My mailbox exploded

Today, my mailbox exploded--with color, texture, amazing creativity, brilliant hues, mindfulness, incredible thoughtfulness--art from readers of 37days who were assigned random essays to illustrate.

Oh, my, what an incredibly generous group of people--and what artists! I am simply overwhelmed and so touched and amazed by the generosity of all of them. The diversity of the approaches and images is just thrilling.

Thirty-seven of them will be chosen by the publisher to illustrate the 37 essays that will be in my upcoming book--and I'll be creating a poster using all of the pieces submitted. Right after I sleep for 13 or 17 or 43 days after this manuscript is turned in.

One of the artists, Jennifer Krentz, wrote earlier today to say that while she had signed up to illustrate four essays, she would be sending five pieces of art: "My 11-year-old daughter, Callie, was so intrigued with the project that she did one on her own." Callie's interpretation of my essay, Wear pink glasses, illustrates this post. What a wonderful treat--I just love that she did this. And I love her interpretation of the essay! Fantastic! (Click on the image to enlarge it so you can see the great detail)

Her artwork reminds me of a statement by Picasso: "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." We get self-conscious and worried and stunted and unsure as we age, don't we, right out of our art. Which is all the more reason that I'm thrilled by the art that exploded into my mailbox today, and for the past ten days--people who created that art pondered the meaning they took from a story, rolled it around in their heads, and watched as that pondering translated right down their arms into their hands, onto computer screens, and in collages, and crochet, and oil paintings, and sewing, and beyond. Some of those participating have posted their cards on Flickr, in case you'd like to take a peek. Others have written about their contributions on their own blogs... the back-story of the cards is so fascinating--what was the artist responding to? what was their process?

So, dear Callie. Yours is a reminder that we are all artists. My thanks to you for that. And all the artists who participated in this 37days Challenge Cards project are a reminder of the power of generosity and love and mindfulness. I am simply in awe of each one of you.

Comments

[Talia]

This is absolutely beautiful!

Take care with all your hard work, I hope it gets done soon for you!

[dan]

Just beautiful!!!!

For her to do all the iterations to reach the perfect one...

Thank you, Callie!

[Cindy]

Thanks, Callie, that's one great illustration! And thanks to you, Patti, for linking to my website in your post. Imagine my surprise! Sleep for your 43 (37?) days then wake up, ready to go on to the next fabulous thing. I can't wait to own one of the posters!

[Jennifer]

Patti- thank you so much for your generosity. You made a young girl's first attempt at submitting artwork such a wonderful experience.

As for me... well, I learned that this one had little to do with the actual artwork, but rather had to do with so much more... the artwork was just a lure
that got me to take a look at some other things I might have missed. :)

[Marilyn]

Callie's drawing is delightful. I'm utterly agog at the beauty in that Flickr pool...WOW. That's going to be SOME book. It kind of gave me chills to look at all of those card images and think how extraordinary it is that you've taken something so personal--your thoughts and words--and simultaneously made it a collective work. It's really wonderful.

[Callie]

Thank you!

[grace with ease, T]

My 18 year old son Hanz and I worked side by side encouraging each others work. That is just one of many gifts from the Challenge Card contribution. He also sat still and ! read ! essay after essay!
We now have an appreciation of 37 days in common.
We're looking forward to the book.
Thank you Patti.

[leah]

what a wonderful project this was. i loved re-reading some of your wonderful essays, sketching and painting out ideas for them and seeing what others created. so much fun!

and oh my, i just love callie's interpretation of your essay! it's perfect!

[Kikipotamus the Hobo]

What absolutely divine and juicy illustrations. They each provide such a delicious teaser for the essays. Now I have to buy the book.

[Viv McWaters]

Hi Patti
I'm thankful for the universe that connected us and I'm loving following your 37 Days book project. The illustrations gave me goose bumps. I'm tempted to read all of your essays right now - but will wait for the book and savour every moment, in anticipation of curling up on my couch with your wonderful words and the fantastic illustrations - and maybe a glass or two of red to wash them down.
Cheers
Viv

[Nina]

Patti - this was such a gift! Thank you for the opportunity to be part of a team of such gracious and gifted artists. I was so touched by the kindness, encouragement, and support that each artist gave to one another. And I agree . . . . this was about so much more than the art work. I know that we all learned so much about ourselves, and through the wisdom of your words we have all experienced a personal treasure. Thanks so much, looking forward to the final vision that has included this small community. Nina

[Sally]

Have you thought of doing a deck of cards?

You could be the queen of hearts.

[dan]

Looking at that photostream on Fickr each day is such a cool experience...

Thank you, Patti!

[Nancy Bea]

Oh, this is charming...and what a fun challenge. I wish I'd known about it, and participated, but I am new to you.

I love the pink glasses idea, but mine are cute too: lime green with with ladybugs! ;->

[Donna (kygirl)]

I just had a chance to view the slide show in the Flickr gallery, and I am completely floored by the talent of your readers. But I have to say that Callie's work is extra special. I'll be looking for pink sunglasses when summer returns.