PICK OF THIS WEEK - 2017 * * * * * * * * * * Week #49 This work was done by Rose Smutko in San Diego this year for the session “Writing on Vellum” in PRIMITIVE TO MODERN. In her own words: My initial inspiration for this assignment came from a powerful quotation by a Jewish prisoner (anonymous) during the Holocaust.  "I believe in the Sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in Love, even when I cannot feel it.  I believe in God, even when He is silent."  These juxtapositioned phrases seemed to lend themselves perfectly to alternating between one page of "light", followed by one page of "dark". I used vellum with gilding on each page of "light" alternating with eco-dyed paper for each page of "dark". Eco-dyed paper is created by placing plant materials onto paper, bundling them over rods and immersing the bundles into hot water. The string used to secure the bundle onto the rod, created horizontal lines that seem to resemble barbed wire. In order to enhance the feeling of barbed wire, I drew barbed wire with black ink at the bottom of each "dark" page. I also shaded the Gothic letters, as well as the barbed wire, with graphite pencil. Creating the book itself presented a challenge, since I had never actually made a book before. Enter DIY instruction of Bookbinding 101 on You Tube. After re-charging my iPhone's battery, I was able to complete my project. I used black paper on both the front and back cover to convey a somber feeling. And, I used twisted black twine to complete this small book - again to resemble barbed wire. Click for Video * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * You can enjoy all the Pics of the Week from 2009 through 2018, archived on the home page of my website www.reggieezell.com ————————————————————————————— NEW: ON LINE COURSES! Live, one on one with Reggie Ezell Information on courses and workshops www.reggieezell.com You can contact me directly: contactreggie@comcast.net  or 773-202-8321 ____________________________________________________ Click to see several short (free) Calligraphy videos: http://www.youtube.com/reggieezell ____________________________________________________ Full length calligraphy videos and PORTFOLIOS by Reggie: www.reggieezell.com