I travelled to San Francisco in May and wasn't able to publish my May selection by David Mitchell The Cloud Atlas. My June book review is Moloka'i by Alan Brennert. The book is read and the art interpretation is nearly completed...and will be shared soon.
 |
| I created layers around the Warrior (cave painting, India) that was on this altered book page
The Cloud Atlas (2004) contains 509 pages using six interrelated novellas to tell the story of life's trials and tribulations during different periods of time (1849, 1936, 1973, 2012, 2194, & 2349). These novellas seem to be written by six independent authors. It appears Mitchell's job was to weave the stories together with six colored fibers and create a detailed interconnected tapestry. The message of this creation is:
"Everyone is connected--even the smallest things or actions from the past/present can impact someone in the future."
|
 |
| I photographed these clouds, added the map/atlas & photo of Mauna Kea observatories |
At times this was a frustrating read...Mitchell would cut the story off in mid sentence and continue on to another time period. I took notes and drew diagrams to try and decipher the messages and relationships. The only clue woven through all time periods was a birth mark shaped like a comet on the shoulder & collarbone of one of the characters. This was and endless cycle of birth, life, death & rebirth and at times I wanted to throw this one across the room...I persevered out of curiosity on how this tapestry would look when all was said and done. Overall, I'm happy to say that my perseverance won out...the tapestry was thought-provoking...we are all connected...we are one.
 |
| O'ahu Cloud Photos Distressed & Layered |
 |
| "One Drop in the Limitless Ocean" |
I did not see the movie adaptation of Cloud Atlas with Tom Hanks, et al., however after reading the book, I'll get the DVD...the costumes and set design alone will be outstanding,
I think!
Overall rating:
3 out of 5
The Hawaiian phrase for this month's selection is:
kūkulu ka ʻike
i ka ʻōpua
Knowledge is built in cloud billows
(clouds were observed for signs)
We journey to Moloka'i for June and then on to India in 1922 for Barbara Cleverly's
The Palace Tiger...
Now please surf on over to Darcy and all the Creative Ones at art-and-sole.blogspot.com
Aloha and Mahalo Nui Loa.
x
I enjoyed your report, Lei...I do believe that all we are and all we do affects others...we are all connected in one way or another. Sounds like a good read and I found the art associated with the book worthy of examination! Really interesting art!!!
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed your altered book spread. It reinforced the threads of the book that wove each person's story together and how each story was intertwined. This was an enjoyable book review that makes me want to find this book. I'm so glad you rated this book better than average.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant artwork; beautifully laid out with the interconnections of the timelines using the compass rose. I love how you used the clouds, the ocean, the observatories and the antiquated map in your altered book pages. The clouds and the ocean have water in common as they cycle over and over again....it sounds like the story may pattern the the water cycle as the characters lived out their life cycles. I have Cloud Atlas in my massive collection of books and started to read it while I waited for another book to be returned to me...thank you for your insight into it. I am looking forward to getting back to it, especially now that you explained the framework of this book. I love the quotes you used. Thank you for the great review and gorgeous art.
ReplyDeleteThis is a superb review of a fantastic novel! I read and loved 'Cloud Atlas' but I don't think I would be able to review as well as you have here. Your art work is stupendous. It really goes so well with this novel. I loved it. It would grace any gallery wall. Julie Ann xx
ReplyDeleteSo glad you made it back this month, I really enjoy your artwork :D It seems we are all fated to review at least one book that makes us stronger lol. I love the Hawaiian phrase too, as I love to watch the clouds as they pass my kitchen window and wonder what they are trying to share with me :D XXX
ReplyDeleteI haven't read The Cloud Atlas but someone else recommended it. And your sharp art makes me want to pick it up.
ReplyDeleteBefore we get going with the book, I need to gush about your art - I LOVE your collage! I could look at it all day! My eldest son has read this book and loved it, and has been strongly urging me to read it, which I will one day soon. I haven't seen the movie either, but would rather wait until after reading the book.
ReplyDeleteWonderful art work, so much to look at and such depth, fabulous. The book sounds like quite hard going even if worth it. Well done for persevering.
ReplyDeleteJen x
First your Art work. It's a beautiful representation of the book. Let me tell you I also read the book, was glad to get to the end and understand some things but was totally confused by the to & fro and also very frustrated as I longed to know what happened to the young man at sea and then, the musician. I can promise you, you will love the film and all will become much, MUCH CLEARER with the visual help and as you suspect beautiful scenes Dxx
ReplyDeleteYour altered book page is wonderful, a sight for sore eyes! Such a lot to look at and I love the compass theme. Full marks for perserverance and finishing the book. Brilliant work.
ReplyDeleteJanet xx
I love your Art-work! It's stunning! ♥
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I would have kept reading a book I didn't like... Thumbs up for finishing!
Your art came up while I was searching images of Atlas for reference. I am blown away at what you're doing... Would you be willing to talk about theory and technique sometime? I am just getting in to mixed media and I envy how detailed and put together your pieces are. Some of my work is on my blog at moshastewart.blogspot.com. trade emails or some such contact info?
ReplyDeleteThis is very GOD
ReplyDeleteOMG !!!!
woow