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| Coney Island - Wish You Were Here |
A bloodshot sun is hanging heavy in the sultry sky. There is no better
time to draw seasonal inspiration than during these lazy, crazy days of
Summer.
With perfect timing our current
Lunagirl Moonbeam Design Team Challenge is
Retro Summertime. Although it's been cool and rainy here in Central Pennsylvania, we are
now experiencing the heat and humidity of a typical Mid-July.
All
of the Lunagirl images are so tempting, but as soon as I saw the group of
lovely ladies enjoying a day at the beach I knew I found my inspiration.
The lifesaver with the words "Wish You Were Here" said it all.
I
was lucky to spend my childhood growing up in the Boro Park section of
Brooklyn, New York. Even though we spent our family vacations at
Montauk, nothing says Summer to me more than Coney Island. With just a
subway ride away, it was the perfect place to find a bit respite from
the city smothered in heat and humidity.
I couldn't wait to get started on the collage. I recently visited a
local flea market
and discovered a Coney Island souvenir postcard booklet. Printed in the
late 1950's I knew it would be perfect for my mid-century inspired art. I
chose to start using the cover with the image of the Parachute Jump.
The digital collage came together quickly, as I easily pulled images
from my collection of ephemera. But the finishing touch was from another
Lunagirl image. The handwritten message was to the point: "This is
where you should be for that rest you need. It's grand down here."
And for me, reminiscing
about Coney Island is where I should be. The memories are more than the
subway rides, or peppers and egg sandwiches, or the cooling Atlantic
renewing me with each wave. It is as much now as it was then, a time of
sharing the joy of spontaneity with my family. It is reviving the gift
of a magical childhood.
Where should you be?
