Into the Light - an adventure basking in kindness

Well it has been quite a while since I turned up on my blog. But, I have been busy with my Into the Light Artist book project. And some journey it has been.

The artist book will consists of a series of sheets, with on one side an image (art or nature) and quote by another writer; on the reverse an observation about living with chronic illness. This could be about daily reality, gratitude, art, society, independence, nature, stillness... All gathered in a box. More about this some other day!

Both sides of a sample sheet of Into the Light © Corina Duyn 2015

There is a awful lot more involved than just writing. There is also reading, note taking, finding the right quote, finding the right image, and that is all before editing and designing - and redesigning- and  more editing and fine tuning the pages. Box design... how to promote, where to launch...

Every time I think I have it all worked out another question arises... The latest being:

How to ask for permission to use quotes by other writers?

Will there be any cost involved?

Do I need permission when it is a limited edition artist book?

As it turned out yes you do need permission, even if it is just one line.
And rightly so. I would like to be asked too, if someone likes to use my writing!

A big adventure started by contacting many authors and publishers. I was fearful of huge costs, and lengthy waits. To my absolute delight, so far everybody who has replied to my request has given me permission, free of charge. My heartfelt thanks to everybody. 

And not only that, the goodwill towards my project is going way beyond that.  I received some amazing responses and encouragement from people I have never met, and probably never will.

Both sides of a sample sheet of Into the Light © Corina Duyn 2015

This into the light project is really that.  It is not just bringing the topic of the experience of living with chronic illness into the light, but in a beautiful way, I myself am reaching into the light, making contact with authors and artists I have admired for so long. Making contact with people all over the world.

When I started this project I found myself in a darker place.  My condition had deteriorated. I was more challenged again in my mobility, independence, and in my creative work.

Finding a way to do what I felt I needed to do is a huge blessing. I do not underestimate the power of art. The creative process.  Creativity is a lifeline.  It brings understanding. I learn. And I can share.

What a privilege.

The other forms of support have been to aid me in practical ways to my work.  Some of this has been supported through the rehab bursary. Friends have helped me with computer work; local graphic designer Dave Murphy,  has helped me to design the pages; friends are reading to spot any errors; staff at the IWA has helped me with my sculptures. Staff at Dechen Shying have been nurturing. The book most likely will be launched there first (September?).
Working with my mentor Grace Wells, has been absolutely invaluable. An acquaintance from years back, is supporting me to launch a crowd funding adventure and all other social media that comes with that. I have also been awarded a small publishing grant from Waterford City & Council Arts.

 I feel hugely privileged to have all the support.

 Thank you all!  My deepest gratitude.

The book is not finished yet, but it getting close.

Please come back for updates, or sign up for email notices.

An Author/Artist Facebook has created for me. Please 'like' it.

If you would like to support me, any proceeds from artwork or books sold will go towards the publication cost of Into the Light.


With every best wish

Corina

this project has been supported by

Thanks for your visit ... if you think this Blog deserves to make a presence anywhere else, 

please feel free to link it on your page. Thank you!

Recent art works by Corina Duyn

I decided to compile a page with links to blog pages with images of my art works, 

most of them created during the past five years.

Some are available for sale.

The proceeds of sales will go towards the printing of "into the light" 

many thanks for your visit and support

Corina

Books are available here 

to contact me with any question regarding my art, please click here

See here for the images of sculptures created between 2010-2013, exhibited at the

2012 'Seeders' Exhibition at the Old Market House Art Centre, Dungarvan

See here for "Re-emerging" sculptures

See here for tapestries

See here for images of "Twenty Minute Bird"

See here for images and details of "Out of the Box"

See here for images and details of "Aerial"

See here for images of "Wisdom"

ps. As I no longer have a Facebook or Twitter account (find it all too confusing...) but you think this Blog deserves to make a presence there, please feel free to link it on your page. Thank you!

Wisdom

My latest sculpture.
Three months in the making. Twenty minutes at the time. It still all adds up to a finished art work!

I call her "Wisdom".
Grounded.
Letting go.

"Wisdom" Sculpture. 74x46x18cm. © Corina Duyn 2015

"Wisdom" Sculpture. 74x46x18cm. © Corina Duyn 2015

"Wisdom" (detail) Sculpture. © Corina Duyn 2015

"Wisdom" (detail) Sculpture. © Corina Duyn 2015

"Wisdom" (detail) Sculpture. © Corina Duyn 2015

"Wisdom" is available for €1500, but with the understanding that the sculpture is available for the exhibition and book launches in September 2015

To reserve her, please email me

This sculpture is part of my  Into the Light Project

which has been supported by the Rehab Group Visual and Performing Arts Fund

For the start of this sculpture see here 

ps. As I no longer have a Facebook or Twitter account 

(find it all too confusing...) 

but you think this Blog deserves to make a presence there, 

please feel free to link it on your page. 

Thank you!

Aerial, a sculpture

My latest sculpture Aerial

was created with the support of staff of the IWA (Irish Wheelchair Association)

 at the outreach Centre in Dungarvan, which I now attend almost every week.

I needed a little help with the rolling of clay and some of the painting. 

Staff support me in whatever way they can.

Even other members became part of the project. 

Like making the little mouse at the bottom of the ladder, and the knitting of her blanket.

It was interesting to experience how the sculpture evolved 

through the influence of the centre and the people.

I had the overall shape in mind,

but as others were working with driftwood, shells and twine from the beach, 

this found its way into my work.

Thank you all who were involved!

"Aerial" is available for €350, but with the understanding that the sculpture is available for the exhibition and book launches in September 2015

To reserve her, please email me

Aerial (detail), Sculpture by Corina Duyn 2014

Aerial (detail), Sculpture by Corina Duyn 2014

Aerial 58x20x15cm, Sculpture by Corina Duyn 2014

Articles published in IWA Magazine see here 

ps. As I no longer have a Facebook or Twitter account (find it all too confusing...) but you think this Blog deserves to make a presence there, please feel free to link it on your page. Thank you!

Articles published in Spokeout Autumn 2014 Edition

These articles: What a Difference a Day Makes; and Upcycled Wheelchair were published in the autumn 2014 edition of Spokeout the lifestyle magazine of the IWA (Irish Wheelchair Association).

If you would like to read my articles online (you can enlarge the pages etc) see Article pages
If the link does not work, go to PDF page number 29 till 31 of the magazine which can be viewed online, by clicking here

Enjoy!

And thanks for your company here on my blog.
Best wishes
Corina

PS ... Two days left of Book offer
A sculpture created with the support of IWA staff, see here 

ps. As I no longer have a Facebook or Twitter account (find it all too confusing...) 

but you think this Blog deserves to make a presence there, 

please feel free to link it on your page. Thank you!

Dechen Shying, a place where my creativity moves into unexpected places

Prayer Flags at Dzogchen Beara

It has been already a few weeks since I am back from a stay at my beloved Dechen Shying at Dzogchen Beara, but my computer time has been taken up by working on my book project Into the Light.

Yet again it was a memorable week. 

It truly is an extraordinary place as I wrote here and here. You never know who you might meet, or what might happen.

For me it is also a place where my creativity seems to move into places I had not expected.

I was there to work on my book project and a head of a sculpture I had started recently.

The face emerged. Slowly.

I am fascinated by the fact that I use the same clay, the same method, the same tools, and yet the faces all turn out to have their very own personality. I was a little in awe of the face that came into being in this case. I let her happen.

Work in Progress © Corina Duyn 2014

One of the difficulties with staying at Dechen Shying... is that when I wake up I simply have to get up and watch the sunrise. Stunning every single time. No matter what the weather is like.
I snuggle up in a blanket and sit in the recliner chair in the conservatory off my room. Happy out!

sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean

At times I picked up some breakfast from the kitchen to eat in the conservatory, not wanting to miss the glorious views.

As always I rested lots in between work, took part in the guided meditations, if I got up in time... And chatted with guests and staff. ... or visited the cafe for overly delicious carrot cake...

even in the rain it is beautiful

One of the guests Margaret, brought me for a drive around the tip of the peninsula along Allihies. I had been told about the stunningly beautiful scenery. No word of a lie there. It was stunning. And I got see and smell the sea. Feel the wind. What a treat!

at a little beach near Allihies

the beach near Allihies

Peter Cornish who really is the person behind the whole story of Dzogchen Beara wrote a most wonderful memoir. Dazzled by Daylight The story is funny, extraordinary, trusting, heartwarming and written with such beautiful language. 

I am forever thankful that Peter and Harriet came to West Cork and bought this barren place and let it grow to what it is today.

Forever grateful.

I hope to go back early next year again, to further work on my book and art.

I can't wait.

See here for Irish Times  article  'Peter Cornish’s dream was to build a refuge from the mayhem.'

PS See here for my Christmas book offer, valid till 15th December 2014 

Into the Light has been supported by the Rehab Group Visual and Performing Arts Fund

ps. As I no longer have a Facebook or Twitter account (find it all too confusing...) 

but you think this Blog deserves to make a presence there, 

please feel free to link it on your page. Thank you!