I have learned the value of creating art to communicate with my own soul as much as to 'speak' to others. This past few weeks have brought me face to face with echoes of the past, and i can deny the effects or make art to convey the feelings. These two altered books are for very different feelings, shaken by two very different people in my life.

'Soldier?' is for you Micha.. & 'Echoes', for Vas

The two works in progress...

'Soldier?'
I found the shell cases on the beach. They were just waiting for me to know where to use them! One is set behind glass.
The door in the book cover is to be returned but wont fully close.
The comment is on the effects of 'combat stress' on the soldier once he/she leaves active service. I have 'met' these difficulties in professional life, but more so in a couple of friends who carry more than physical scars. I'm not convinced 'Ex-Soldier' is a term that really describes these special people.



Waiting for text to be transferred from the main book & inking in.

Text & inked


Horror of horrors.. the book went 'missing' so i had to beg new shells from the most unlikely of places.. but artists have ways and means..
thanks to an old guy named Trev, i was able to remake the book.. heres markII in progress



'Echoes'
This is a tiny book which is about to be set into a clear acrylic box and sealed shut.
The Physics text is relevent.




The book is suspended, wrapped in a twist of barbed wire. The acrylic box is fused shut & will remain so.




There is an addition of a diagramatic heart. The symbolism of emotion attached to the image although it remains as a scientific drawing, not the stylised 'love' heart it has the potential to be.