Ephemera Obscura

“VERILY FYNE” - a medieval twist on the “This Is Fine.” meme, but with a deeper message. I wanted to make something with a little dark humor that would make even a hellish scene look beautiful. Oh to be a fool at the end of the world, seeing beauty in all life’s facets and madly singing lusty songs of life to the flames as he plays by a cool fountain. FIRE- creation, destruction, transformation, release of energy & emotions. BARREL CREATURE- represents repressed daily fears, worries, anxiety and problems we want to escape from. FOOL- experiencing good & bad on his journey, going through many phases with unwavering faith in the great potential of adventure and new beginnings that comes from nothingness. GHOST- haunted by the past, old memories brought to light, fears. FOUNTAIN- the flowing water represents eternity, the endlessly flowing nature of source, a sense of the infinite coming from nothingness, process of life, flow of consciousness into awareness, joy of collective life. The collage is made from a few different vintage clip art books. The barrel monster is obviously Hieronymus Bosch but I can’t find which painting he’s from. The fool looks like an Albrecht Durer but again I can’t find the painting it’s from. https://www.instagram.com/p/CK2X8Idl8eA/?igshid=1oq0upd24tugf

“Stained Glass Spirits” based on a dream I had yesterday. ~ I was happily floating through a medieval village by the light of the full moon. I was not alone in my wandering. As I gazed serenely at the others drifting above the cobbled streets, I began to notice how every being cast a colorful glow as they went. How delightful! Their auras were made of stained glass! Some facets shone bright with an inner fire, others sparkled darkly in the reflected moonlight and some had facets missing altogether, which seemed to let the slightest breeze dim or extinguish the radiance of the other facets. I was still marveling at the sheer beauty of the images and knowledge imparted as I awoke. I was compelled to set aside other projects to try and recreate a vision of the stained glass spirits. I’ve made plenty of things inspired by the symbolism in my dreams but this is the first time I’ve actually depicted imagery straight from my dreams. I’m happy with the results even though it isn’t perfect. It was also my first time trying to make something look like stained glass. It required a lot of patience but I found the process meditative. Definitely gave me ideas for other projects. Components: altered Ladies Home Journal page from June 1929, sandalwood fan blades. https://www.instagram.com/p/CKsLH7SFfHc/?igshid=9mozsba1ccf8

“Fantastic Moon Moth” - a mixed media assemblage collage. Inspired by the Luna Moth and daydreaming of escaping earth for a Moon lake vacation... reminds me of #fantasticplanet https://www.instagram.com/p/CG6CACPFw3N/?igshid=1c266jambrrru

“Memento Mori” - mixed media assemblage on canvas. Inspired by Renaissance Memento Mori and Vanitas paintings. The skull is painted on an old book cover. I’m particularly pleased with the book which took me a while to make looks 3D but is actually flat. https://www.instagram.com/p/CDuphK-lFHb/?igshid=1bnx4vw72nxil

“In The Hall of Unknown Ancestors” - in which are hung black mirrors instead of portraits. 🖤 https://www.instagram.com/p/CKKe4oNl_Fc/?igshid=fkks3vdjrxwn

“Heritage of Love” - Mixed media assemblage / collage on canvas, dream weaving. HEART- love, emotion, lifeblood. KEY- unlocking psyche, changes, discoveries, spiritual growth. CUPID- Love, Passion, child of Venus and Mars. BOW & ARROW- intention released. MAPLE LEAF- Peace, Comfort, Confidence, Inner Strength, protection from darkness. CAT- Feminine, instinctual, internal emotions, independence, the subconscious, duality. DOG- Masculine, Protection, Faith, Companionship, Guidance, Outward Emotions, loyalty. COYOTE- Truth behind illusions, adaptability, playfulness, shadows, resourcefulness. SKULL- death, ancestors, power, initiation. PANSY- loving thoughts, remembrance, Birth Flower of February. SWITCHBOARD PLUG- communication, connection, messages. HOURGLASS- time, between past and future, memento Mori. RED- Blood, Sacrifice, Courage, Passion, Love. YELLOW- Happiness, Energy, Abundance, Healing. GOLD- spiritual wealth, illumination. Components include: Victorian scraps, Victorian paperback Romance novel cover, antique heart-shaped ring box, vintage lace, telephone switchboard connection plugs, antique metal fringe, vintage and antique buttons and beads, carved wood accents, altered photo, skeleton leaves, faux leaves and flowers, metal stampings both new and antique. https://www.instagram.com/p/CKh4BYMFQix/?igshid=1u3cscztsffxs

“Body By Wisconsin” - a "dummy" in a footballer's uniform laid out in a wicker casket with a banner below reading, "Body By Wisconsin". Just a bit of antagonistic pre-game rivalry between Northwestern Univeristy, Illinois and Wisconsin University. Photo, c. 1920s.

“Serious Mood” -  a moody little girl posing on an armchair with a scar or port wine birthmark on her leg. Snapshot, c. 1930s.

"THANK YOU- I'm not much good at writing- but I'm sure that you must know- The reason why I send this card- Is because I thank you so- A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR" "Just a little THANK YOU CARD- This is just a little "Thank You"- To give you some idea- of all the thanks you'd hear me say- if you were only near- A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR"

“Strap-On Metal Roller Skates” - Snapshots, c. 1920s.

Notice to Teachers

“Bunch of Balloons” - a group of young ladies posing at a park with rubber balloons on sticks, possibly as part of some kind of event as they are all wearing ribbon pins. Snapshots, c. 1920s.

“Niagara Glen” - Niagra Falls, Canada postcards, c. 1920s.

“Stumped” - Snapshot, c. 1920s.

"I Have To Scratch Darned Hard For A Living!" - Postcard, c. 1930s.

“Broken Arm in Sling” - Snapshot, c. 1920s

"Woman- She needs no eulogy, she speaks for herself." - H. H. Tammen postcard, c. 1906.