Before the madness ensued with the Big Move I got my hands on L.K. Ludwig’s latest book True Vision: Authentic Journaling. With my heart in my throat I opened up the book and found two of my pieces in her beautifully written book. I am so proud to be part of her book. And I feel like somebody needs to pinch me, so that I know it’s not just a dream.
You see, when I first started getting back into art and creating I somehow found LK’s work. I think it was in a book about handmade journals. I remember the feeling I got when I saw her work, something like a mix between being punched in the stomach and being filled with a light so bright and illuminating. I know- doesn’t make sense at all and doesn’t sound all that pleasant. But really, it was like being woken up from a deep slumber. Or something like that.
Anyway, needless to say, she has been an inspiration to me and I never ever thought in a billion years that my work would appear in one of her books.
I didn’t have time to read True Vision until I got to Illinois and was staying at my mother-in-law’s house waiting for my husband and dog to make their way by car from Washington. I am so glad that I waited until I had a quiet time to read LK’s words, so that I could really absorb it all. The writing is really hearfelt. It is hard to explain how and why one journals, and art journaling is even more complex. I think. She did a great job, and the artwork included is inspiring. I was so happy to see Katie Kendrick’s art journal in there and to read her thoughts behind art journaling.
I told LK that all of my paintings are a journal entry in some way. Whether or not they actually contain text or not, and most often are not even contained in an actual book. On paper, canvas, canvas panel or wood, my creations are a record of my experiences, my thoughts, my dreams, my fears.
tree encaustic, 7×8 inches
one of my pieces in the book
Speaking of journals- a few days after our things arrived in Chicago and I had unpacked many boxes and crates, I realized that my big black trunk that I have had since college was missing. The trunk istelf is junky and I don’t really care about it. But inside that trunk were all my journals starting from when I was in grade school. I was so upset. Of all things to be missing! These journals do not have a monetary value and are irreplacable. Admittedly, some journals probably should stay lost, as they are pretty embarrassing! But I imagined them being opened up by strangers and felt so vulnerable and exposed. And then I felt such a sense of loss. If anything else had been lost I wouldn’t have been so upset. Well, I would be upset if we had lost our photo albums. Luckily though the trucker called us from St. Louis and said that he would bring them on his way back. So I should get it tomorrow. I can’t wait to have them back safe in my possession.
Congratulations on being published in LK’s book, Bridgette, but I’m not at all surprised she chose to include your lovely work! And thank GOD they found those journals! I can only imagine your distress… Hugs, Shari
Congrats on being published in her book! Your work is amazing, so it is no surprise to me at all. Glad they found your trunk and all it’s belongings 🙂
Bridgette: I was so pleased when I saw your pages in this book. They are fantastic. Congratulations!
Totally cool!!! Congrats! I can’t imagine how good that must have felt. I am totally going off to find her book, it looks so yummy!
Congratulations on your work being published in LK’s book!
I hope you are getting settled into your new home and that your studio will be sorted and ready for some creative output soon.
xoxo
Marie
This/your encaustic piece “Tree” hit ME in the stomach the way you described feeling when you saw LK’s work. I am almost ill from the beauty of it. This is just breathtaking. Literally. Wow.
You deserve so much to be in this book. You deserve your own book. I am eagerly awaiting it.
Truly. This is amazing.
I am exhaling now.
🙂 Debi
A big congratulations to you — I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book! I adore your work!
Susan
xo
How wonderful that your work is in this book, I can hardly wait to get myself a copy. I love reading your thoughts. It is amazing how another artist or a painting can move us so deeply. Roxanne
Cheers on both the move and the inclusion in LK’s book! And double cheers on your trunk being returned to you.
I am a great admirer of you and your work. And it is so good to have you back in Chicago!!! I hope you fall in love with this fabulous town! Let me know if you have any workshops scheduled. Or if you need any help with that. When is your book coming out???
many, many congratulations on being published!!! it looks like a wonderful book. and i feel the same way about my art. all my work is some sort of journal entry recording what’s going on inside my mind.
glad to hear they found your trunk of journals! i know i’d be upset if mine went missing too!!
What a thrill to have some of your work published! Congratulations Bridgett, and also for getting your precious trunk back! What a relief.
I know I’m going back in post time, but I wanted to tell you how much I love this book and was delighted to see your work here. Congratulations!