Proof
I just spent a lovely couple of hours on 67th Street going over the first round pf proofs of my new book with Anna, my wonderful Hyperion production person. There are hundreds and hundreds of drawings and watercolors and bits of calligraphy in this book and each one has to be scrutinized. Three quarters of the 200 pages looked great out of the gate but the rest needed tweaking to reproduce my original paintings.
All this art has had so many incarnations now. It started out as ink and paint on the pages of my journals. Then it was shipped off to SIngapore to be scanned and became RGB images on my computer screen, patterns of pure light behind glass. I lived ith them that way for almost a year of designing. Then they became printouts from various color copiers and inkjet printers. Now they are ink on paper, clusters of cyan, magenta, yellow and black dots. At each stage, they took on new intensity and balances, like family feaures handed down through generations.
I visit cemetries whenever possible and particularly intrigued by headstones that carry photos of the deceased. I think it's an Eastern European tradition. In Jerusalem, I saw gravestones with enameled metal cameos with vignetted portraits. In LA, I saw black polished granite slabs which were etched with photos and Scrabble-nightmare Polish and Russian names.
So many of the photos are snapshots, often crudely illuminated by flash cubes, the subjects sometimes caught in motion and unaware and poorly focussed. How strange that moment; the uncooperative grandmother caught red-eyed at a family gathering, a Thanksgiving moment made eternal.The deceased threw on an outfit, did or didn't do her hair, did or didn't smile or look intelligent or loving, and now that moment is encased forever in granite, the single iconic image of them, to be contemplated by loved ones and strangers forever more or until the cemetery goes under.
I feel somewhat similarly about many of these little journal drawings, a breakfast captured in sepia ink, a watercolor, my underwear, my dog squatting in the park. Tiny everyday moments, made into electrons and then ink dots and soon to be reproduced and put in the hands of (hopefully) thousands of strangers around the world, assuming an importance that so far transcends the original. What an odd business journaling can be.
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
Look forward to seeing the book in CMYK. The caravan is pretty permanent, Danny, it's still there by the ash tree at the edge of the wood.
Posted by: Richard | September 28, 2005 05:56 PM
darling, even i haven't thought about that aspect of journaling. It's so true...and, actually so appropriate, considering the random nature of life and nature. Why wouldn't a record of a life be random as well? Plucked into importance for no logical reason. I think that is why most meaningful memories are made every moment, every day. And perhaps another reason why it may be important to create and maintain rituals throughout one's life. That must be where the meaning and deeper appreciations are bred...in the routine repeats which have an opportunity to change and evolve and take on layers of essence and pass thru the generations. must be connected to adaptation, survival, and of course, Intelligent Design.
Posted by: patricia gregory | September 28, 2005 06:18 PM
Fantastic.
You do so much with a subject it's incredible.
Thanks for sharing.
The practice of putting photos on monuments was quite common here in West Virginia. Some that are a hundred years old have faded, but at a glance it's easy to tell how much a person was loved.
My monument is carved from a sketch I drew of my home.
Posted by: Jan | September 28, 2005 06:48 PM
Danny!
I sure wish I could read the image at the top if this entry! Shucks!
I think of you and Patty often and often wish we would go out drawing together!
Posted by: Melly | September 28, 2005 07:49 PM
JOurnaling can definately be an odd business but for us journalers, it is the stuff of life. Your journaling and drawing has really spring boarded me onto much more than I was doing in the past. Everyday Matters, d price, your blog and loads of others have inspired me. Thank you!
+++When's the new book coming out?+++
Posted by: mkozak | September 29, 2005 04:44 AM
I love the sound and the look of your new book --. you see I have a hard time putting words to pictures. I have got so used to painting my thoughts---even though wrting would be easier than speaking about it!
Posted by: Lu | September 29, 2005 10:29 AM
my, how brave you are...
Posted by: fern | September 29, 2005 12:48 PM
Danny! How exciting! Can't wait for the book!
I also thought of something. Even in the wilds of somewhere, you are drawing "buildings"! So Danny! These drawings are lovely!
Posted by: lindsay | September 29, 2005 02:07 PM
Thank-you so much for your web sight it truly has helped in so many way's. When will the book be hear??? Thanks again Danny your the best.
Linda
Posted by: Linda | September 29, 2005 07:33 PM
That looks lovely. I remember the trailer from a picture here. Is that the same one?
Posted by: thebee | September 29, 2005 11:18 PM
You sent your artwork here, Singapore, to be scanned?! Oh wowee! Is it being printed here too? Can't wait for your new book. I bought your first and love it!
Posted by: kisane | September 30, 2005 05:09 AM
I LOVE your articles!
Posted by: Navina | September 30, 2005 08:46 AM