A Legacy of the Arts (Colliers)

 

John Collier's The Annunciation

I invite you to drop by and visit the new Legacy of the arts page created and dedicated to three generations of my wife's family (and my wife): Carroll Collier, John Carroll Collier & Mildred Collier, and Kimberly Erickson.  

A Legacy of the Arts

Pacific Northwest Art and Book Sale!

We hope you can drop by our brand new Pacific Northwest Art and Book Sale!  While Kimberly is between galleries, we thought this was a perfect time to put out our biggest sale to date.  Besides Kimberly's fused glass and paintings, the sale also features my photographs.  John Carroll Collier, Kim's father, has also graciously donated the sketch seen above!

Hope you can check it out.  After all, Christmas is coming up fast!

Fall Reflections As a reader of this message today, you become an important part of our arts and writing community.  Thank you for this.  While the regular newsletter remains on hold at least for another year as I complete my degree at Marylhurst University, I did hope to share some news with you. Current projects of mine include an article exploring the potential effect of social media upon the formation of conscience.  If you sail by my Facebook author page and heave a heavy "like" off the side, you can catch future updates.  (Yes, I realize there is some irony in sharing an article like this on social media, but we live in the time in which we are placed, right?)  In other news, Kimberly Erickson's new studio is setup now as part of our new home in Monmouth--situated just a few blocks away from Western Oregon University.  In addition to working on an amazing piece of glass-work, she's also busy re-designing her website.  She is also busy seeking a new gallery to showcase her art. Last Monday, three of us did a 17-mile (round-trip) hike to Hank's Lake in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness; it was breathtaking in more ways than one.  When I returned, I created a short video collection of my nature photography for this year.  As you can probably tell, I am fascinated with water in all of its forms, as well as the nature of time in relation to how we see the world.  Of particular interest to me, for instance, is how our eyes and our very awareness are set at a precise speed.  As a photographer, I can adjust shutter speed from slower to faster, allowing the viewer to see the world as it lies hidden all around us. I also invite you to stop by my Flickr collection of nearly 23,000 photographs: mostly public at this time.  Generally speaking, everything but photographs of people can be explored by the casual visitor.  Last entries include two trips to Mt. Jefferson and our first visit to Crater Lake.  Bear in mind, however, that not each shot is a work of wonder; this also serves as an important photo backup.  While visitors no longer can download or use photos here, I invite you to visit my Bigstock page for image purchases.  If another image is desired, please also feel free to contact me directly.  If you're on Twitter, by the way, be sure to check out my new tag: #KarlsOregon .  (In a related vein, here is also an article I wrote about a Mt. Jefferson hike from several years ago.) Starting a week from today, my son will be starting his collegiate career at Oregon State University, my daughter is also beginning her final year at Western Oregon University, and I am, of course, still attending Marylhurst for about one more year.  (I hope just one more year!)  With three out of the four of us working as busy college students--and all of us working hard--these newsletters will be few and far between.  I do hope, though, that you will continue to hang around.  More great stuff to come--just out of sight and on the horizon! Best Regards, Karl & Kimberly Erickson Monmouth, Oregon

When to Judge a Book by Its Cover

Are you looking for an entertaining read for an adult or child?  From a seagull's antics (sure to delight the young at heart) to an exciting and realistic Pacific Northwest mystery for older readers,  look no further than the high-quality books authored by Karl Bjorn Erickson.  

Thank you to my wife and illustrator, Kimberly Erickson, for the wonderful cover art design....because sometimes it's okay to judge a book by its cover.  

(Each of the above is available as an eBook, and three of the titles are also available in traditional format.)

Tristan's Travels (Published by Rafka Press in 2010.)

Toupee Mice (Published by Rafka Press 2013.)

The Blood Cries Out (Published by Light Switch Press in 2014.)

Alcatraz Burning, Four Mind-Bending Short Stories

Oregon, My Oregon, A Photographic Journey (The Wallowas)

Orgon, My Oregon, A Photographic Journey (Mt. Jefferson Wilderness)

PS.  Be sure to catch my latest article tomorrow evening on Catholic365.  You won't want to miss it!

An Interview of Kimberly Erickson

(Re-printed courtesy Catholic365.com.)

Twenty-four years ago, I married Kimberly Erickson in Dallas, Texas. Coming from a family where her father and grandfather are both successful artists, I knew she was artistic. Still, the breadth of her artistic range never ceases to amaze me.  She really has done it all in the past two decades: illustrations, water gilding, and, most recently, fused glass creations of vivid color and light. It’s her glasswork, though, that has really struck me the most.

I’m excited to share the following interview of my wife about her life, her art, and our family.

How did you make the transition from book illustrations to glass art?

Well, I’ve always loved to collect glass, so, when the opportunity came, I jumped in with both feet. As a newer Catholic, I had been looking for a holy water font to put on my wall, but I couldn’t find anything I liked. One day, I decided to try designing one myself. I drove to a shop that lets customers play around with glass and design your own creations. I was excited to finally work with glass, but my first two attempts were failures.

Soon, though, I was able to learn from my mistakes and try new approaches and techniques until I created a holy water font that I was truly excited about showing. When people saw it, they loved it, and the orders started coming in! 

What drives or influences you to create your art?

I have to do it. Something inside me seems to be missing unless it comes out in some form. I truly feel like God gave me this talent, and everything I am able to do is because of this grace.

We joined the Catholic Church in 2005 from a Protestant background. How has this enriched your artwork? 

It’s funny, but I haven’t thought of this before. Coming from a Free Methodist background, it’s really like I have been a given a new freedom. Free Methodists don’t believe in having statues or much artwork in their churches out of a fear that it could tempt people to worship the created over the Creator. Catholicism, on the other hand, thinks of art like a teacher who reminds and inspires us of God. As an artist, this makes more sense to me.

Since becoming Catholic, you could say that my art has bloomed. It began with me illustrating my husband’s two books for children (Toupee Mice and Tristan’s Travels), then I was asked to water gild a fifteen-foot reredos (frame) for Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. This project took a couple of years to complete, and it took every ounce of skill I had to accomplish it by myself. This felt like something I really did for God. There is something satisfying for a Christian artist when they are able to give what God gave them back to Him. It’s like a song praising God.

Your father, John Collier, is a great artist and sculptor, and he’s done many religious pieces around the country—and beyond. What lessons have you really learned from him?

I’ve learned an amazing amount from my father. It’s like having an amazing art teacher always available to answer your questions and tell you what you need to work on. It’s helped me make my art so much better. Most artists don’t like their art critiqued, but when you’re learning from someone as kind as my dad, the medicine goes down very easily. Art is something you learn by constantly doing.

What kind of symbolism do you use, and why do you use it?

Symbolism really takes a lot of study. As a new Catholic, I feel I am just beginning to learn this, so I use simple symbols usually: crosses, doves, or blue hues for the color of Mary. An artist is always learning, and I am definitely still a student.

What brings you the greatest joy as an artist?

When something turns out just like I imagined it. This is especially true with glass, since you never know until the last kilning.

How is it different to create in glass than upon a canvas?

For me, it’s being pushed into impressionism. I love impressionist work, but I am a bit of a perfectionist when asked to draw. Glass pieces are usually larger than a dot or a line on paper, and working with glass forces you to bring out colors or feelings more than that single line on an image. It’s more like a mosaic that plays with colors and conveys feelings.

 Do you feel the leading of God’s hand with regards to your art?

I do truly feel that God has helped me bring out my art. When I started trying to put together a studio for glass art, I was overwhelmed by how quickly it came together. Within a couple weeks, I had a kiln, glass supplies, tools, and a workspace all ready to go. I felt like God was really taking care of me. 

Besides holy water fonts, what other types of glass creations do you create?

I’ve also been creating bowls and plates, but it’s really up to what I feel like doing at the time. I’ve been playing around with some Christmas designs, but…we’ll just have to see what happens.

Where can people go to see more of your work?

I invite everyone to visit my online portfolio, and my paintings and glasswork are also on display at the Red Raven Gallery in Salem, Oregon.

"The Blood Cries Out" Great Review Giveaway!

Win original sketch by Kimberly Erickson!

You've probably heard the news--The Blood Cries Out is now available as an e-book through both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  (Soon, it should also reach traditional distribution.)  The challenge now is how does one jumpstart the online reader reviews when no one seems to want to go first?  Well, we have a plan!


If you purchase and honestly review the tale (at either online retailer) between now and August 3rd, we will enter you for a chance to win this original sketch completed by artist and illustrator Kimberly Erickson (author's wife).  All you need to do is to e-mail Karl when your review goes live online.  If you do two reviews--one for Kindle and one for Nook readers--you'll receive one extra entry to win the sketch.  

We're going ahead, though, and throwing one more enticement into that winner's lucky hand.  Kimberly has just launched a Summer Art Sale online.  It will features many paintings and prints at a reduced cost--for a week only.  Our randomly-selected winner will also receive a coupon code good for 25% off any art purchase (for this online sale only).  

You should know that this art sale will also feature one work by Kimberly's father, John Carroll Collier.    

So, don't miss out!  Submit your review today!!

Erickson's Crazy Art Sale!

Cover art from "Tristan's Travels"

With a new school year lying just around the corner, we decided it was a good time to...sell some art!  Hope you can check out the action on Ebay!

(Click caption.)

Lighthearted illustration from "Toupee Mice"

*Also, let us know if you're looking for prints!

Would you like to learn more about....

Kimberly Erickson

Karl Erickson

Tristan's Travels

Toupee Mice

Karl Erickson is an Author? (Updated with "What I Learned from Samwise, My Interview with Sean Astin")

It's probably going to come as a shock to many of you, but, yes, I do actually write stuff!  You might know me as a number cruncher, but numbers are actually just the day job.  I know it's startling...but I'd like to introduce you to several of my favorite pieces.  The short story collection needs reviews on Amazon--if you are up to the task!  (By the way, my lovely wife, Kimberly, is wonderful illustrator.)

Tristan's Travels (Rafka Press)

(Opening excerpt)


It never occurred to anyone to take a closer look at the houseboat’s window planter.  The pine flower box was unremarkable enough at first glance.  Sheltered by overhanging flowers and a sick trillium plant, the cubbyhole beneath the flower box was hard to spot unless you looked closely.  This hidden nook had become Tristan’s home.  It was a perfect morning to be a seagull, but Tristan was still sound asleep.  He twitched a couple times as the night’s last dream overtook him.  He saw a man standing at the edge of a grassy meadow.  At his side, stood a large gray wolf.  Birds flew around and about him.  Rabbits, squirrels, and mice ventured out of the shadows of the trees to join the smiling man who was dressed in a simple robe with a cord around his waist and sandals on his feet...

Toupee Mice  (Rafka Press)

(Opening excerpt)


The name is Ian Svenson, and I am a red-haired Irish mouse with a dash of Swedish charm and humor.  If there are two things you need to know about me, they are that I am a talking mouse, and that I love to sing.  In fact, many of the animals around my town of Mousehaven can talk, but they usually don’t like going to the trouble.  As for why I am a talking mouse, I credit my dear mother, because she read stories or sang mouse songs to me nearly every night.  Perhaps the singing is on account of my mother being a mouse who just loved to sing and dance at every opportunity; she was indeed a happy mouse.  Papa, on the other hand, was a seafaring field mouse from Sweden who could only sing sea shanties and wasn’t even very good at that.  But I digress from my short tale.  I was a happy church mouse here in Mousehaven until just a few months ago...

Blinded by the Darkness, Three Short Fantasy Stories (Amazon)

(Opening excerpt)


Shadows deepened as the fluorescent lights began to flicker on around the university campus, and the warmer lights shown down from the dormitory windows above.  A soft November rain began to fall as students and visitors headed indoors.  A lone campus security guard walked briskly down the sidewalk, jingling keys and a heavy flashlight hanging from his belt and a radio gripped in his hand.  Suddenly, a young man raced by, nearly knocking the guard off his feet.  The runner barely paused, then bolted towards the eastern edge of the university campus.  Before the guard could make pursuit, he tripped over a hidden sprinkler head.  The young man was already fading into the dusk.  The radio lay shattered and quiet along the path...

What I Learned from Samwise, My Interview with Sean Astin (Amazon)

(Opening Excerpt)


1.  After reading There and Back Again, An Actor’s Tale, it seems to that you have a healthy caution or ambivalence towards success.  What does true success mean to you?

I love success absolutely, in all of its myriad definitions, applications and relative doses. I think the ambivalence you infer, comes from my antipathy for the anxiety laden stress that comes from depending on other people’s decisions. In large measure, it is that anxiety that pushes success further away. I also think that it is unhelpful for actors to organize their thoughts along ‘success’ paradigms... While being inspired by others and studying their careers is critical to success, there is a languid quality that runs throughout ‘the actor’ tradition, a pointless but familiar wallowing, that actors, heck everybody has to some greater or lesser extent... It’s natural but should be kept in it’s rightful place...

This will be available for free on Amazon between May 24 and the 27th!

A personal favorite of mine is this article which appeared some years ago in America Magazine.  I hope you enjoy reading "Mysterious Tools."




(Opening excerpt)


One night a few months ago, my 8-year-old son was very sick in bed. He lay there moaning and crying because of terrible pain in his ears. While my wife was on the phone attempting to get hold of a doctor, I did what I could to comfort him. We tried the usual things, but nothing worked. The choices seemed to be either to wait in an emergency room for hours late at night or try to wait it out at home. Neither option seemed like a good choice. We could not let him go on like that, so something told me to pray over him. I took the holy water we were given at a recent church event. It felt a little strange to me, as a new Catholic, but I proceeded to make the Sign of the Cross over my son with the holy water. Then I prayed for healing. I framed my prayer along the lines that we know that children hold a special place in God’s heart, and that it cannot be God’s will that my son would be in pain. Something seemed different about the prayer, but I could not immediately identify what it was. Since nothing dramatic took place after I finished the prayer, I returned to our room...



You can find me on Facebook (Author page), Facebook (Book Page), and even Twitter!

What's next on the literary horizon, you ask?  Well, my next book is The Blood Cries Out.  This mystery novel is aimed at an older audience, and I'm currently looking for a good literary agent for my entry into this new genre.  Stay tuned!

Got Newfy?

"Toupee Mice" Excerpt!

Here is the promised sneak peek!

A Dangerous Mission: The Mantel Recon

“Are you sure this idea of yours is entirely safe?” I asked, looking nervously down at the living room floor from atop the lofty fireplace man

tel. “What if they come back early, Fred? What if we don’t find the right hiding spot? Fiddlesticks warned us—”

“Of course we’re safe, my dear mouse,” Fred interrupted. “I’m sure they won’t be back for a while yet. We’ll blend into these incredible works of art, these...what are they called again?”

“They’re mouse Hummels: little statues or figurines,” I replied, inching carefully between two of the delicate figures.

“Well, this new owner has excellent taste, that’s fer sure. Very lifelike they are. Shame we have to knock some sense into this poor chap.” He extended a curious paw to examine a figurine’s tail when suddenly it turned and knocked his paw aside, exclaim- ing, “Excusez moi, s’il vous plaît!”

Fred squeaked and leapt aside in a manner most unbecoming for a hero of Super Squirrel’s reputation. He jumped a little too far, though, because he alighted on the mantel’s edge, teetering there for a moment before he regained his footing. A real mouse had been hiding right beside us, atop the somewhat crowded mantel.

“Who are you?” I asked.

The newcomer glared at Fred and straightened his black wool beret. With a sidelong glance at Fred, he answered, “Je suis—”
He paused. “Sorry, I forget I am not back in Paris, Texas. I am Pierre, the famous barber and member of the Lonestar Barber- shop Quartet. Why, may I inquire, is your companion dressed up like a spoiled cat on Christmas morning?”

“I resent that!” declared an exasperated Fred. “We’re spying on the new owner and his feline partner. The mantel was my idea, my plan! Ian and I need a way to disguise ourselves so we can get around whenever the need arises. We want to spend less time sneaking around mantels and more time singin’ and dancin’ at talent shows. Anyway, Mister Pet Store Mouse, I can’t be seen by anyone except Ian, because my magic cape creates a shield of invisibility.”

“But I see you!” Pierre pointed out. “You are right there,” he said, tweaking Fred’s nose for emphasis.

Fred turned pale, his eyes glazed over, and he began nibbling on his cape before he caught himself. “Quick,” he blurted, “Ian’s idea is no good. Get off the mantel!”


Pre-order your copy of Toupee Mice today!

Sliding into the Guild's News Position....

Illustration by Kimberly Erickson

Greetings!  Please bear with me as I try to lend a hand with getting the news out for the Catholic Writers' Guild!  I'm new at this, so hopefully everything will work as it should-- but I'll ask your patience in advance!



So, who am I, and what am I doing here?  Well, why don't we leave the philosophical musings to John Konecsni...but let's just say that I am glad to be endeavoring to lead a more active role within the guild in the coming year.  That said, I should probably mention that I am a very busy guy.  Between the full time state government job  (doing terrible things to numbers) and a novel which has been nearing its last and very final stage towards completion for about....the last year, I sometimes am tempted to throw in the towel and open a bed and breakfast in Friday Harbor (San Juan Island, Washington).

Seriously, perhaps you would like to know a little about me?  I'm the author of two lighthearted children's books: Tristan's Travels and Toupee Mice.  Both are available from Rafka Press--but the latter tale is still pre-order.  They are illustrated by my lovely wife, Kimberly Erickson.  If you'd like to learn more about me, please drop by Karl Erickson.  I also have two Facebook pages setup currently.  This is the main author page, and the second page is designated for the children's books.  (If you want to make an author happy, "like" them today--especially the newest one!)

                                                             
As far as the spiritual journey which brought us here, you can read about that in Catholic Answer's This Rock.  To make a long story short(er), we're very happy to be done once and for all with church shopping.  We're home where we belong in the Catholic Church, and we couldn't be happier!  Now...could we just work on some of those hymns!

I thought I'd conclude with two of my trailers for our books, but I also want to put a quick plug in for a new experiment I'm doing.  It's called the Catholic Writers' Guild (Western Branch).  It occurred to me that it sometimes it's easy to feel geographically removed  from the larger group when only a few brave souls occupy the "western frontiers."  If you think that having an online place to gather for those of us in the western states would be helpful, please just swing by and hit like (hard).  So far, I only have one other person who is remotely excited about the idea.  If no one else has time, I'll probably shelve the group entirely after Christmas.  I won't be promoting that group any more--most likely--so drop by now if interested!

I look forward to helping CWG members get the word out concerning their exciting work and achievements!  Here are the two promised book trailers: Tristan's Travels followed by Toupee Mice.

PS.  You can also find me on Twitter at PacNWCathWriter!

Win a Signed Book and Gift Card!!

Fred from Toupee Mice

Ian, Fred, and Pierre can barely stand the excitement!  

With Toupee Mice pre-ordering only a couple weeks away now, I'd like to quickly boost membership on our Tristan's Travels and Toupee Mice page over on Facebook.  So, here's the plan...  If we can get the members (or "likers") up to a minimum of 100, we will donate one signed copy of Tristan's Travels and a $5 Starbucks gift card to a randomly selected Facebook follower.  Both the author and illustrator will sign the book!  (We'll announce the winner on December 1st.)

So, make sure you're entered today! 

NEW WEBSITE ANNOUNCEMENT!

Kimberly's photo of rock cliff face in area of Seal Rock, Oregon.

We're happy to announce that we have updated websites today.  Hope you can drop by and introduce yourself!  


Karl Erickson


Kimberly Erickson


By the way, please note that communicating with us might be a bit more challenging, because we said goodbye to several e-mail addresses that we've had for years.  Although I can't say it was exactly intentional, the streamlining may prove beneficial.  If you'd like to get hold of us, one of the best ways is to go to the contact page of our websites.  Those messages will be directly relayed to us.