The story behind my latest is simply that I fell inlove with a city from a distance. My parents enjoyed a return trip to Prague a month ago, and while they were away I began work on this lantern. How could the City of One Hundred Spires not evoke inspiration?
I looked up many many photos of the various spired structures in the city. Some were too simple. Some were far too complicated. Others were just right.
I drew my favourites.
I cut them out with as much detail as I dared. (Going too far leads to rips and tears.) I then painted them black with India Ink.
Next: Colour and mood. We have all heard about the power light has to affect our mood. Warm and cold ends of the spectrums. Soft blending versus bold contrast. . . The colours I choose, decide how the light will filter through, and changes the whole tone of the lantern. I wanted a sunrise. It seemed a challenge. The boldness of dusky oranges and reds would take away from all of the detail of the rooftops. And I wanted the light to be calming.
I finished it -- and then I gave it away to someone I love who is leaving me for awhile. I know she'll appreciate the ability to call up a sunrise with the strike of a match whenever she needs one.
