After I made my customised book cover at the fabulous Lisa Stickley workshop at Hope & Elvis, a little story began to formulate in my head...
(Thanks Louise from Hope & Elvis for taking this photo.)
This collaged lady is hidden inside the book...
On one side of the book there is the circus horse, and on the other side is his 'shadow'.
The elements of this little piece had no forward planning, and evolved because of the beautiful materials available in the Hope & Elvis studio and the inspirational techniques and encouragement given by Lisa Stickley.
The Circus Horse.
There was once a magical circus that travelled far and wide.
The performers would amaze the audiences with their skill and daring.
One night, Miss Aurora, the horse riding ballerina, fell in love with a young farm-hand in the audience.
They would meet secretly after the shows, and they vowed to elope the very next night before the circus had to leave town.
However, Miss Aurora's father, the Ringmaster, heard of his daughter's plans and made the circus leave that very morning.
Miss Aurora's trusty horse escaped with a note tucked into his mane.
'Giddy up. Giddy up'
Aurora whispered in his ear before he set off.
But the journey was far and the horse became tired, and he knew it was his time to sleep in the heavens.
And as he closed his eyes he turned into a shimmering constellation of stars.
The young farm-hand saw the message in the sky and he found Aurora.
And very soon they were wed in a midnight ceremony illuminated by the circus horse up above.
X
Ahhhhhh sad but also lovely and a happy-end ;-)
ReplyDeleteYES loved that old rocking horse !
thank you so much Els.
DeleteIm always a bit nervous when i post my stories x
Awww💖
ReplyDeleteThanks chuck xxx
Deletethat's lovely and I think a workshop that still inspires you long after you have left the class is very special.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very special day indeed x
DeleteSo lovely, I love the dear little horse x
ReplyDeleteThank you chuck, he really did steal my heart x
DeleteI've been reading your blog for some time now, and I just gotta say: your art and your words move me. I get so much inspiration from all of your collages and assemblages, but this one, along with its story, is something else. I feel the same way as when reading fables and mythology as a child. A happy tingle and some really hurtful heartache at the same time. I love it very very much.
ReplyDeleteAwwww Alicia, thank you for such a lovely, lovely comment.
DeleteI can't tell you how much that means to me.
xxx