Which Way Should I Go . . . ?

"Which Way Should I Go?" ●  

"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?" asked Alice.

"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat.

"I don't much care where –" said Alice

"Then it doesn't matter which way you go," said the Cat.

Alice – "so long as I get somewhere,"

"Oh, you're sure to do that," said the Cat, if you only walk long enough."

These words from Lewis Carroll's, Alice in Wonderland have always resonated with me.  Maybe it's because I have always been a planner and a goal setter.

Every time I read this quote I am reminded of the reason why I set goals and make plans . . . Simply because I don't want to find myself 'getting somewhere' where I don't want to be . . . 

How about you? Are you a planner and a goal setter?

A rustic hinged wooden box is covered in iconic Da Vinci images, including Mona Lisa on the front and a fallen angel on the back, Inside are vintage text and an image of Alice, appearing to ask Cheshire Cat for directions (note the cat's tail extends past the top of the box). Porcelain drawer pulls for feet, and a brass pull on top. 

Altered Alice

"Altered Alice" ●

The Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (MarinMOCA) is having their Altered Book Show/Auction in Novato, California. This year’s show will run from April 21 through May 26, 150 artists from all over the Bay Area will  create an altered book to be auctioned off to benefit Marin MOCA.

The silent auction will run for five weeks and conclude with a rousing live auction closing party. While all proceeds go to the museum, it is a terrific opportunity for an artist to have their work shown at Marin MOCA and to join with other artists in helping to increase public awareness and interest in the book arts.

Once again, Donna Seager of the Seager Gray Gallery  in Mill Valley will give a talk at the opening and will also select the “top three” award winners along with some honorable mentions. All very exciting. I feel honored to be a part of it..

This is the piece I made for this show.. It is made from a vintage and very tattered copy of "Alice In Wonderland", a book that had the appearance and wear of a book that had been enjoyed by many, over many, many years.

The mannequin head is set on a ½” thick machine gear found in my 'stash' of stuff.  Both are anchored on a wooden platform, that was formally part of a lamp. The wooden platform is covered with text and acrylic skins made from illustrations taken from the book. She is adored with clock parts from a Howard Miller mantle clock that was, not long ago destined for the landfill. Gears for ears and a gear hat. The neck embellishment is the clock's main spring, it is attached in such a way that it adds a kinetic element to the piece. She is beautiful!