I am starting a Dark-themed AB RR next month (one of three I am participating in presently). After a lot of back and forth, I finally decided on my theme: "What Lies Beneath?" I like the many meanings this theme has. Things are not always as they seem.
To get the players thinking about this, I created this list of prompts to encourage them to dig deep and explore things that lie below the surface. Is it a mask or facade that hides something dark and sinister? Is it an illusion that tricks you into seeing something that you're not? Is there a secret that you keep? Do you struggle to keep your true emotions in check? Do you hold back because of a fear you have? Ask yourself: What lies beneath?
The other week, I was watching a movie called "an Unfinished Life." In this movie, Jennifer Lopez plays a battered woman who finally gets up the courage to leave her abusive relationship. She tells a friend "You wanna know the ugly little truth? You stay because you think you don't deserve any better, 'cause you think it's the best you can do." I created this set of pages around those words.
I printed the image onto deli paper which is translucent enough to reveal the text of my book. I really like this effect.
I blended the torn edges of the deli paper with black acrylic paint to make a cohesive two-page spread. I then used cut out words--ransom note style--to symbolize how the battered partner in a toxic relationship is a hostage, a prisoner to their abuser.
Posts
What a great idea. Of course, I first pictured cemeteries. lol
ReplyDeleteOf course, Rita! I hope someone working in my book thinks of cemeteries too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great effect this page has! was it hard to print on deli paper? I've never tried it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Teri! Printing on deli paper is similar to printing on tissue paper. I taped a sheet of deli paper to cardstock to feed it through the printer otherwise it's too thin and will be eaten up by the feeder. The image didn't always want to stick to the deli paper (I made three copies and used the best one). I don't know if it had something to do with which side of the deli paper you print on? One side is more waxy than the other. Will need to experiment more to master this technique!
ReplyDelete