Another Heaven, Another Earth

My husband, an avid naturalist, admired the author Louis Halle, whose books included "Spring in Washington", illustrated by Francis Lee Jaques, an American wildlife illustrator. We both loved Jaques' black and white scratchboard illustrations in the book and began to collect his original illustrations. About that time, in Reggie's class I was introduced to Tom Perkins' distinctive capitals.

I had "done" scratchboards in high school, and this piece began to take shape. I did multiple layouts on translucent paper until the text "fit". If I recall, I used white Saral transfer paper to trace the layout onto the scratchboard. Then you just start scratchin' and hope it works.

During the class critique I recall Reggie calling the piece a labor of love, and indeed it was. Before I framed the original, I copied it and used it in an annual card. This is a photo of that reproduction.  After almost 40 years of marriage, the labor of love is realized everyday as we quarantine together and continue to love our cellmate.

I am awestruck at the creativity, energy and talent of the new generation of lettering artists. I am honored that Reggie asked for this piece, so many years
later.

I am reminded of Hebrews 13:2 ( and Reggie) : "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

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