Both Excited And Humbled

For better or worse, at least for the time during which they come to our school, I am a significant influence in the lives of children, and through them, their families. This is true for every early childhood educator. I think of it as a sacred responsibility, one that awes and overwhelms me when I stop to think about it, which I do quite often.

When it comes to rest of my life, however, I don't really think about the impact I'm having on others (my family excluded). Or rather, I think about it, but I don't hold it with any particular reverence. Perhaps I should, but it's hard to stay that focused all day long.

I've periodically shared here about my artistic endeavors: Carved Books, Carved Books Again, Even More Carved Books (And A Bonus Owl Photo!), Yet More Carved Books, Yet Again More Carved Books. 

Funk & Wagnall's, Lobate-Z

Vogue, December, 2008

Now We Are Six (A.A. Milne)

The Patchwork Girl of Oz (Baum)

Le francais partout 1

Leaves of Grass (Whitman)

(Here's the link to my online gallery if you're interested in looking at more.)

I've had some of the works on display in the North Seattle Community College library for the past couple months. My friend Elinor, a librarian at the college, told me awhile ago that an instructor had brought his class by to look at my work. I was flattered, but thought nothing more about it until I recently learned that the entire class used my work as a jumping off point for creating altered book art of their own, which are now displayed in alongside mine.

They will remain on display with my work until at least May 3 when there will be a reception to show off their art as well as to recognize me.  I'm both excited and humbled. And I'm more than a little bit staggered to think my artwork inspired others. I can't wait to get up there to check them out. They look amazing.