participant : Lindsey Pei
received : 7th of December, 2001
media : paper, twigs, glass beads, silver painted skeletonized leaf, silver paint marker, and
3 peacock feathers.

To fill in for my companion, I volunteered to help the Red Moon Theatre group. A truly rewarding act. I work with computers for a living. I do love my work, but there are tymes that I yearn for a more physical media. You won't find yourself sweating or bleeding whilst toiling away at a computer--if you do, you are probably doing something wrong.

Lindsey was dutifully papier machéing an oversized tea cup for use in Red Moon's 2001 Winter Pageant when we met. I felt an instant kinship with the lady as we conversed of artistic callings and life. When I mentioned this puzzle project Lindsey's display of enthusiasm touched my heart. I resolved to send a blank piece for her discretion the next day (I was also inspired to finally send the piece to buZ blurr after a considerable delay.)

Lindsey returned her contribution in less than one week's tyme. Given that there are individual components of this project that were almost a decade in the making, a one week turn around is astounding. Lindsey's portrait itself holds the distinction of being the first diorama in the history of the project.

I was so happied by Ms. Pei's effort that I brought it with me to share with other friends on the opening night of the Winter Pageant. After the play, the cast and crew were planning to celebrate. However, in a rude twist of fate, one of the volunteers was hit by a car whilst riding his bicycle to the celebration party. As we waited outside of the emergency room my friend and fellow Red Moonie, Glenn, decided to liven up the ward by asking the strangers there what they thought the creature on Lindsey's piece represented. Some saw a bunny, a rabbit, or a cat. Others saw the devil, an alien, or a daemon. My companion Alexandra and I likened the entity to a forest spirit, not unlike those Alex is keen to paint. Some people simply looked the other way, afraid to respond to the jovial likes of our well meaning Glenn.

I have yet to reach Lindsey to ask what she envisioned when she created this portrait. I find it remarkable how art can touch so many lives. How by our own interpretations of another's vision, we actually learn about ourselves.

By the by, our friend Joseph is well and should achieve a full recovery soon. Joseph was wearing a helmet. You should too!

This page was last "treated" on Saturday, 9 November, 2002 19:18.
Phoebus