Asemic Red(s) - from Karen Champlin

[Marie Wintzer]

Valentine's day brought me a fantastic package from Karen. A package that has been through a lot! If Karen voluntarily aged and dirtied the envelope, great job, because it looks very real! If on the other hand it is the work of the postal system I demand apologies! :-) I mean, how did they manage to poke a hole through it? (those damn holes are following me alright...).

 

 

The first card is part of the Red Asemic series, which I have been admiring for a while on Karen's blog. Asemics is like the island I will never reach. I so want to take it up, made several attempts but it's just not there. That's why it's so nice to receive such work. 

 

To me, what Karen is doing is to create a new language with pieces of an old one and sprinkles of her own symbols. I can see that in the second piece in particular, with the use of a table of symbols (I didn't recognize it, is it an alphabet? I should probably know...). I like the black stamped symbol a lot, it looks like a styled gate of a japanese shrine.
You found a winning formula, Karen, thank you for sending these two beautiful pieces.

 

[Karen Champlin]

Thank you Marie.  Looks like it went on an adventure!  I believe we all have asemics in us.  I encourage all to let them out.  Mine came out in 5th grade.  I got in big trouble for writing my name in "my alphabet".  I think if you get a big sketchbook with a large variety of writing tools, you may be delighted  in what occurs.  That's the old art teacher in me talking.  I can't help myself.

[cheryl penn]

Lucky you Sweet Pea H.S. x

[De Villo Sloan]

Wonderful blog of Karen's work. Very thoughtful commentary. I love the asemic red and the more "classic" KC pieces toward the bottom too. The Champ in all of her glory. TY!