And it's the book that made me realise, as a teenager in Australia, that there was a world out there to explore. I was a traveller of the mind, of knowledge, but I was yet to venture into physical travel. No one I knew did it or thought about it. Eventually, I packed up my old Datsun and I left Sydney, and I was never the same again.
Ode to Kerouac
8x10"
mixed media
This piece took me a month to complete. It incorporates sewing of all things! Because I'm not a sewer. And have no idea why it popped into my head. But I wanted the lines to be texture and stand out and thread just called to me. The text is all from one page of On the Road.
I'm a sorry-*ss art photographer, but there we are.
Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me,
as is ever so on the road.
Jack Kerouac, On the Road
I didn’t read the book but after what you said I have to do it and I love the piece that you did, so very pretty and I can believe you sew all of that, sounds like hard work, anyway it paid off because the result is awesome! Your blog is lovely and I'm a new follower! Hope you'll like my blog and follow back!
ReplyDeletePop Culture&Fashion Magic
That is beautiful Monica!
ReplyDeleteI've only browsed through that book in bookshops but now it's time to buy it and read, right?
PS. Dongle internet connection?!! They should give you a medal!
I love it. the book, and your art!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your 'essence', the texture stands out perfectly, a memory of the past and a road to now!
ReplyDeleteLove Sue x
I think your photos are perfectly fine! Good for you going travelling when no-one around you was doing it too. It takes some guts to do that. These creations are lovely.xx
ReplyDeletelove the texturey marvelousness of this...
ReplyDeletei read that book yonks ago, i shall have to rummage it out of the bookshelf and put it on my to-read-again pile...
xo
This is a breath of fresh air. Gorgeous! And the Kerouac quote, exactly what I needed to read this morning.
ReplyDeleteAlita
The piece is beautiful! I love the textures. And, since when are you a sorry-ass photographer? I think everyone will disagree
ReplyDeleteSomeday I'll be able to live my dream of traveling. Perhaps when the kids are grown and I don't have the responsibilities holding me back.
i love this monica. the artwork is beautiful just as much as the story behind it. you impress and inspire me endlessly. the quote is perfect.
ReplyDeletei also love "on the road". your piece is a great tribute, incorporating much of the same emotion and spirit as the book.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Monica and a permanent reminder of one of your favourite books and your journey in life.
ReplyDeletethanks so much everyone.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, just a sorry-*ss ART photographer. lol
Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love it when you share pieces about you :). I had to smile as I had a Datsun too, a black 200sx--boy does that take me back... On the Road was on the distant list... but has been bumped up--thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove the artwork... it's soulful, brimming with texture, and tells its own fascinating story about you!!
Wanderlust (big sigh). Sometimes just packing the kids up in the car and driving a few hours has to be enough...for now at least :).
xx oo
:) !!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteahhh ... I missed the "art" part. That what happens when I read too early in the morning and before I've had my coffee. :)
ReplyDeleteThe photos are beautiful, though.
That is such a precious piece. Plus it’s stuning!
ReplyDeletexo sandra
funny thing... i bought this book from a charity shop only recently... your art is inspiring : )
ReplyDeleteI love him too. He takes me out of my comfort zone and opens new vistas.
ReplyDeleteGreat sharing!
Wow...I am in LOVE! Such a great piece! I haven't yet read any Kerouac yet, but I think I just might have to!
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed by how you've taken apart a favorite something and reassembled it into another something - that will, in time I'm certain, be a favorite something! very very nice. happy day to you.
ReplyDeleteah, hello. i love this! : )
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful, Monica. And so much more so because of what it means to you. I've had this book on my shelf for a while but haven't read it yet. You've definitely bumped it up in line with this.
ReplyDeletewith any artwork, it's fascinating to find background about the artist + the motivation behind the work~ so i loved learning of your inspiration for it. i'm sitting here mesmerized by the movement + interesting texture of your piece...it's very beautiful!
ReplyDeletei've been pondering my next good read + i do believe i'm going to have to pick up some kerouac (which i've never read before). i've been itching to travel lately- it's been awhile once again- maybe reading it will throw some fuel into the fire...
i love this! not only because i adore kerouac's writing and everything to do with the beat generation but bc this piece is so different and personal. beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work. It's like there's a story in every detail.
ReplyDeleteyour spirit reminds me that Datsuns exist large enough for any age or personality.
ReplyDeleteyour art is something very special. everything you do here is art.
xo
erin
This piece is beautiful, complex, intriguing, inspiring and more. I just love it!
ReplyDeleteWonderful texture and I love how even though you are not a sewer, you followed the muse and did it anyway.
ReplyDeleteI just read On the Road not too long ago. Love your visualization!
ReplyDeleteAaaahhhhh!!!! What an excellent piece of artwork! It's truly awesome and ORIGINAL - I love it and YAY for you!
ReplyDeleteI love Kerouac's writing and I love that you read it as a teenager. (been pushing Dharma Bums towards my 15 year old daughter all summer.
You left home in a Datsun? lol - you are officially the coolest person that I've never met!!
(mine was a baby blue Chevette -lol)
Funny ...I am reading "On the road" now. I am a bit dissapointed with the book I must say. I love the texture in your piece. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteWhat a totally gorgeous piece. I love it as I love "on the road" & Kerouac. The texture and colors are captivating. Really great job.
ReplyDeleteYou should join the Book Club Bloggers for September - the pick is "On the Road"! I'd love to hear more about your love for this book.
ReplyDeleteMonica, this art piece is really fantastic. I'm always trying to think of ways to incorporate my favorite books into my home (outside their usual shelf). art inspired by ____ is a lovely idea.
ReplyDeleteLoved your art piece and am now pushing the book up the 'to read' pile - it has been about the middle of the pile for ages, probably years. Have also been enjoying reading your blog. All the best for 2012
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