Reflections, Echoes & Aspirations, by Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn
Book 27
Double Trouble enterprises
Post covid19, many suffered some form of emotional change. Did you use the change in circumstances to alter your life? Many did. I know that I became a lot better acquainted with my local area! For these artists and authors, instead of dwelling on the world climate, they centred their eyes towards their talent and used their gifts for good. Lockdown sadness or lockdown gladness….through this motivational soft back masterpiece, it is obvious which mindset Beaney and Littlejohn were working with. This title is their twenty seventh published to date - imagine what a joy that is to behold for these deserving creatives. Right from page one, they reveal their inner ways of working. I really related myself to their desire to ‘play, trial and experiment’ ever asking the question….. ‘what if?’.
They formed their own publishing, thus the result is very much artist led - every part of the process is theirs.
Certain sections are written by Jean, others Jan, however this does not make for a jumpy read, they have worked together for so long that the marriage of minds is obvious.
This book is yes, very much lockdown inspired, yet it is timeless.
My personal favourite pieces are ‘What goes around’ (dark fabric proving such a stark contrast to white hand embroidery with a lacy feel on page 14) and ‘Rose Portal’ (I won’t spoil this one as its subtle colour palette and sculptural value are just sublime).
Hand embroidery, machine embroidery, mixed media, a celebration of nature….this book has it all. It will teach you that looking downcast is okay….as long as its to discover what’s on offer on natures floor, near your own door - no sad nonsense allowed.