Satyrs (and mules? stubborn girl). It reminds me of Zizola and the Satyrs in The Innamorati.
Alphabets, Satyrs, and My Name Read More »
