Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Wee Things: Dueling Poem and Wuthering Heights Mini-Book

“Intellect vs. Art: The Duel”

“An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way.” -Charles Bukowski

Does each have a sword, then?
The eye of the mind, the claws
of the heart?

Sometimes, the brain is a shield,
only (.) fiery hearts assault.

(jotted down today and passed along to Real Toads' Tuesday Platform)




Wee Wuthering

“I’m wearying to escape into that glorious world, and to be always there: not seeing it dimly through tears, and yearning for it through the walls of an aching heart: but really with it, and in it.” -Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights

I have been obsessed with miniature things for a long time. As a kid, I'd pass the time making paper Polly Pocket-like structures with characters from my favorite books. Fairy (or dollhouse, I suppose) sized books particularly captured my imagination and still do. I've been watching a ton of them, especially from this shop on etsy. Since I really, really wanted to buy some but have no job and thus am pretty much broke, I decided to make one, purely for myself, with no intent to sell.

I found a few different tutorials, but this one was my favorite. (Just like with recipes, I draw inspiration but never follow directions. Good thing, cuz that tutorial's in Russian.) After glancing at 'em, I shrugged and surveyed my art corner. I had cardstock and glue and a printer... everything I needed. Then I searched Online for Wuthering Heights covers, picking a Fritz Eichenberg cover. I used some of my favorite quotes. I also found various images Online that were fitting, including some Kate Bush stuff and some The Gaslight Anthem lyrics that capture Wuthering Heights so well. All images in my book come from others; none are mine. If I were to make any mini-books to share in full with the blogosphere or to sell, I would use only my own images.

Here's the start of the project:


Anywho, after cutting the pieces to size, I added details like gold leafing the pages and adding textured lines to the spine:


Here she is!




I'm happy enough with the results that I'm contemplating making a few mini-books out of my own art and poems as table decorations for my wedding... What do you think?

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Sometimes, the brain is a shield,
only (.) fiery hearts assault."

I love the way you unfolded the layers of meaning in these two lines. Excellent crafting.

Gemma Wiseman said...

And sometimes the brain is a rock and the heart a river. Your poem seems to tempt so many parallel analogies. A fascinating piece of writing.

kaykuala said...

This is fascinating SD! One can be innovative and creative but lumped together it is being artistic. The underlying reference to Emily's book completes the picture of the artist in you. Do more! In no time there'll be many of them to wave in front of the eyes of your wedding guests.


Hank

Sanaa Rizvi said...

Loved the portrayal of our brain acting as a shield.. it was brilliant :D
I admired the mini books a lot.. they are gorgeous! You're a very talented person.. wishing you all the best for the future :D

Lots of love,
Sanaa

Sherry Blue Sky said...

YES! re the mini books for your wedding. Your cover is BEAUTIFUL. I adored Wuthering Heights in my teens. Now I am old and think Heathcliff is too grumpy. LOL.

Anonymous said...

The brain as a shield. I think that's exactly what we need sometimes.

Kerry O'Connor said...

That is a great quote from Bukowski and I love how it generated the jotted down poem.

Your mini book project is exquisite.

Marian said...

Wow, that tiny book! Wow.
Just love your poem and the Bukowski that inspired it. This whole post is just wonderful.

Susie Clevenger said...

What a beautiful, tiny book. I love how quotes can have us leaping into verse. Lovely posting

Stacy M.S. said...

oh, what a nice post...and those lovely little books! i love the idea. you've got me inspired to play with some art today (actual paper art instead of photoshop lol).

congrats to all on the upcoming wedding!

colleen said...

I love a little book for big ideas.

Outlawyer said...

Your book cover is just lovely and i find the phrase "the claws of the heart" intriguing and beautiful. Thanks. K. (Manicddaily).

Anonymous said...

Think vs Feel.. the argument continues!! Very creative with the mini book...lovely idea to make one using your own poems!