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Martin Hughes's avatar

traceless, anywhere - absolutely crazy—I love it!

to study to forget - I've been making some (digitally) a bit like this in recent days. It's like opening portals that were hiding in plain sight all along.

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thanks so much Martin! "traceless..." was an interesting one. I wasn't thrilled with it. It wasn't what I was looking for. I almost didn't glue it done. i almost pushed all the pieces aside to save for another day. But, for some reason I just couldn't quite let it go. I still have mixed feelings about it, but I can't deny there's something there.

"Portals"! - totally agree. Sometimes it really is like discovering secret passages isn't it? Can't wait to see what you've been working on. Thanks again!

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Ann Collins's avatar

“And yet everything is where it should be. Somehow, as it should be.”

It’s not easy to find this peaceful layer, is it? Like an underpainting. Hidden, but revealed here and there in the larger picture. It adds so much depth and trust to the experience of an ordinary day.

The piece you made for Brian made me go back and reread his poem. That’s the very cool thing about collaboration. Every time we juxtapose two different artists’ work next to each other, we get a third thing that’s brand new. I really love that!

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Duane Toops's avatar

So great thoughts here Ann, I hardly know where to start first!

That peaceful layer is so difficult for me. I’m always grasping at it but can never quite seem to hold on to it for long before my ability to hang on it leaves.

“Underpainting” - YES! Exactly! That’s such a rich and meaningful image. Something foundational and upholding about that idea.

Usually, when I’m working on a piece I’ll start scanning through the quotes and passages of things I’ve read and saved. I stumbled upon a line from Brian’s piece and knew it fit perfectly.

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Anne Silver Mondinot's avatar

Oh my, you write so beautifully. I’m in love with the lines about stars becoming constellations because of being scattered. Such a deep, meaningful reminder. And yes, meaning-making happens little by little. I feel that as I look at your collages. Such an incredible metaphor for healing.

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thank you so much Anne! The constellation was literally a last minute addition to the post. Don’t know where it came from, but I’m so glad I was lucky enough to capture it. i really needed to hear it to. A “metaphor for healing” - that’s beautiful! I hadn’t thought of that! Thank you for that!

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Sonia Otero's avatar

Un texto interesante y profundo, como siempre, te hace pensar y eso es bueno.

El cartel: brillante. ¡Enhorabuena!

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Duane Toops's avatar

¡Muchas gracias! ¡Siempre aprecio tus comentarios! Significan mucho para mí.

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JS Hyder's avatar

Oh cool, great poster too.

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thanks so much! It was really fun to work on!

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Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Nicely done, and the artwork is so fine—Thank you, Duane.

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thanks Paul! I appreciate it!

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The Sea in Me    (Síodhna)'s avatar

Beautiful! And very reassuring.

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thank you! Some things I have to remind myself of frequently.

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