Illuminated Manuscripts
One of my very first workshop teachers was Andrea DeMeng at the now defunct Artfest three years ago. She has been instrumental in my growth as an artist and I have sought opportunities to take classes with her because I know that her workshops will be unique, layered and intriguing. So when I saw that she was teaching at Art is You in Petaluma, along with her demented, and I mean that in a good way, husband, Michael DeMeng (take a look at his assemblage work and you will understand what I mean by that statement), I booked four classes with Andrea and one with Michael. They did not disappoint. In my first class with Andrea, Illuminated Manuscripts, she references the stunning letterforms created through the use of gold leaf, metallic inks and a skilled hand. Expanding upon this, Andrea twisted the concept by having us illuminate our books from within so upon opening, you are mesmerized by the story that unfolds, from the first glow emanating from the cover, to the torn pages and layers within.
I am often teased about working on more than one project at a time, but as my sister, Julie, says, I am unrestricted in my thinking (I so love that phrase) and work intuitively so......I made two books. That's just the way I work people, so get over it and move on without rolling your eyes. These are amazing projects and I am thrilled with how they turned out.
Here is Mother of the Universe when illuminated. Isn't it cool how the tears of the woman inside lines up with the front image? You'd think I planned that.
The Good Mother front cover unlit. This book is larger, measuring 12" x 15".
Inside cover.
Inside right hand page.
Back of book
Book when lit from within.
The fabric for my book covers came from an amazing store in Petaluma called La Sede Bella. Petalumans, you are so lucky to have this store in your neighborhood. Absolutely gorgeous fabric and antique furniture. The metal corners and cover adornment for the larger book came from Anne Beach of Beach Flea Market who had a "store" set up at the conference and where I spent way too much money on stuff for my assemblages. Anne is very sweet and saved a lot of people when they needed that extra something for their project. You just ran downstairs and perused Anne's wares and found just the right item before running back up to your class and continuing on. The torn pages in both books came from my friend, Angela Kimble, whose mother wrote the notes in some kind of Catholic religious exercise book, hence the curious notes about sex and being a good mother. Need I say more?
