Once in a rare blog, I come across a writer with the gift to tell a story in two sentences. Stopping by words on a snowy evening last January, I ran into Brenda Keesal’s tale of “Deer Peeple” and fell in love with the powerful simplicity and rich images of her prose. A year later, she throws me a curve: this author and indie filmmaker creates art possessed with the eyes, flashes, and patterns of a peacock in full bloom. Brenda’s illustrations reach beyond feminine flourishes; they’re organic, in the moment of flying-fingers motion. My eyes train on two prizes: “Flare” and “I Can See You”—the perfect vertical-and-horizontal combination to wake up a tired wall.
There’s always a story-behind-the-story when it comes to art. Brenda often pairs words with images—in effect, a lively mind-walk: “Art Is Love” (or “Flare”) and “I Can See You.”
I felt rather profound when asking the question “What is the germ of your art?” Brenda, always in tune with the truthful universe, gave a forthright reply (above) with a nod to the illustration “RISE.”
Of course, I do not always need background. Sometimes it’s amusing to leave something to the imagination. “Nicola” and “Rashmi” remain delicious mystery—for now.
Sweet dreams are made of this: it’s simple—embrace all that it is to be human, whether holding on to 1 year or 99.
#ArtIsLove
Drop by Brenda’s blog Burns the Fire, and she’ll send an art piece of your choice for $30.
In my final posts before Christmas, I will share a remarkable book for all ages written by two brother-artists and the tomes topping my reading list in early 2016.
Started following Brenda’s blog after discovering it through your posts, Catherine—powerful! A keen eye AND the ability to wed observations to the written word. Love!
That’s great to hear–coming from a writer who covers the arts. I had so much fun working with Brenda on this. Her blog is POWERFUL, and she does keenly marry words to pics (and vice-versa). Truly inspiring. Thanks for stopping by!
I really, really live the story that you started the post with, it’s full of tension
Thanks, Christina. It is a nice story. I just dropped by your site–really like it!
Glad you like it! I’ve only started blogging over the last few months and I’m still figuring things out as I go
You are doing well with it!
Nice and I agree. Sometimes it is nice to leave it to the viewer’s (reader’s) imagination.
“.. edge of my dream..” gives a good feel of her overall style. Astonishing! thanks and looking forward to your year-end posts
Just amazing works
May your Christmas be merry and bright!
Aren’t the images fun? Many best wishes for the holiday. I look forward to all your good words to come in 2016!
I like art and include it often in my posts. I have walls full of brother, daughter and father’s art. I also create art! Usually in the form of children’s art in making their names specisl for them, but also illustrations for four stories I wrote, no books published yet! 🙂
Thank you for liking my comment on Veronica’s post about a creche scene. I enjoyed this post. I will be posting art tomorrow and books on Wednesday. Smiles, Robin
Thanks for your comment! Will look for your posts on art and books.