Reusing and Inktobering all in one

A purchase from Athleta a while back yielded a lovely little tote bag. But, as much as I like my purchases from the company, and as handy as the bag has been, I felt the need to make it my own. Which I did, with the help of my markers and imagination, and a little inktober initiative.

The bonus is, I have another side and a second bag to doodle on. Yay! (For reference sake, here's the unadorned bag, and the note that Athleta put on the inside of the bags, to encourage reuse.)

An Artist's View

The following post was prepared at the request of the JordanCon Blog before this year's Art Show. It will be shared at some point to the JordanCon family via the blog, but I thought maybe it should be shared more generally as well, particularly after several recent discussions on art, folk art, and inspirations.

Art and music, color and sound, have been a huge part in my life since childhood. I have a bit of synesthesia, where one sense triggers a response in another. For me, colors and patterns trigger music and vice versa. A print of Van Gogh's Starry Night hung in my childhood bedroom, and I used to stare at it, transfixed by the sounds that the colors and brush strokes created in my head. It wasn't until years later, singing in a choir, that I realized, to me, Starry Night looks the way Mozart's Ave Verum sounds. Patterns and repetition, colors and sound all work through me when I create. I have found inspiration in the patterns around me, both in nature and in human creations. For as long as I can remember, I've had a physical need to find a way to express the designs that filter through my brain, and have done so using a multitude of mediums over the years.

The means of creative expression I may be most known for comes from the folk art of pysanky, the intricately decorated eggs often displayed at Easter-time. Pysanky (a word derived from the Ukrainian word “to write”) are created using a wax-and-dye resist process similar to batik, though on eggshell instead of cloth. Though my family comes from Ukraine, writing pysanky was not part of my cultural heritage, although it was for my husband Alan's family. I had long loved the patterns and intricacy of the designs but figured I was incapable of creating such beauty. With encouragement from a Master pysanky artist, I picked up the kistka (the tool used to apply the wax) in my 40's, and have yet to stop. Writing pysanky is a form of meditation for me, the meanings behind the symbols and the music in my head becoming a sort of prayer as I work on each egg. Writing pysanky was a way for me to relieve stress after working long days with disabled children and their families as a clinical nurse specialist. And when I became ill myself, it was a huge part of my healing and acceptance of the changes one takes on with chronic illness. I only began to feel comfortable with the title “artist” after I had several of my pysanky accepted into the collection of the Kolomyia Museum in Ukraine. To this day, I am more likely to describe myself as a folk-artist.

Taking the pysanky art from eggshell to paper and ultimately to interactive art such as Patterns of the Wheel, a coloring book based on The Wheel of Time (Tor, 2016), is entirely due to the JordanCon family. Without the encouragement, enthusiasm, and a bit of nagging, I'd still be only working with eggshells. My art, in all its forms, reflects the wabi-sabi concept of Japanese art (before I became a nurse, I received a degree in history, anthropology, and Asian studies, and embraced some of the cultural ideas I encountered, particularly from the Far East). These ideas reinforce the folk vs formal aspect of my art. I also incorporate aspects from some of my favorite artists: the Impressionists, whose paintings color my memories from childhood visits to museums; Utagawa Hiroshige's marvelous prints and drawings; Warli, Kalamkari, Mehndi, miniatures, and even the painted trucks of India; indigenous creations from all over the world; street art, local works, and artistic friends. Lately, the art of Nigerian-born Victor Ekpuk, both for his designs, and for his exploration of nsibidi (a traditional pictorial writing of his homeland) has been calling me.  The similarities between two arts using pictorial language and a transient format (chalk/eggshell) is a thrilling find, as are his artistic talents.

Wheel of Time-inspired art ranges from elegant, elaborate fantasy creations to simple stick figures. Individual taste and perspective guide the way artists approach their craft and the way in which viewers assess the result. One can glory in the art of Michelangelo, whose realistic depictions of the human form captured every nuance precisely, yet also delight in Marc Chagall, whose folk-art style featured casually drawn people and cows seen floating in colorful skies. One artist was a genius whose technical skills were flawless; the other recreated the art of commoners for a totally different purpose and effect. Luckily for me, there is room among the extremely talented Official Wheel of Time artists for a folk artist to explore the world Robert Jordan created. One of my most treasured memories is talking about pysanky with Jim Rigney, and his fascination with the symbols and language of pysanky. His interest in both the history and the art-form, and Harriet's encouragement, is what led to my becoming one of the licensed Wheel of Time artists. I am still astonished and grateful that my folk-art is in the company of such amazing art and artists.

Pysanky and Pysanky-inspired designs artist Amy Romanczuk, with a guitar she hand-decorated.

Action Plan for today

I need to slip away to my Happy Place. ("Happy Place"; Folly Beach view of Morris Island light house. Mixed Media. 2016)

Looking for czukart.com?

My online shop is closed. I am still creating pysanky, Wheel of Time™ art, & line art. Please contact me via comments on this page. I welcome your interest. Please contact me by leaving a message to this post.

If you are looking for Patterns of the Wheel: Coloring Art Based on Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, please check your favorite local or online bookseller.


Some wearable art, featuring a few of my designs can be found through Artisan Tees.
Thank you!

For those unfamiliar with my art, I am primarily a folk artist, specializing in pysanky (decorative egg art) and pysanky-inspired design on more familiar surfaces, such as paper, wood, and canvas. Some of my art is  based on Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time™ series, for which I am a licensed artist.  Scroll down to see some pictures. 

Pysanky

Writing pysanky is the traditional folk art of decorating eggs. It has been handed down through generations for millennia. The word pysanky stems from the Ukrainian word “to write". Pysanky are considered to be written thoughts using a combination of wax resist and dye to convey symbols and colors, rather than painted. Each pysanka carries a one of a kind message of hope and good wishes. Though often now associated with Easter, pysanky are for all of life's events, made for special occasions, or to transmit special wishes or prayers. The symbols and colors all contain meaning, representing life: wishes of hope, health, prosperity, safety, and blessings. Legend has it that as long as pysanky are written, goodness will prevail over evil throughout the world. 

For some older pictures of my pysanky, click here.

Some of the 2017/2018 crop of pysanky are below. Please contact me directly if interested in any.

My Wheel of Time coloring book, Patterns of the Wheel, was published by Tor Books in 2016.

As of May 2019, I am no longer producing officially licensed Wheel of Time art, It has been an honor and privilege to be one of the artists sanctioned by Bandersnatch to create art based on a well loved series, written by a well loved man. I am probably the only folk artist to have ever been officially licensed to create art for a fantasy series.

The White Tower Collection

Some bone art I've done using pysanky-inspired symbols. These skulls were from the personal collection of Robert Jordan.

I have a fair amount of 2D art, as well, which is available, both originals and prints. I will be updating this section shortly.

Eye See Who (prints only)

Snow Critters notecards

Pysindy Peacock

String of Owls (prints only)

Coloring Notecards

About Pysanky, the Hand-Drawn Style of The Wheel of Time: Patterns of the Wheel (reposted from Tor.com but still by yours truly)

The world created by Robert Jordan for The Wheel of Time offers readers a vibrant mix of elements to ignite the imagination. Readers enact their understanding of the books through cosplay, music, art, or even through food and drink. Line up any ten fans dressed as the Dragon Reborn, and while there may be some similarities, no two are the same.

Wheel of Time-inspired art ranges from elegant, elaborate fantasy creations to simple stick figures. Individual taste and perspective guides the way artists approach their craft and the way in which viewers assess the result. One can glory in the art of Michelangelo, whose realistic depictions of the human form captured every nuance precisely, yet also delight in Marc Chagall, whose folk-art style featured casually drawn people and cows seen floating in colorful skies. One artist a genius whose technical skills were flawless; the other recreating the art of the people for a totally different purpose and effect.

My own style comes from the folk art of Pysanky, the intricately decorated eggs often displayed at Easter-time. Pysanky (a word derived from the Ukrainian word “to write”) are created using a wax-and-dye resist process similar to batik, though on eggshell instead of cloth.

Pysanky also convey language, both in the symbols used and the colors of dye incorporated in their design. And while precision is used to create designs, the eggs are also handwritten. As with any type of handwriting, character and distinctiveness is conveyed by the imperfections inherent in this means of communication: loops are not always closed, and sometimes a “t “ isn’t crossed or an “i” dotted.

Most coloring books on the market today are computer-generated or aided, and by their very nature they are flawless. By contrast, my Wheel of Time coloring art book Patterns of the Wheel uses a more spontaneous style to convey the moods and meanings of images from the Wheel of Time. This book includes a key to help decipher meanings of some of the symbols used in the designs. Additionally, hidden in many of the images are words written in Old Tongue script, which those interested can decode from resources online or from The Wheel of Time Companion.

To give a brief example of how a design can be decoded, take a look below at “Patterns of the Wheel”, a page from the coloring book. When creating my version of the snake and wheel, I wanted to incorporate symbols relevant to the story. Prominent throughout the design is a symbol called “wolves’ teeth”, depicting friendship, loyalty, and wisdom. The lower wheel consists of two sets of wolves’ teeth, seven in each set, echoing off the seven spokes of the wheel, the seven pine needles (for strength and stamina, as well as health), and calling to mind the seven Ajahs. Likewise, each of the upper circles have also been divided into seven major segments. There are triangles (which are said to enclose wishes) but which also represent a trinity, in this case, the three ta’veren; crosses for crossroads of life and four corners of the world; curls for protection; waves for safety in travels; netting for keeping close or gathering in of forces; ladders/parallel lines for the ascension of hopes; and even a bit of foliage to help fight the Blight. And that’s just for starters.

Download a print version of this drawing here if you would like copies for you and your family! (PDF is 1.2 MB.)

I’ve drawn the basics on each page to help you create a colorful design. Add your colors, your imagination, and your own elements as you wish. There’s no right or wrong way. You don’t even have to stay within the lines; just find your pattern and enjoy.

Reposted from www.tor.com, with permission.

Additional note:  You'll discover if you click through on the picture of the coloring book cover that Robert Jordan is listed as the primary author, which is entirely right. There are words in this version of the book. They are his, not mine. I am delighted and honored to share the space on the front of a book with him, though, even if the artist bio reflect his life, not mine. For anyone in doubt, I am still alive and kicking. 

The art of pysanky intrigued Robert Jordan. I remember being fascinated watching that facile mind unravel the messages on the eggs I'd done for him and for Harriet. Being able to explore his world through an art form he liked has been a gift.

Patterns of the Wheel Preorder Discount ends Februay 20 - offer no longer valid

Just a reminder to anyone thinking of  ordering: preorder discount ends when February 20th is over everywhere on earth. Thanks for your consideration. The book will remain available at czukart.com until sold out.

Want to time travel? In Charleston, here's how (offer valid through February 18, 2016)

Late in 2015, the amazing Liv Antonecchia, of Surface Craft Gallery, invited local artists to join in a project: draw, paint, write, create in whatever form, in a sketchbook for 30 days in January 2016. The challenge was accepted by 40 artists, representing a broad range of visual and literary arts, and the completed works of 27* of them are now on display at the gallery (49 John Street, downtown). The basic sketchbook, a creative work in itself, measures approximately 1"x 3", and each were handmade by Kris Westerson, an artist with an amazing array of talents (Go on: check her site out. I'll wait.)

And the completed books? Oh, wow. I loved my teeny, tiny blank book that kept me company during January. I tried to think of a theme (which many of the participants did) but my mind was too scattered. I decided instead to use my book as a testing ground for trying out new things, as well as incorporating some of my basic skill set. I let myself be inspired by other artists, and try some things I'd been too timid to approach. And in between new things, I let my pysanky brain roam free. You might say my book consists of some things old, some things new, some borrowed, and even a couple that are blue. Some I love, some wouldn't see the light of day had they not found a home in the book, but hey, it's about the journey, right?

Photo by of Liv Antonecchia

Last night, though, I stood in awe of what fellow artists had accomplished in that same space: stories, collections, dreams, fantasies, maps, cartoons, commentaries-- it is an incredible array of art and world views. We each took that same tiny book that Kris bound and Liv offered, and created things fantabulous. One artist even created a work out of pottery instead of using the pages. (There are some pictures below-- some of which I ganked from Facebook or Instagram because many of mine came out more blurry than I anticipated. I blame it on the wine Liv served. I apologize to the folks who I didn't identify, I should have taken notes to go with pictures.)  


So, that's all nice, but how is is time travel? The answer is simple, simple math that is: 27 artists x 30 days = 810 days. And for the price of admission (which is free) you can see it all in the time it takes you to meander through the display at Surface Gallery.

Art and photo by Kate Fortney

Art and photo by Heather Powers

Art and photo by Amy Romanczuk

photo and book by Elizabeth Porcher Jones

Art and photo by Karyn Healy

Art and photo by Alison Brynn Ross

Interconnectedness (photo and book)
by Kris Westerson

art (and photo) byTami Boyce

Art by Kris Westerson

   

What? You're still here? Get on over to Surface Gallery!

*the option existed for people to be able to take their art home after the show, so some may be gone. The other cool thing? Some are for sale!

Officially Licensed The Wheel of Time™ Coloring Book Preorders Now Open

Yup, it's true! You can now pre-order Patterns of the Wheel, the first officially licensed coloring book based on Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time™. Click on over to http://czukart.com and check it out. The coloring book is available in two places on the site: The Wheel of Time™ Collection, and also under the Pysanky-Inspired cards and coloring books option. While you're there, please take a wander and see what else is available.

If you preorder, what you'll get, sometime in March (or April if you choose the JordanCon delivery option) is 20 original czukart drawings based on Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time™ series. Included are free-form designs depicting familiar themes and scenes from the series, 7 spoked wheel/mandalas, and even a bit of Old Tongue. Each piece is printed individually on a page to protect from bleed-through and for easy removal should you wish to frame your art. Also included is a chart to identify some of the most common pysanky symbols/meanings  used in the drawings. The Old Tongue within some of the pieces is interpreted in the title of the piece, or can be translated via the alphabet in The Wheel of Time Companion.

Please be sure to select the option that works for you: your order mailed to you ($20 plus shipping) or delivery at JordanCon ($20). US Shipping is via USPS Priority Mail so you can track your order as it travels to you. International shipping is available, too. The website will calculate costs at checkout.

Preorders close when the books are received back from the printer. At that time the price will increase to $25.

Thank you so much for your support in making this happen. 

PS I've had several folks who are not WoT fans look at the drawings, and they wanted to color the pages, even not knowing the series. New way to introduce The Wheel of Time to people?

(Are You Interested in an Officially Licensed The The Wheel of Time™ Themed Coloring Book?) This offer no longer valid

Update: You can now preorder your The Wheel of Time™ coloring book at czukart.com

Are you interested in a Wheel of Time coloring book? If so, please read on and respond in the poll at the over at Facebook in the JordanCon group, Tarvalon.net (link coming) or here (look in the right sidebar until 2 February 2016). Your response will help determine how many coloring books to print. The more commitments to pre-order the sooner they'll be printed.

Details that will hopefully help to answer your questions:

•20 designs have been approved for "Patterns of the Wheel", coloring art based on The Wheel of Time™ (Note: original post was for 18. We've added 2 more.) I am an officially licensed artist for The Wheel of Time™

•Book dimensions are 8.5 x11 inches (21.2 x28 cm)

•Each drawing will be stand alone on a page of high quality paper (i.e. no bleed through to a drawing on the backside, or for easy removal should you want to display your art.)

•The drawings are all in my pysanky-inspired style. If you are not familiar with my art, you can visit www.czukart.com and check out some of my other works, including my first coloring book. I will also post some thumbnails of in the comments.)

•I anticipate the pre-order price will be $20 (USD) plus shipping (my website will calculate USPS postage.)

•Preorders can alternatively be picked up at JordanCon, if that option is selected when ordering.

•A few books may be available for sale at JordanCon in the print shop and in the charity auction. The price will be the regular (TBD) price, not the preorder one.

•I am not able (my own reasons, not the Con's) to (wo)man a table in the dealer's hall, though I will have a display in the art show and some of the originals will be available there.

•Books will remain available on my website, after the pre-order time period is over, until all are gone. There are no plans for a second printing at this time.

•I can mail overseas (my site will calculate postage and include it in the purchase price.)

•Currently working with Ta' veren Tees so that some will be available through their shop/convention tables at other conventions.

•Poll results will be tallied in mid February and I will place the print order accordingly.

•You will still need to preorder when that option opens up. I will post in this thread and separately when that occurs.

If you could indicate the likelihood of your pre-ordering Patterns of the Wheel, a coloring book based on the WoT), please indicate below. There also are options for ordering multiple copies. At this point, there is no differentiation as to how you plan to receive your pre-order, but there will be on the website when the ordering opens up. Please only vote in one place.

Thank you all so much! Robert Jordan has the most wondrous fans! 

Some pictures because that always helps.