In Unity
June 17, 2016
Three birds fly in formation, Art Deco design by Meredith Eliassen.
Artistic Transparancy
June 8, 2016
Over the summer I will be practicing with some new styles and techniques, so if you see multiple versions, it is because I am experimenting with new ideas.
This is an exercise in utilizing crosshatch pen-work with a simple flower design by Meredith Eliassen, 2016.
TRUTH.
May 15, 2016
Inspired by a statement by Mary Baker Eddy found in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (418:20): “Truth is affirmative, and confers harmony.” Design by Meredith Eliassen, 2016.
For MAY10BOYS
May 10, 2016
For the men in my life with birthdays on May 10th… and you know who you are… HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Wishing you joy today, and throughout the year.
JOY paisley design by Meredith Eliassen, 2016.
The Lesson of the Flying Fish…
May 7, 2016
“Flying Fish,” inspired by a circular fish motif from a medieval manuscript, was designed by Meredith Eliassen, 2016. TO PURCHASE NOTECARD
The flying fish originally had no wings, but having an ambitious and discontented nature, she repined at always being confined to the waters and hoped to soar in the air.
“If I could only fly like the birds!” She thought, I should not only see more of nature’s beauty, but I should be able to escape from those fish that are continually pursuing me that make me so miserable.”
The little fish petitioned Jupiter for a pair of wings and immediately felt her fins expand. They grew to be the length oh her body and were so strong. That she soon took on an air of disdain that her former companions did not appreciate, and soon felt herself exposed to new dangers. When flying in the air, she was first pursued by a tropical bird and then by an albatross. Distraught, she returned to the ocean, so fatigued by her flight, that she was less able to escape the larger fish.
Finding herself even more unhappy than she had been before, she returned to Jupiter and begged him to return to her original state.
Jupiter responded: When I granted you your wings, I knew they would prove to be a curse, but your proud and restless disposition deserved this disappointment. Therefore, what you begged as a favor, keep as a punishment!”
Source: John Aikin (1747-1822) and Anna Lætitia Barbauld (1743-1825), Evenings at home, or, The juvenile budget opened (New-York : Harper & Brothers, 82 Cliff-Street, 1839.) Barbauld was unable to publish because of her political stances, and collaborated with her brother to get this book published.
More from the Hermit… no, not me, Robert Lax
May 5, 2016
IDENTITY. “our identity is bound with our memories: wash away memory and identity disappears… only to reappear with our next action.” Words by Robert Lax (1915-2000) from “In the Beginning was Love: Contemplative Words of Robert Lax,” edited with an introduction by S. T. Georgiou (2015), design by Meredith Eliassen, 2016.
Cleaning House
March 30, 2016
Chaucer’s got it right, in taking care of our own business, we demonstrate our truth.
“Ruele wel thyself, that other folk canst rede and trouthe thee shall delivere, it is no drede.” Quote from Geoffrey Chaucer, 1343-1400, drawing inspired by illuminated manuscript by Meredith Eliassen, 2016.
I will be taking a brief hiatus to clean house and should return in May. Thanks for visiting this blog. I look forward to more adventures in the future.
Wild Thing…
March 24, 2016
“I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself.” Quote by D. H. Lawrence, drawing by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
In Memory of the Weekend Storm…
March 16, 2016
“And Feel the scent of water above the scent of earth a faint wind makes me look up see the water.” English translation of words by Swedish poet Göran Sonnevi, design by Meredith Eliassen, 2016.
And another seascape drawn with a Sharpie pen last year…
Stylized drawing of waves by Meredith Eliassen.
Si: “I’m Just a Girl who can’t say no”
March 9, 2016
So the Trade Wind Opera Company concludes its first season with this singular Mascagni operetta in three acts is based upon Carlo Lombardo’s operetta La duchessa del Bal Tabarin and Felix Dörmann’s libretto for Majestät Mimi.
Portrait of Si wearing a strand of millefiore “trade wind” beads from the operetta by Pieto Mascagni (1863-1945) and librettist Carlo Lombardo (1869-1959), design by Meredith Eliassen, 2016
This design depicts, Si, a woman with the romantic spirit of a nomad, someone who is initially carefree in her romantic life. Inspired by the design concept of the “girl head” or “gypsy” tattoo, Si has a colorful, bold, pretty face with detailed adornments. According to tattoo historians, this form of tattoo design is traced to nomadic gypsies, also known as the Romanis that migrated to Europe.
Stay tuned for more operatic designs…
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