Since I have been a quote collector my entire life, inspiration usually first strikes from art that some Wordsmith has crafted.  The words always have deeper meaning to me when it catches my attention: whether it would be inspiring; something I truly believe in; or a message I want to reach the world with; but regardless, it’s always something that connects to my core.

I then reach for the right tools for my drawing board.  They consist of pencil, pen, paper, ruler, compass, eraser, and clipboard.  This is important to me as it keeps my art Authentic.  I realized that there is a major shift towards Digital and A.I. art, and I understand what I use now would eventually be obsolete.  So I am attempting to keep the techniques Traditionally in some sense.  I hope the movement would help it stand the test of time.

Before I start designing, I map out how I want the quote to be displayed and divided up.  I try to make each of the three sections relatively equal in length, so the circle won’t appear lopsided in any way.  I also factor in how the quote reads, as word placement sometimes affect the overall FEEL of the message.  Adjustments are implemented with care.

I, then, hand draw every line, every letter, every word.  This portion of the work requires the most focus so I try to remove all distractions.  This process could take anywhere between 4 hours and 16 hours.  I have had a design take about 10 hours to create for this section, but should have really only taken me 4 hours because I messed up two different times.  And with every error or mistake, the entire design is ruined. I’ll have to scrap and start over.  There’s no erase function with pen and ink.

Once that portion is complete, it is time to decide what Shell I want to help hide the message.  Should I create it myself or should I collaborate?  I find myself leaning more towards collaborating, as it always invites great energy into the project.  I tend to find individuals to work alongside with who typically wants to leave something beautiful and inspirational behind for the Earth.  The ones who understand that Finance is not the only form of energy exchange, are the most dear ones.  It always makes it more precious to me to send them something wonderful when we do donate a design to a collector.  And whatever I receive, I always give more than I keep.

The entire process takes somewhere between 10  and 20 hours to complete.  The End goal has always been, to give more than we take.  I always had this vision of only creating and donating ten large canvases of each design.  After the first 9 is fulfilled by collectors, the final one would be uniquely made for, and retired at, a corresponding philanthropic organization. ie. if it is a design to encourage the battle against breast cancer, the tenth large canvas would be donated to a nonprofit breast cancer organization(s); designs for kids and teens would be donated to a children’s hospital or museum, etc. I can’t wait to witness how much inspiration and good energy will snowball from this concept, once it is allowed to be fully realized.