Visual Journey 87

At the Turning of the Year

This past week has been one of rest, reflection — and the joy of finishing an accordion-fold book. As I worked, I kept circling around this question: Where in my life is something quietly gestating, asking for patience rather than pushing? And what would it look like to protect that space this winter?

Those questions became a kind of journal prompt and a guide for the process — an invitation into more intuitive, surrendered painting, allowing the images to arrive rather than forcing them.

We are not separate from the story we are making.

Joy Harjo

I pieced the book together from scraps of book board, layered watercolor paper over the top, and sealed it with archival glue. The “windows” are little cutouts revealing layers of linoleum and gelli plate prints beneath, with watercolor birds collaged on top.

Each panel feels distinct, yet the fold gives the whole piece a beautiful sense of movement. I’ve been playing with some new Daniel Smith watercolors that have a soft, iridescent shimmer, along with Saunders Waterford paper. I usually work on Arches or Fabriano cold press, but this change has been refreshing — and I highly recommend both. They pair especially well with M. Graham’s honey-based watercolors.

Now, as winter begins and the days draw inward, I’m grateful for these quiet moments of making — little windows of brightness stitched into the season. May this turning toward January bring you time to create, to listen, and to follow what wants to unfold. Wishing you a tender beginning to the new year, filled with warmth, curiosity, and sparks of inspiration.

In love, light and creativity,

~Char