This new series of abstract calligraphy art that I’ve been working on has been so fun. I love the focus and the inspiration it’s brought so far, and I’m excited to see where else it goes…
This piece I based on the idea of a mountain. Since I knew I would be using purple as my highlight color, I felt using a mountain as my symbol was appropriate.
The whole idea behind the Recorded Histories series was to use text to symbolize ways we understand truth. The mountain in this piece represents, as the title suggests, trials and suffering. We all experience trials- they are an inevitable part of the human condition, to one extent or another. What we learn from them, however, depends on how we react. This is what the text represents- the things we learn and the understanding that comes when we pass through adversity. Through the things that I have gone through (and I will freely confess, I have been very lucky compared to many people, even most people) I have learned that sometimes the most good can come from the most trying of circumstances.
The mountain of trial in this piece is jagged, and looks impossible to overcome. Feathered india ink has added shrouds of mist all through the crags, making their passage even more treacherous. Yet, the view from the top is spectacular and peaceful, and the strength acquired after the struggle to the summit cannot be acquired in any other way.
These are some of the thoughts I had as I created this piece. I have been tackling some heavier themes as I’ve been working on this series. When I use my art to explore themes like this, I find that my own understanding deepens. It’s my hope that the same will happen to those who view this series.
Please check out my process video, and subscribe to my youtube channel. I’ll be uploading videos of the rest of the series as I complete them. And don’t forget to add your comments! I’d love to hear what you think of this piece and it’s symbolism.
Supply list- This list contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links I will receive a commission. I put them here mostly to give you an idea of the supplies I’ve used.
Tim Holtz tissue wrap (the exact kind I used has been discontinued, unfortunately. I need to be really careful so I don’t run out too fast!)
Liquitex gel medium (my adhesive)
various quilling strips and slotted tool for rolling
It’s so funny, I was just trying to describe doing something like this to my husband. I just got into quilling and have been an artist for years. I am so completely hooked on quilling. Being the aged artist that I am, I wondered how I could take quilling further. So canvas was my next move. How cool is it that I find your page the very same day. You are very creative. I appreciate the video you put up. I thought it looked more difficult with the ‘wet ink’ look. Thank you so much for putting the video up along with the items list. I can’t wait to try my hand at this.
Thank you Melissa! I”m so glad you enjoyed it. I’d love to see your projects when you complete them! Send me a link to your page or you can email me a picture!
Gorgeous – beautiful colours. Have just shared with my daughter who will get a lot of inspiration from it (I would just make a mess sadly so I live vicariously through her). Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!! I hope to inspire others- thank you so much for sharing that. And I make a huge mess every time I learn something new. It’s part of the process. :)
Such a gorgeous piece! Love the color palate and texture!
This is so cool! I love looking at new art styles.
Thanks Amanda!!
So cool! What was in that spray bottle? (my sound was off, so maybe you said it?).
I love the colors!
Thank you Kristin!! It was just water in the spray bottle- I used over the drops of ink to make the ink feather and spread.