I am about to send out my niece’s holiday package, obviously it will be ridiculously late, a pattern she better accustom herself to.
As my last post made clear I am trying to refrain from purchasing many gifts. In addition to the previously mentioned hand-puppets I have been busy making book-plates. Clive was the inspiration , I wonder if he was aware of my cursing as I hand pressed each and every damned bookplate. I ought to have Popeye’s arms when I am finished.
A sampling of the bookplates so far:
Grace is stuck with a theme this holiday, the theme being the grey eyed Athena, her bookplate is an illustration of the divine one. My intention wasn’t for such a severe plate, my initial drawing was slightly softer, but the cutting went where it went. Personally I like the plate, not sure what my disney- princess- loving niece will think. She will have to grow into it.
Grace will also receive my athena print, I’ve posted this before but not in its shiny pink frame. I know Grace will like the frame at least.
The back of the print has a prayer to the grey eyed one. The printmaking technique is rainbow roll, something I do not particularly care for but it might please my dazzle-eyed niece.
I did purchase a few books for Grace, I was particularly happy with the book on Athena I found at the wonderful Getty villa in Malibu. I’m hoping I can successfully convert the girl to classicism ; the Getty would be the perfect place (in the States anyway) to introduce her to the wonders of Greece and Rome.
I stumbled upon some blank puzzles, which are a lot of fun to paint. I picked a goat as it seemed suitably Greco-Roman, plus they are terribly cute.
Into the package I have thrown in a little something for my sister and my brother-in-law. Gregory is a pious man, so I thought my recent relief print of St. Benedict of Palermo might be suitable. I hope so.
Putting this package together, I realized I have not actually seen or held my niece since 2008. My sister Kat and Grace flew out for our wedding and we were able to see what a delightful child she was. She has certainly grown and I have missed many chances to see her develop. I’m hoping this package can be a way of fostering an intimacy from such a great distance as it is difficult for a great many reasons for me to fly out and see her personally.
2008
I am now eager to get back to painting, I have a few more bookplates to make. One for my niece-to- be Lulu, her mother went into labor this morning! Such excitement . Plus one plate for dear friends, but after that I need paint under my nails.
Wishing all holiday cheer,
until next time,
take care,
LG
Boondocks Babylon 