If you could ever embark on a creative journey to lighten your spirit and carry you on a wave of creative exploration and discovery, this would be it!
One of our customers, Kathleen Anne, was looking to expand her creativity and find some healing through art when a friend mentioned a workshop that literally changed her life. The workshop, titled “Standing on the Edges”, was held at the art center, Moon Over Water Gallery & Artisan Market, and was designed to immerse the attendee in different techniques over a period of 10 months. The result was a powerful healing experience that produced a gorgeous art book titled “The Edges.” It just begs you to dive in and absorb the textures, colors, inspirational quotes and messages. Kathleen Anne embellished the book with natural feathers, stencils, beads, charms, her illustrations and beautifully painted designs. She also used Color Crazy’s hand-dyed fabric strips to accent her book with vibrant colors and to add texture.
The Book Had to Travel
I had been wanting to write a customer story on Kathleen for some time. The challenge was acquiring photos of her beautiful art book. She didn’t have the right camera or phone to take photos, so I put it on the back burner for a bit. When I reached out again, I was astounded when she agreed to ship me the book so I could photograph it! I was also scared to death of being responsible for this priceless creation. I wouldn’t know what to do if anything happened to the book. Thankfully the book arrived carefully packaged and I was able to return it safely.
When it arrived, I slowly unraveled the careful packaging, and when it was finally unveiled, I was just floored. The amount of texture, color, gorgeous, detailed creativity was stunning. This resulted in a fun photo shoot. I couldn’t stop photographing every page from every angle, and I was delighted to see how she had used our Color Crazy fabric strips to accent the book’s pages.
Symbolism and Motivational Words
After absorbing these beautiful pages and messaging, I discovered that the production of this work of art was a journey. It takes the creator through different phases of creativity and in the process uncovers beautiful truths that unveil and renew perspectives on kindness, gratefulness, curiosity, and mindfulness. Each section moves the creator and the viewer to grow through the experience and open up to new possibilities in a creative life. It was also a book chock full of meaningful words and reminders, quotes from authors and philosophers, musical lyrics, poetry, and cultural proverbs.
Sections of Intricate Crafting
The sections in the book are titled: Peace and Hope, Tapestry of Life, Gratitude, Living a Creative Life, Edges of Curiosity, Life’s Tapestry, Heart Truths, See Your Edges, and Release Your Dragons. I was captivated. I noticed that appropriately, beautiful feathers–natural and also meticulously hand crafted and painted–are a motif throughout. Kathleen mentioned that this was a requirement of the class: to include a feather design in each section. Feathers can symbolize respect, healing, freedom, spiritual connection, and resilience in different cultures. I just had to hear all about the creative process.
The Interview
Below I share more of what Kathleen had to say when we got down to discussing the experience of producing this magical book.
Thanks for sharing with us Kathleen. I love the theme of this book and the idea that you are meant to explore creative edges. You describe the experience of creating this book as a breakthrough for you. Can you share more?
Yes, it was a healing experience that made me dig deeper into myself. I learned so many new techniques–from painting and drawing to stenciling–so it was also a learning experience. It really opened up my creativity.
What do you mean by a healing experience?
It was so freeing. Really made me appreciate the value of adding varying colors, pattern and textures, elements that symbolize different things, but also to get over the fear of creating–especially painting. I was able to let go of inhibitions. It was amazing. Now I paint every day and I sketch and it makes me so happy.
The quotes in this book are beautiful and inspirational, some very moving. What was it like as you researched and chose these for each section of the book?
It was always like a treasure hunt and a joy to discover new quotes and inspiring words to use. They also helped me to be more creative in a way, to choose how to include them. Each was very special and symbolic for me. This was part of the creative process.
There are so many layers of creativity in these pages. Can you describe the creative techniques you use? Were some completely new to you?
They were all new to me–from the beginning when we were tearing pages and painting them, learning how to mix the paint, and learning to stencil! It was quite the adventure.
Living a Creative Life
If you could single out a favorite part or section of creating these pages, what would it be?
It would have to be the creative section titled “Living a Creative Life”. I really opened up when creating this section. Allowing myself to be more vulnerable during this class opened me up to a path of creativity I didn’t know existed for me. That’s when I painted the Indian Headdress. Another interesting thing is that the last section ended up being “Release Your Dragons.” This was a section I had finished far in advance of the completion of the book and I didn’t know where to fit it in. It wasn’t until the very last class when we were supposed to paint the front and the back of the book that I just knew–it belonged at the end because it really put it all in perspective.
Do you think readers could try a version of this at home? If so, what would you recommend?
Yes, I think so! The techniques that I learned I didn’t know before. If readers have the knowledge or are willing to learn, it’s completely possible. Readers could create their own themes–a celebration of life, or a book about turning within and learning art. They can make it their own. You just need to acquire some basic art supplies. I used 140 lb. watercolor paper, binder rings, acrylic paints, and stencils. A hole punch and glue will be needed, and then you attach the fabric strips after the book is bound. It helps hold the front and back better–like a binding. It’s the last thing you do.”
I love that the last page of the book shows an image jumping into the light. What a beautiful way to symbolize this creative journey because it was really just the beginning.
Yes, that’s right. This book gave me the confidence to want to explore art at a deeper level both inside of myself and outside–like an inside and an outside job. I just finished taking a painting class and the instructor poses the question “how does it feel?” I feel art does speak to you. Just like working on these pages did.
That’s really beautiful. Thanks again for sharing with us Kathleen!
An Experience that Stays with You…
Being able to page through this book and absorb the imagery and messaging was like reading poetry that stays with you. Touching and memorable excerpts like the one above from the celebrated children’s book, The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams, and lyrics from Lennon/McCartney–these are a few standouts from the book, including the following quotes and proverbs I just have to highlight as we wrap this inspiring customer story. In the section titled Life’s Tapestry, Kathleen includes a favorite proverb:
I will not rescue you…For you are not powerless. I will not fix you…For you are not broken. I will not heal you…For I see you in your wholeness. I will walk with you through the darkness as you remember your light. Medicine Woman’s Prayer
And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. Lennon-McCartney
I also love the last section titled “Release Your Dragons.” There is something so empowering about the imagery of the dragon and the messaging that wraps it up. This book was completed in 2024, the Year of the Dragon.
About the Workshop
The workshop titled “Standing on the Edge of Life” was designed by owners of Moon Over Water Gallery, twin sisters Sharen Chatterton and Karen Rester. They set out on a mission to create a series of classes that would push attendees to explore their creativity and that poses the question “What if we are meant to go over the edges in life and explore things that fill us up and make us whole?” The sisters ended up creating a ten-month deep and thorough exploration of creative energy. They prompted attendees to bring out what was relevant in their lives as they wrote, painted, sketched, drew, stenciled and accented their creations. Sharen and Karen plan to hold another “Standing on the Edge of Life” workshop so stay tuned to their website.
“Sharen and I believe in Art and the Artist who creates it. Art can exist forever; and with this longevity, so may we. We believe in dreams, in seeing those dreams come to life, in whatever medium you choose to express them.”
Resources and Supplies to Explore Your Own Creative Edges
