This piece was my first collage in January of 2019. I completed it on the heels of the Lantern Sketch, still thoroughly inspired by the beauty, color and lanterns of HoiAn, Vietnam. I was completely mesmerized by the sheer volume of vibrant lanterns strung everywhere, as integrated and organic to the environment as wildflowers. The capture of lanterns in my sketchbook represents the first fledgling steps towards a long-anticipated return to creating art. Dipping in to my art supplies again was restorative and meditative. My intent is to tell a story not only with my images, but also to correlate them with the materials used. I have collected my materials over the span of many years and each piece is a little personal tapestry of sorts. This one speaks to inspiration, hope, enlightenment and bridging two worlds as we stared down our return to the U.S. after five years overseas in Europe and Asia.

The materials used include:

My college sketchbook
Decorative Korean wrapping paper
Decorative papers gifted to me approximately 9 years ago
An old Christmas card
A certificate folder
Extra Christmas ornament strings from Korea

• Subject Matter: Lanterns