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CHICK ARTISTIC CREATIONS |
| Beverly Chick | |
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| GALLERY 4 - ILLUSTRATIONS |
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Featuring My Family Poetry Book, "Measure of Man" & Other Illustration Projects |
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New Beauty & The Beast Illustrative Portrait |
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 "Within The Silver Mirror" |
This is an illustrative
portrait with a "Beauty and the Beast" theme. It was based on the 80's
television series, "Beauty and the Beast." I did the actual
portrait way back in 1989, but I recently revised it by adding silver
glitter paint and a quotation from a poem by Ranier Maria Rilke. The
quotation says, "Whitely, it stole up to a maid--to be within the silver
mirror and in her." The silver glitter I used shows up very well here. I didn't think it would. The theme of this wonderful old television show was "follow your heart" even if it means taking chances and risks. That is the message that I wanted to convey in this illustration. Click onto the image and you will see a larger view. |
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"When
you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through
the rivers, they will not sweep over you, and when you pass through the
fire; you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2 Isaiah 43:2 inspired me to create a new illustration project that will be ongoing for a while. During these times of economic stress and joblessness, we have all felt at one time or another that we are walking through the fire and we need all the encouragement we can get! So I decided to create a series of artworks to illustrate some of my favorite inspirational & encouraging quotations. My first piece was "Walking Through The Fire" and illustrates the last half of Isaiah 43:2 (Left) I got the idea for this from a beautiful calendar photo of an unknown southwest location probably in Utah or Arizona. I added the fire and embellished the light beam to include some waves at the bottom. Then I included a shadow of a person walking in the light.
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"Walking Through The Fire" |
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My most
recent piece (left) is called "Passing Through The Waters." This illustrates
the first part of Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be
with you..." I have never done any type of art work before that depicts surfing or giant waves. And the big hand on the right was something I just had to make up. The only reference photo I had for it was a black and white sketch illustration from an old life drawing class book.
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"Passing Through The Waters" |
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| CLICK ONTO SMALL IMAGE TO VIEW LARGER IMAGE | |
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I guess you would call this a crossover piece because it is also in the online Gallery 1 as a part of my landscape & animal art. This piece started out as commissioned art from a client who wanted it to hang in the Salon she owned, C & J's on Cole & Ustick. Since the original was a little too expensive, we both decided I would keep the original and she would purchase a professionally made giclee print that I had framed. The title started out to be "Water Break" but I realized later that it fit so perfectly with Psalms 23:2, so I renamed it "Still Waters." |
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"Still Waters (Psalms 23:2)" |
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This is also a crossover piece because it too is in Gallery 1. The picture of a beautiful swan in flight, just landing (or taking off in flight) I thought would be a good illustration for Galatians 5:1 which states, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Do not let yourself be burdened by the yoke of slavery." This verse played an important part in my life in the past few years during a time when I struggled with issues of oppression and toxic work environments. |
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"Smooth Landing (Galatians 5:1)" |
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The cover drawing of "Measure of Man" |
"MEASURE OF MAN" FAMILY POETRY BOOK
Below you can view the poem and the illustration created for each poem. I also created a portrait of each of the family poets featured in my book.
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| CLICK ONTO SMALL IMAGE TO VIEW A LARGER IMAGE | ||
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The following poems were written by
my grandfather, Howard J. Gardner.
A portrait of my grandfather to the left with his actual signature above. |
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"The Measure of Man" The pathway of life is an open road with choice for endeavor or plan. It may lead to great heights, or fall to the ground. It's a log of the measure of man. It may lead to strange lands, or take root in one spot, and matters not where you abide. As you go on your way, your records will be by your side. You may toil at great length to accomplish some task and failure be full and complete. It may tear you and grieve you to put up a fight, you must learn to accept a defeat. This pathway of life is one that's most full, let honor and truth be your guide. Just play the game square as you follow its course and never from it turn aside. The way you have lived, the things you have done are weighed in each effort or plan. They live in the hearts of all whom you meet. They measure the worth of a man. -H. J. Gardner |
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"The Love of God"
How wonderful the love of God, so bountiful and free. He spreads His love over all the earth, He gives His love to me. And of this love on me bestowed, within my heart be found, A great desire from this time forth to pass His love around. And now dear Lord from this day and ever while I live, That of the love that's given me, to give, and give, and give! -H. J. Gardner
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| The illustration for this poem was published in a local Boise book called, "Do You Believe in Idaho?" For more on that see Chick Chirp Newsletter | |
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Grandfather Gardner wrote this
when my grandmother, Ada Gardner, passed away.
Her portrait is to the left.
"To Mother" Good bye, my dear; thy earthly way in the path of life is over, Thy precious love, thy tender care shall comfort me no more. Good bye, my dear; thy lips are closed, thy voice forever stilled, There's a lonely place within my heart that can never on earth be filled. -H. J. Gardner
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The following poems were written
by my mother, Lee (Gardner) Overmyer
Above: My mother's signature with her maiden name. Left: My mother on her wedding day |
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"I" This prayer, Oh Lord, my constant plea, that daily I grow closer to thee. The "I" in me often clouds the way, the path seems hidden--I've gone astray. You've promised that your own spirit sweet will work within, till you work is complete. Oh may this gentle abiding one, grasp firmly this "I" till your work is done. This sin, this "I" till in Christ is hid, from the selfish life freed--forever rid. Hidden, safe, protected & claimed, as the "I" in Christ's own precious name. -Lee (Gardner) Overmyer |
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"The Winter of My Soul" (Part 1) When first I gave my heart to Jesus there was rich joy, so real, so complete. I bathed in the glow of His presence. In contentment I sat at His feet. Then the winter of my soul set in. Life became cold and joyless and bleak. I wandered around in the desert alone and weary, afraid and weak. My beloved was no more so near, though I knew He still watched over me. So remote and blurred was the vision, His dear face I no longer could see. In poverty of soul I floundered. Self-pity and unrest filled my life. Had the one I loved rejected me? Was there nothing to hope for but strife? |
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"The Winter
of My Soul" (Part 2) With contrite heart I knelt at the cross, "There is no way but Thine. There is not one thing the world can offer that could replace this Savior of mine. And as I sore lifted up my head, I beheld the clouds rolling away, His glorious light, bright as the sun, broke forth as a radiant spring day. Winter was over; spring was now here, joy flooded the depths of my being. Did I misunderstand him? It was self that kept me from seeing. So if winter comes to your soul and the presence of Christ becomes dim, just lift up your eyes and praises to Him. Don't look at yourself, look at Him. |
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"Joy
& Peace" (A Christmas Poem) On Christmas day, oh blessed morn, glory from heaven on earth was born. Humble stable and lowly bed, "Joy and Peace on earth," the Angels said. "A king is born this day to all, to free you from the bonds that gall." A king and peace? In times of stress? So few could see the manger blessed. Where is this king? Where is the peace? Where is the promise of release? Oh people here on earth below, by prayer and seeking you must learn and know. The heart within must bear His name for blessed joy and peace to claim. -Lee (Gardner) Overmyer |
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The following are poems written my
me, Beverly (Overmyer) Chick.
Left: Self-portrait in watercolor, 1993. My signature above. |
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"Seal of Hope (Jeremiah
29:11)" Seal of Hope with eyes so large, depends on mom for care, to see it through the frozen world when life is desolate and bare. I see myself in those big eyes as I look to Christ, my hope. My efforts sometimes would fall short. In darkness I then grope. Then Jesus, with His gentle voice, reminds me of His word, "I know the plans I have for you. Your prayers I have heard." "To prosper you and not to harm, this is my heart's desire. Just rest within my loving arms, the arms that never tire." I put the Seal of Hope on you so you will always know my love and power will live in you, to grow and grow and grow." -Beverly (Overmyer) Chick |
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"Do You Ever Think of
Me?" Do you ever think of me when I am missing you, When I look upon your photographs alone and feeling blue. Moonlight Sonata plays upon my heart, feelings penetrate to every part, Haunting melodies can say so much that many words can not. Though bittersweet they gave to me the comfort that I sought. Do you ever think of me when I am missing you? Did something that I said or did cause you to need me to? -Beverly (Overmyer) Chick |
| The illustration for this poem was published in a local Boise book called, "Do You Believe in Idaho?" For more on that see Chick Chirp Newsletter | |
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"I'll Remember Happiness" Say goodbye....when what I really want to say is "stay." To freeze this moment in time so I can always have this day. I was looking for a refuge, a place where I could mend, A place where I could play until the battle ends. You helped me to mend my broken wing. Sweet memories will stay with me. New hope is what I'll find. I'll remember... The love and laughter The friendship thereafter The child inside that you chose not to hide, The mischievous grin and the joy that it brings, The strength that you gave me and the way that you changed me. And I'll remember.....HAPPINESS! -Beverly (Overmyer) Chick |
| This illustration and poem was published in a local Boise book called, "Do You Believe in Idaho?" For more on that see Chick Chirp Newsletter | |
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The Street of DreamsWalking down the street of dreams, I saw you standing there. We walked together down city blocks, past cafes, streets, and shops. We spoke of many things, without a thought of time, And for a short but memorable day, I could pretend that you were mine. You filled my mind with creative thoughts, just like a special muse. My heart would soar with endless joy, no longer in recluse. Walking down the street of dreams, I see you standing there. Then I awake—you’re gone again and sadness fills the air. -Beverly (Overmyer) Chick |
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My Forever
Knight As knights from King Arthur's Court, we sat around tables round. A part of a team united as one, tales of humor and love abound. Like a knight in shining armor you rescued me from dreary days. You gave me love & made me laugh with your special charming ways. How to tell you all that's in my heart, in moments but a few? When words seem so inadequate, for this--so fresh, so new. I treasure the moments spent with you, when hearts and dreams took flight. The Arizona Room my Camelot and you, my Forever Knight. |
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The above poem has an
interesting story behind it. During a time in my life that was very
pressured and stressful, a wonderful thing happened that help me cope.
I was invited to a very special fan club party in Phoenix, Arizona.
The guest of honor was a professional actor by the name of Geraint Wyn
Davies. This was an invitation only party and only 100 people were
allowed to attend. I ended up having the best weekend of my life.
Geraint was extremely funny and entertaining and seemed to have a genuine
love for people. I laughed harder than I had for years! Then Ger
spent personal one-on-one time with each person at the party. He made
me feel encouraged and special in a way that I really needed at that time.
It made a real difference in my life. The title of the poem was chosen
because Geraint is best known for a television series he starred in during
the 1990's called "Forever Knight" and also because to me, he was like a
knight who rescued me from a very distressful time.
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Yours truly having breakfast with Geraint Wyn Davies, 12/99 |
If you would like to know more about Geraint Wyn Davies, check out his fan club website at: www.gwdfc.org. |
