What could be better than the marriage of friendship and art? When my dear friend, Glamma, suggested that we create a canvas together I jumped at the chance!
“Between Friends” is the name given to our painting. The piece was created over two days (taking: 18 man/woman hours, 2 chocolate eggs, coke, coke zero, tea, Subway sammiches) using 9 different mediums and a freestyle attitude.
We attacked the canvas and broke most of the “rules” for what NOT to blend together. Using: Acrylic, Oil, Pastel, Pigment, Ink, Quash, Charcoal, Graphite, and Conté Sticks. It was wonderful to watch some elements to repel other elements. Where ink hit pastel it was forced to re-route elsewhere. The results delighted us (art geeks). There was no preconceived plan. We simply agreed that the piece had to represent our spirits, our friendship, and us. To date ~ this is, without a doubt, my most cherished art project.
We started on the floor with every type of art supply dumped around us. I’m a more structured artist. Realism has always been where I’m comfortable. Glamma is great with structure/form and he is amazing with abstract too. In the early stages I was conforming to being rigid and sketched a stone Celtic cross that is representative of my strong spiritual connection. Glamma was just feeling the canvas and design was flowing from him without hesitation.
After 40 minutes I had to stop. We discussed my issue of feeling the need for accuracy. Glamma said I had to just let go and see what happened. I took a breath and went for it.
In the end my cross is still there ~ under layers of paint. The circle of the cross eventually morphed into a sun spiral. The image changed but the emotion didn’t. I was able to incorporate the sun and the spirit – both of which are important to me.
Glamma created the most beautiful girl; her hair flows into the piece and inspired other additions.
One of my favorite elements he added is the OM chant, which he painted out freehand. The words we chose are meaningful to us: Spirit, Zen, Beauty, Free, Growth, Shine. The masculine & feminine symbols represent us, and the Yin/Yang of the planet. We also added symbols for Summer (a season we love), Universal Peace, and three Trinities/Triads (Mind/Body/Spirit or Father/Son/Holy Ghost ~ witch ever suits your soul). There are colours that flow like water, blend like air, anchor like earth, and burn like fire.
Glamma encouraged me to use a pen tube to blow black ink into branches for the cherry blossom trees. I was nervous that I would screw up. They were an element added at near completion. I didn’t want to destroy some of the other things we both loved. But, again, he said, “If we hate it, we’ll cover it.” The branches and blossoms worked out great and I learned a new technique!
This project was a joy and a learning experience, for me. We’ve done plenty of photo shoots together. Glamma: doing makeup, styling, conception, shots. Me: doing lighting, staging, conception, shots. However, this is the first time we’ve ever created art together with paint and canvas. It won’t be the last!
Many have expressed interest in getting prints of this piece. We’ve sourced out shops that make high quality Giclee prints and will be ready to take orders soon!
He’s been called a “Folkie John Mayer,” a “Masculine Joni Mitchell,” and a “More Pensive Jason Mraz.” Folk, Pop, Soul, or Jazz: no matter what category Trevor slides into ~ the sound is sublime!
Southern Ontario native, Trevor Campbell is on the verge of releasing his finest collection of songs to date. I fell in love with the voice and the sweetness of Trevor when I happened into a show at the hip, Kensington Market, venue: “Bread & Circus,” in early 2009. It was impossible to leave without purchasing a copy of Trevor’s CD, “Patterns.” Thank goodness for digital uploading, or this little record would be in a worn out heap by now.
May 6th, 2010 Trevor will be joined by his full band at Toronto’s, RIVOLI, to showcase his new album: Little Thieves. The band consists of the following stellar cast of musicians: James Everett (bass), Liam Montgomery (drums), Danielle Getz (BG vox), Mariel Gonzalez (cello), Kelly Lefaive (violin), and Daniel Abrahamson (keys). The evening will be opened by the lovely vocal stylings of Sara Kamin and Allison Long. Trevor was kind enough to give some time (& PRIZES) to The Thought Vox, for a few questions:
All who comment will receive a FREE mp3 of “Bird On A Wire” and will be entered to win one of Three Prize Packs: Autographed copies of “Patterns” & “Little Thieves.” Prizes will be drawn/winners notified Sunday May 2nd: GOOD LUCK!
When did you know music was in your heart/soul and this was the road you would travel?
I’d always loved music and singing, but my whole childhood I didn’t do more than plunk out melodies on the piano. When I was 15, I moved to a little coal town on the Ohio river (true story; not to be confused with Flashdance/Footloose), and I’d inherited my brother’s old clunker of a guitar. I had nothing to do in this town (read: NOTHING), so when I’d come home from school, I’d pick up the guitar and try and figure out how it worked. My mom saw my interest and told me that if I went to lessons and practiced, she’d buy me a decent guitar. So that’s how the musical side started. At the same time, I had a really close friend who was always pushing me to do things that scared me… and she told me to try writing a song on the guitar. It was a daunting prospect… and I can’t remember what it was about – but I did it. And I remember realizing that this would be a great way to get my feelings out and sing. At 15 I was so introverted (coal town + gay + teenager = you have got to be kidding me), and songwriting and singing really became ingrained as a private escape for me. I don’t think I really realized how important it was for me at the time, but I really latched on to it.
What musicians inspire you?
As a Sagittarius, I have a hard time picking favorites! I like honest music, and I love storytelling, and I love people that work hard. In that respect, I love artists like Joni Mitchell and Ani DiFranco who really busted their hump to get somewhere, kind of like a one-(wo)man army. And to me, that sort of honesty in songwriting is awesome – not just flowery metaphors and such, but also cold hard facts. And I love the songwriting of Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan – big, epic songs; lots of 3rd verses – that sort of thing. I like meaty songs. And I love artists like The Cardigans, Corinne Bailey Rae and Emiliana Torrini who don’t feel tied down to one style of music and don’t shy away from certain material because it may confuse what people think of them. I like brave musicians!
You’ve spent 16 months writing/recording “Little Thieves,” how was the process different from what went into “Patterns?”
It was very different – I recorded Patterns myself on a little setup that ran off of my laptop. The whole thing was recorded in the house I was living in at the time, and I engineered the whole thing. And I tell ya – there’s a reason people learn how to engineer a recording! I think trying to do everything really gave me an appreciation for all the individual jobs needed to be filled, and so when I was looking for people to work with on this CD, I had more of an idea of what I wanted. The biggest challenge was adding instruments to the songs, though. I’d written everything on only guitar, and had been playing the songs for a little over a year (some of them longer), so it was very personal for me to add new instruments to the arrangements. Sometimes we’d add something and it would be all wrong, and we’d just have to start over. Some parts were the perfect fit the first time we tried them. Also, as far as working with the musicians that were on the CD… I met them all in different ways! Lots of weird connections – but I felt really lucky to get to play with everyone who was involved. Also, I rented out one of my favorite bars and musical stomping grounds, the late Concord Cafe, for four days to record the CD. We built a studio space in the back and over 4 days recorded most of what’s on the album. Then, we moved to my engineer and drummer Liam’s studio to record the last little bits. So, it was different in almost every way!
What inspires you to craft a song?
I’m a bit of a sponge, so I like to really digest everything around me. And I read a lot of novels, so I have a lot of stories lying around in my brain. Usually, if I’ve been stewing over something for a couple of days, or letting an idea run through my head, I’ll sit down and try and get a mood going with the guitar. Then sometimes it just comes right out. Other times, you have to lure it out somehow… play something that it likes to kind of ‘charm’ it out. I start almost all of my songs with music.
You’ve been well received in all parts of Ontario, Are there plans to tour the new record far and wide?
Thank you! And definitely! This one was a long time coming and is going to get a lot of exercise! I anticipate getting my traveling shoes on sometime around the fall.
If you could jam with anyone living or dead, who would it be?
Ella Fitzgerald and Joni Mitchell and Ani DiFranco. We would ride around on a bike with four seats and take turns singing the main melody.
Where do you see yourself, musically, in five years?
I don’t mind where I am, as long as I’m still enjoying it!
Outside of music, who is Trevor Campbell? That’s easy to answer, right ?
This is pretty close to it, if you don’t mind a quote!
I am part of all that I have met; Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough Gleams that untravelled world, whose margin fades For ever and for ever when I move. How dull it is to pause, to make an end, To rust unburnished, not to shine in use! As though to breath were life. Life piled on life Were all too little, and of one to me Little remains: but every hour is saved From that eternal silence, something more, A bringer of new things; and vile it were For some three suns to store and hoard myself, And this grey spirit yearning in desire To follow knowledge like a sinking star, Beyond the utmost bound of human thought. ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson: Ulysses
The MOST important question: Do you have any pets (loving animals is very important)?
Yes, yes, yes! I love animals. Me and my partner have two cats – they’re both from the Toronto Humane Society. Mine is 2 and looks like a kitten and his is 9 and has a face like a tin of canned salmon. But we love them both!
Photos By: Zak Kearns & Jo-Anne McArthur
Property of Trevor Campbell & Trevor Campbell Music
May 6th ~ Little Thieves CD RELEASE ~
RIVOLI ~ 332 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON
M5V 2A2
(416) 596-1908
W/ Sara Kamin & Allison Long
8:30pm Doors ~ 9:00pm Show
$15 or $20 ~ Includes CD
For Advance Tickets: trevor@trevorcampbellmusic.com
OR call 416.629.1700.
AND THE WINNERS ARE:
Moike
Tori
Jeanne
You will be contacted for mailing information. Prizes will be sent out after the May 6th CD Release Party!
Thanks to all who spent some time reading about Trevor!
April 16th, 2010 the NEW FULL LENGTH Album, DAZE, drops! The CD Release Party/Tour launch is FREE to enter, with prize giveaways all night!
Rock/Blues/Grunge Lads, The Unknown Culprits, are hitting the road to promote their stellar new record: DAZE. With a 40+ Date, Cross-Canada, tour lined up, Gary Morissette; D’Arcy Booth & Paul Dakin won’t be relaxing any time soon! Things kick off Friday, April 16th, 10pm at The Rose & Crown: 2335 Yonge St. (north of Eglington), Toronto. There is no cover charge for this night of high energy LIVE music!
Formed in British Columbia, based out of Toronto, the power-grunge-trio is going strong. Instrumentally, they are beyond gifted. Gary plays guitar like a blended reincarnation of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Randy Rhodes. D’arcy’s bass runs are reminiscent of the soul funk laid down buy Red Hot Chili Peppers‘, Michael “Flea” Balzary. Paul hammers the skins as well as Keith Moon ever did. It is awe-inspiring to watch them play live! Then enter in Gary’s edgy vocals; his sound is a throwback to the best singers that ever came out of the 70’s rock scene. These guys are timeless and their sound continually appeals to a wide range of audience.
Before they hit the road to blow the doors of half the rock venues in Canada, the guys gave me a few minutes for some Q&A.
They also gave me presents to share: Everyone that leaves a comment will be sent a FREE mp3 of “Raunchy” and be entered to win one of three autographed copies of “DAZE.”
How long have you been playing Music as a band and separately?
Gary ~I’ve been playing Guitar for 14 years. I started writing songs with lyrics when I first started playing at the age of 9. I played in Talent / Variety shows in different kootenay towns every year from 13 – 16 until I started playing in bars at age 16. I formed the Unknown Culprits in Fruitvale, B.C. 8 years ago with 2 other locals. I looked up to my brother Chris, who always supported and encouraged my music and it’s style and he came up with the name The Unknown Culprits (found in the police briefs).
D’Arcy joined the band 5 years ago and took over on Bass after one epic night… He filled in for our old bass player who couldn’t make it into town for a Thursday gig that could nail us a weekly house gig in Kelowna. D’Arcy learned 40 songs in 3 days and we live happily ever after…
I’ve only played with Paul since he moved to Toronto in March ‘09. We did jam once at a house in Kelowna from about 2 – 4 a.m. after a night of heavy partying. I remember when D’Arcy joined The Unknown Culprits and left Orange Doorhinge, Paul was at one of our shows and gave me the finger haha. But I remember us always getting along and we partied a few times so when our old drummer quit and D’Arcy told me we should get Paul, I was all for it. I didn’t know what his skills were like but I knew that D’Arcy wouldn’t wanna play with anyone that sucks haha.
D’Arcy ~I have played Guitar for about 13 years and Bass for the last 5. The 3 of us have been together for just over a year now; but I’ve played with both Gary and Paul separately for almost 5 years each. Paul & I played together in a Grunge/Punk band “Orange Doorhinge” way back in the day. I’d been playing in The UC’s with Gary for about four years when our old drummer quit, and I didn’t hesitate to call up Paul.
Paul ~I have been playing drums now for about 7-8 years on and off. Never really seriously gigging until I came to Toronto. There have been a few spans where I didn’t really play that often, just jammed with buddies now and then. It was a very new thing for me to get up in front of people in bars and play. I had only really played in front of friends until then, with the exception of a few shows back home with “Orange Doorhinge.”
With 40+ shows lined up over the next 4 months, you are very in demand. Are you where you want to be musically?
Gary ~I don’t think I’ll ever be where I want to be musically… I’m not comfortable and content doing the same old thing. I play now for the same reason I started… to explore and experience all music. If you think you’re the best you can be, you won’t get any better. If you think you’ve done all you can do, you won’t search for something more. And there’s always something more you can accomplish musically.
D’Arcy ~ Haha, I’m not sure if it’s a matter of being in demand, or demanding to be heard…
But yeah, I’d say we’re where we want to be as musicians and as a band. In the last year we’ve really found our chemistry together and developed our signature stylistic flavour – “The Grunge Zest.” Our live shows are pumped full of some pretty intense energy and are starting to attract some loyal followers. All 3 of us bring the knowledge of multiple instruments to our roles in the Culps – and I think that’s what creates the powerful thickness we have as a 3-piece.
Paul ~I am pleased with where I am musically today…The band is enjoying some success, and I think we are continuing to build a fan base and still trying to get our name and music out there. Although I am happy with how it is going, I still feel the need to improve myself as a drummer and all around musician, but that will come with more experience and jammin.
2009’s EP “Slightly Seasoned” was embraced and eaten up by fans. Is the new record, DAZE, a continuation of that energy or is there a departure?
Gary ~“Daze” to me is a continuation of the same energy but with a bigger picture of who we are and our talents. There is the live feel but with a studio sound as opposed to the EP’s “garage” sound. It gives a more in depth look into the diversity of our sound. So yes, “Daze” is a continuation of the same energy plus more varieties of energy and feelings.
Cool Comparison…
The “Slightly Seasoned” EP had five songs that were recorded in 3 days at home and all the instruments were recorded live together. “Daze” has 12 songs that were recorded in 4 days in a pro studio. We played all together to record live feeling drums and then we over-dubbed everything else. This gave us more control over instrument tones and perfecting our parts while still keeping the live feel. We had to have “Slightly Seasoned” polished up before recording it because we couldn’t make any musical changes to the live instrument takes. We had to have “Daze” rehearsed-to-the-max because we only had 4 days for twelve songs where the parts were being recorded separately. As you can see, they are kind of similar in the sense of how we work. “Daze” is simply just taken to the next level with some different colors added.
D’Arcy ~ Yeah, “Daze” is not only a continuation of that energy, but also an evolution. Slightly Seasoned had a very good live energy to it ’cause we recorded it ourselves in the living room. Also, with only 5 songs, it showed how we dabble in all sorts of genres. Daze, being a studio full-length, has a cleaner, crisper, more professional sound; but it still has that live feel. We tried to transmit the energy and vibes of our live shows into the studio and it seemed to translate really well. Also, with 12 songs compared to 5, we can showcase our extremely wide range of styles, while still sounding just like The Unknown Culprits.
Paul ~I think our new album “Daze” is a continuation of the energy for sure. The “Slightly Seasoned” EP was done just at home, recorded with the minimal equipment we had to work with. For us, to be able to work in a professional environment, using the right equipment, I think it allowed us to capture even more of the live energy that we put out at our shows. The album is a very good interpretation of what we sound like live, as we recorded all the tracks as if we were playing it live. It rocks, period.
What is the band’s song writing process? Are some of you more inclined to lyrics and others to writing music?
Gary ~I generally write the lyrics and basic progressions and bring them to the band where they are sculpted into the sound and style of The Unknown Culprits. I write when I’m inspired or intrigued by something like a phrase, a notion, a philosophy, a person… or a substance haha. When I think of something I need to put the pen to the paper right away (or fingers to the blackberry) otherwise the thought is lost or not the same. If I write it at the instant I think of it, when I read it later I can get the same feeling and elaborate. The topics of the songs I write are generally about my experiences in life… love, partying, sex, conquering struggles, insights, and heartbreak.
D’Arcy ~ Gary comes up with the chords and lyrics brings them to us. Then we all jam ‘em out and arrange/revise/enhance/produce ‘em to fit our styles. Both Paul & I write songs as well – but personally, I don’t feel my songs fit within the UC sound. Maybe on the next record. Haha… Gary writes amazing stuff and it makes sense that he would write the words he’s gonna be singing.
Paul ~Gary does the majority of the writing. He gets good ideas together with the songs and brings them to us. I think a lot of the time; the songs evolve once we all put our ideas into it. Gary writes catchy riffs and great lyrics, and D’Arcy puts rippin bass lines on ‘em. D’Arcy was the guitar player in “orange doorhinge”, so he knows what he wants from the bass player. I think that works for him, to be able to write the perfect bass line to the tune.
Your music has a classic 70’s rock feel, with more of a punch and a hint of grunge. Who are some of the bands/musicians that influenced you?
Gary ~ I’ve been through many different musical phases. I was crazy about Elvis when I was really young… like in Elementary school haha. Growing up I went through phases of listening to and learning classic rock, punk, metal, hard rock, rockabilly, blues, jazz, funk, folk, country, classical and pop… As a result of appreciating all types of music it has made me a very open-minded person and my personality into a chameleon…
I’m a really big fan of AC/DC. They don’t fuck around when it comes to sticking to their guns.
D’Arcy ~ I listen to a lot of different stuff, and I’ve always tried to absorb as many styles into my playing as possible. And I think the other guys are the same. I grew up loving my parents’ classic rock, especially The Beatles. I then discovered punk rock & went through an almost exclusively punk stage – (until I got sick of power chords and discovered Jimi Hendrix) – which then led me back full-circle to classic rock, haha… I think The U-Culps have that Punk “I don’t give a $#!T” mentality, but also the vibes, musical talent and structure of the great Classic Rock bands. Obviously, growing up in the 90’s, the Grunge movement and Nirvana was a big influence on me. Also, I’ve always loved how bands like Sublime or the Red Hot Chili Peppers have mashed genres like funk, ska, jazz, hip-hop, metal and punk into their own unique sound.
Paul ~For myself growing up, I listened to a lot of hip-hop. I really liked it. I also really like the whole grunge thing. Once I started playing drums, then I got more into the classic rock, cause everyone knows that’s the shit. Zeppelin, Hendirx…I really like Mitch Mitchell’s playing. Also Tim “Herb” Alexander and Bryan “Brain” Mantia from “Primus”, as well as Danny Carey from “Tool” are great inspirations to any drummer. I’m in no way as talented as them, but that’s why they inspire me. I like all kinds of music, as long as it sounds good to me, it doesn’t matter the genre. I don’t even know what “genre” The Culprits are…?
If you could JAM with anyone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Gary ~ This is a tough question because there is so many… I’d have to pick Carlos Santana because he’s a living guitar Idol of mine.
D’Arcy ~ I get to jam with the best musicians I’ve ever known ever night – so I’m pretty lucky… I would have loved to be in George Martin’s shoes and had the privilege of creating all those masterpieces with the Beatles.
Paul ~That’s a tough one, how could you pick just one great musician to jam with? … Does Brittany Spears count? Nah, probably The Beatles, Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, or if that doesn’t work out, I’m more than happy to jam with The Culprits.
Aside from touring the new record, are there other plans on the horizon?
Gary ~The plan right now is to get the album and word spread around as much as possible and opportunities will arise. We’re also gonna work on getting a video on much music. Aside from that, there will be a bunch of material to be worked on after these 2 tours. Because like I said, I write from my experiences, and we have no shortage of fun when we’re playing music and hanging together.
D’Arcy ~ Hopefully the ball starts rolling here with the new album and we can move to the next step. We’re just gonna play as much as possible and get the tunes out there and see what happens. It’s an amazingly rewarding experience being a completely independent band; and the artistic freedom that goes along with that is awesome. But… some help with promotion and distribution from a label might be good too? Maybe get on as an opener for a well-known band? Who knows?
Paul ~Possibly getting some sort of deal with a label, if it’s the right thing to do at the time. Not really sure, just keepin’ at it for now, see what happens in the future.
Where do you see yourselves, musically, in five years?
Gary ~Where do I see us musically in five years?… We’ll be on the charts remembering how broke but happy we were after recording our first album in 2010.
D’Arcy ~ I think we’ll just keep growing together musically. The amount of time we’ve spent together this last year, both on and off-stage, has made us an extremely tight group; and I think more experience on the road and in the studio will just add to that chemistry. Plus, we’ve never limited ourselves to any one genre – so doors are always open for us to expand in any way.
Paul ~Continuing to improve musically, a few albums under our belt. Hopefully not working a day job, nothing against people that do, but I don’t want to haha. You never know, maybe we will have some crazy band story by then on Biography, Behind the Music style. Doubtful, but still a possibility. Still playing and having fun, that’s what I like to think I’ll be doin’ in 5 years!
Gary Morissette ~ Lead Vox, Lead Guitars, Harmonica. D’Arcy Booth ~ Bass, Vox, Occasionally Guitar. Paul Dakin~ Drums, Percussion, Vox.
For Booking & Info Contact:
unknownculprits@live.com
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
What do you think about when you are alone?
What’s the best ladies room you’ve ever been in?
Whether you are an idolized celebrity or a struggling single mother, the ladies room is where you create your make believe, and where you face your reality. Join 68 brave women from around the world for an empowering look in the mirror and a meeting in the ladies room.
It was with a heavy heart that I pulled the Christmas decorations from the storage closet this year.
To many people this will sound insane, but animal lovers will understand. For seven years Riley SweetPea was with me for Christmas. There were two years it was just the two of us. He loved the tree and he opened his own gifts on Christmas morning. This is the absolute truth. A cat that loved Christmas!
We lost Riley in July of this year. He died too young and is missed every day. Joey and I still tear up when we talk about him. One night at the beginning of December I opened the closet door to get the decorations out. I pictured him last year, jumping on the containers, waiting for the excitement to begin. I closed the door and cried for an hour.
I feel for people who have lost loved ones, and will miss them terribly at Christmas. To me, Riley was family and this has been a tough month. A few nights ago I put my feelings aside and started to decorate.
Well, it seems that Binky is a huge fan of the holiday too. She was into everything, lying under the tree, climbing in the boxes. Some of you may think that all cats are the same. Let me assure you, they are all unique. Rory Beanie loves Christmas music and loves to lie in a pile of bubble-wrap while I put things together. She has no interest in interacting or getting into things. She never did. Even as a kitten she watched as Riley got into things. The other night she watched Binky wreck the place.
I am relieved that Binky is breaking glass balls and into everything. Christmas is a time for celebrating and being happy. Many people are sad this time of year – due to expectations not met. The cold wet weather has me riddled with pain and house bound for days at a time. I am the “Cat Lady,” these little furries keep me company all day. They are much better company when they are interactive.
Riley will never be replaced. He was with me through the years following my car wreck. He never left my side when I was sick. He wore seasonal outfits and loved to have his picture taken. That being said: if ever there was a Riley clone it is Binky. The minute I opened the closet door, she was in there. Her days are spent napping with me, climbing the Christmas tree, breaking glass balls, napping, climbing the Christmas tree, breaking glass balls, trying to rip down the stockings, and napping. There are also breaks for pooping and eating. Her life is full. Beanie and I watch her, we both growl at her daily, and we both love her.
So the tree is up, after three days there are no ornaments left on the bottom third of it. Yet, it feels like Christmas because a small creature is very excited. That’s really all I need to make the season bright!
PART TWO:
Since it is Christmas, Hanukkah, the Holiday Season: the Ladies over at Visual Chronicles are having a gift giveaway! For your chance to WIN and AUTOGRAPHED copy of MEETING IN THE LADIES ROOM, or a piece of ART from Linda Woods, simply let the ladies know what you had for lunch (they love food) by December 20th: CLICK HERE TO ENTER
“Between Friends” is the name given to our painting. The piece was created over two days (taking: 18 man/woman hours, 2 chocolate eggs, coke, coke zero, tea, Subway sammiches) using 9 different mediums and a freestyle attitude.
We started on the floor with every type of art supply dumped around us. I’m a more structured artist. Realism has always been where I’m comfortable. Glamma is great with structure/form and he is amazing with abstract too. In the early stages I was conforming to being rigid and sketched a stone Celtic cross that is representative of my strong spiritual connection. Glamma was just feeling the canvas and design was flowing from him without hesitation.
After 40 minutes I had to stop. We discussed my issue of feeling the need for accuracy. Glamma said I had to just let go and see what happened. I took a breath and went for it.
Glamma created the most beautiful girl; her hair flows into the piece and inspired other additions.
Glamma encouraged me to use a pen tube to blow black ink into branches for the cherry blossom trees. I was nervous that I would screw up. They were an element added at near completion. I didn’t want to destroy some of the other things we both loved. But, again, he said, “If we hate it, we’ll cover it.” The branches and blossoms worked out great and I learned a new technique!
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