Written By Karina
Feb. 26, 2022, 11:38 p.m.(3/9/1017 AR)
I've just returned to Arx and I've already made some new friends. I also have been commissioned for a few pieces as well. Muse of Mourning has also seen a rise in visitors and purchases of my artwork. Sometimes I find myself pouring over my work. I really should get out more.
Written By Karina
Nov. 1, 2019, 2:15 a.m.(2/13/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincenzo
I have long believed that there's beauty to be found in the broken and the damned, but beauty is not all that art encompasses. An artist has the unique ability to share their perception of the world, even shape the perception of others, and I find truth the more captivating component of any work; the most important color on the palette next to the very soul. It can be in plain sight, an allusion or a symbol buried in the paint, but it's always there waiting to be discovered.
I felt the need to express this after reading an earlier proclamation from Vincenzo, which concluded with, "Art doesn't bring beauty to the world when stained with the revolting bondage of living souls." He was likely speaking more literally regarding certain fabrics rather than the art I'm more familiar with, but the words stuck with me. I admire the spirit of what he's trying to achieve, yet disagree with the method of painting an entire people with one brush and one color. Perhaps a time will come when I'm welcome at Pins and Needles due to the merit of my individual beliefs, not turned away because of my heritage.
My own studio, the Muse of Mourning, remains open to him. I can attest that the only strife involved in the making of those paintings is my own and not borne on the backs of others. Maybe something in them will speak to him in a way words cannot. Afterall, I'm an artist. Not an orator.
I felt the need to express this after reading an earlier proclamation from Vincenzo, which concluded with, "Art doesn't bring beauty to the world when stained with the revolting bondage of living souls." He was likely speaking more literally regarding certain fabrics rather than the art I'm more familiar with, but the words stuck with me. I admire the spirit of what he's trying to achieve, yet disagree with the method of painting an entire people with one brush and one color. Perhaps a time will come when I'm welcome at Pins and Needles due to the merit of my individual beliefs, not turned away because of my heritage.
My own studio, the Muse of Mourning, remains open to him. I can attest that the only strife involved in the making of those paintings is my own and not borne on the backs of others. Maybe something in them will speak to him in a way words cannot. Afterall, I'm an artist. Not an orator.
Written By Karina
Oct. 15, 2019, 2:42 a.m.(1/7/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Severine
It's that time of year again. Snows pile, winds chill, lakes freeze... and thoughts turn to my absent sister as her birthday fast approaches. These words are for her, if ever she finds her way to them.
Severine, though four years have passed since you and I last saw hide or hair of one another, I won't accept that you're gone. There's no price I wouldn't pay for you to prove as much to me. A letter, a scribble in the whites, even just something you've sewn that tells me you're well. That you're happy.
There are things I want to tell you that don't belong on these pages, but suffice to say there are times when the warmth of a sister is needed and I long for mine. At the risk of sounding too much like mother: know your worth, wherever you may be, and don't settle for less than you deserve. It's a good deal more than you may expect. Please be safe.
Severine, though four years have passed since you and I last saw hide or hair of one another, I won't accept that you're gone. There's no price I wouldn't pay for you to prove as much to me. A letter, a scribble in the whites, even just something you've sewn that tells me you're well. That you're happy.
There are things I want to tell you that don't belong on these pages, but suffice to say there are times when the warmth of a sister is needed and I long for mine. At the risk of sounding too much like mother: know your worth, wherever you may be, and don't settle for less than you deserve. It's a good deal more than you may expect. Please be safe.
Written By Karina
Oct. 1, 2019, 7:17 p.m.(12/9/1011 AR)
What a storm of a week it's been. The kind where you can't help rush to the ship's fore and embrace the wind whipping in your hair. My studio opened to the reception of some truly generous patrons of the arts, and great company besides. I'm so appreciative to those who came, whether they did so for stories or for art. If I could complete a composition in the time it took for them to be lifted from my gallery, I might actually have to worry about running out of concepts. As it is, for every one committed to canvas, three more seem to sprout up.
An unexpected slew of commissions has given me plenty to do, including a rendering of the winning story told by 'Ras the Great and Powerful' at the studio's opening contest. Its now sits in the gallery awaiting his scrutiny. It will be enough just to hear whether or not I did justice to the vision in his own mind.
An unexpected slew of commissions has given me plenty to do, including a rendering of the winning story told by 'Ras the Great and Powerful' at the studio's opening contest. Its now sits in the gallery awaiting his scrutiny. It will be enough just to hear whether or not I did justice to the vision in his own mind.
Written By Karina
Sept. 20, 2019, 8:14 p.m.(11/14/1011 AR)
My familiarity with Arx hasn't yet blossomed, though I study every new street like a volunteer to be painted. Looking long enough, the roads start to look like veins. They lead to a heart - the eclectic blend of cultures and creeds that take on a life of their own here. Sounds and smells are unique in every district and there are times it makes my head spin... I like it.
My cousin and his wife, Duke and Duchess Grimhall, along with a handful of their allies, made me feel most welcome when I attended the family dinner last night, for which I'm grateful. Much later, that made my head spin as well, but was more the blame of rum than conversation.
Lady Sanya and Valdemar spoke of Uncle Harald's famed stories, which I've been recalling pieces of all day, and it's hard not to smile at those memories. I always admired his dry humor - much to my mother's exasperation. None should underestimate Aunt Anneke's stories of the man himself, either. She can paint him in a hundred colors and love him in every single one. I wish I'd had the chance to see him again. He'd be proud of what his children have weathered to stand where they are.
That's enough words for now. So many images in my mind. It's time to get to work.
My cousin and his wife, Duke and Duchess Grimhall, along with a handful of their allies, made me feel most welcome when I attended the family dinner last night, for which I'm grateful. Much later, that made my head spin as well, but was more the blame of rum than conversation.
Lady Sanya and Valdemar spoke of Uncle Harald's famed stories, which I've been recalling pieces of all day, and it's hard not to smile at those memories. I always admired his dry humor - much to my mother's exasperation. None should underestimate Aunt Anneke's stories of the man himself, either. She can paint him in a hundred colors and love him in every single one. I wish I'd had the chance to see him again. He'd be proud of what his children have weathered to stand where they are.
That's enough words for now. So many images in my mind. It's time to get to work.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.