Review of "Rex Mundi: The Guardian of the Temple"

“Rex Mundi: The Guardian of the Temple” written by Arvid Nelson and illustrated by Eric J is an impressive graphic novel. The story takes place in Paris. The year is 1933, but with the backdrop of a revisionist past. Avrid Nelson’s France along with all of Europe is still ruled by monarchies. The Ottoman and Holy Roman empires still exist. Guilds and knightly orders exert influence on society, while sorcery is very real and policed by the Church. All these themes are flawlessly interwoven. Despite the factual and historical differences, the tale feels like it takes place in 1930’s Paris.

The story’s protagonist is Dr. Julien Sauniere. The intrigue begins when Father Marin asks him to investigate the theft of a medieval scroll from his church. During the course of Juelien’s investigation, he discovers a series or ritual killings tied to a secret society. But as he digs deeper into the mystery of the missing scroll, he catches the attention of those who don’t want their secrets revealed…

Eric J makes this world come to life. The visual design of the cloths, furniture, and architecture is historically accurate. Using full-page spreads of newspaper stories to give the readers a sense of the time and players in this altered world is a stroke of genius. Eric’s illustrations work well with Nelson’s story to immerse the reader in a tale of conspiracy and magic. I haven’t read anything this good since The Sandman Series.

"Elements - Fire" - By Cathrine Langwagen

Cathrine Langwagen is a digital artist who specializes in fantasy and natural element themed works. A resident of Cardiff, Wales - her inspirations come from nature, myths, and fairy tales. In creating her art, Cathrine primarily uses a Wacom Tablet and Adobe Photoshop.

Ms. Langwagen's work has been awarded the Daily Deviation multiple times. I highly recommend visiting her gallery.Prints of her work are available on her website: http://www.cassiopeiaart.com

I, Dracula: Part One by Jason Zapata

By the Order of The Dragon I was knighted
To defend Wallachia and faithfully support
His holiness Pope Pius II's crusade to thwart
The Turks who left Constantinople blighted
Crescent moons marked that land as benighted
Many prayed for the fall of the Ottoman Court
I never possessed a tongue for such a resort
Battle was the only psalm I wished recited

The Sultan’s claim of sovereignty I would refute
Treating his demands and envoys with disrespect
Turbans nailed to their heads had the desired effect
Of showing I held Mehmed’s authoring in disrepute
Denying him the men and gold he took as tribute
The riches of Wallachia were no longer his to collect
My beautiful wife and kingdom I swore to protect
Against my hated adversaries that were en route

Safe from danger I intended Elizabeta to be kept
But Poenari’s Castle’s walls could not withhold
The army of Romanian Janissaries that did enfold
Life in captivity was something she could not accept
So from the heights of her besieged tower she leapt
...She fell into the Raul Doamnei that ran so cold
The sodden remains of my wife I would behold
Tears shed mourning her were the last I ever wept

In blood soaked butchery I avenged the lover I failed
Word of my excessive barbarity became widespread
One act in particular filled Sultan Mehmed with dread
My forests of flesh made from Turks I had impaled
For days these dying soldiers screamed and wailed
As I gathered their blood in bowls to dip my bread
A mad king who surrounded himself with the dead
Giving no rest or quarter to the enemies I assailed



Click here to read: Part Two

"House of Leaves" by Mark Z. Danielewski

"House of Leaves" by Mark Z. Danielewski is jarringly unconventional and instills a deep sense of dread within its readers. Through the use of elaborate text arrangement, numerous footnotes, (some referencing non-existent books), and multiple narrators - Danielewski creates a dark and disorientating tale.

House of Leaves begins with the first-person narration of Johnny Truant. Johnny is a troubled tattoo parlor employee who stumbles upon a manuscript written by a blind, elderly man named Zampano.This turns out to be a written account of a fictional, documentary film called The Navidson Record. Johnny begins to read Zampano’s notes and becomes drawn into the maddening tale.

The manuscript describes the Navidson family as they move into a mysterious house in Virginia whose interior exceeds its exterior. This oddity is quickly overshadowed by the sudden appearance of a closet in the family’s living room. A closet that inexplicable expands into tunnels and caverns of utter darkness. This paradox draws members of the Navidson family and others in. Dementia and death shortly follow.

Johnny Truant’s own grip on reality falters as his obsession in completing Zampano’s work takes over his life. The darkness and fear haunting the Navidson’s family soon materializes in his own life when a beast of shadow stalks him. But is this an actual monster? Or is it a figment of Truant’s own mind? As the credibility of Johnny’s narration erodes throughout the story – what can the reader consider real?

Danielewski uses the myth of the Minotaur in the Labyrinth. Is this done to allude to those beings lost within the Navidson home’s inky depths? Is it an allusion to Johnny Truant being lost to the darkness within his own mind? Or is the reader the misshapen creature trapped within the maze of Danielewski’s words? Read the House of Leaves and decide for yourself.

"Path of Petals" By Linda Bergkvist

~

The moss, underneath the touch of her fingertips, was thick, and sticky; when she retracted her trembling digits, it clung to the satin skin. Stubbornly, bitterly; scented in a cloyingly sweet way that became almost overwhelming, as she rubbed her fingertips together.

It smells like blood.

That was her first thought, and it was strong. It nailed itself firmly to the walls of her mind, and lingered there as she turned to rush deeper into the woods. Soft, silky tears streaming down ivory white cheeks.

Pale blossoms clutched to her chest, as if their bridal-veil petals could somehow banish the harsh words she had spoken - and those that had been spoken to her.
~

It's interesting that Linda Bergkvist included the text above with this piece. Linda is a Swedish artist who specializes in fantasy art. She likes to include Elves and the Fae in her creations. Fashion Photograph serves as another influence and we see this in the garb her characters wear in her paintings.

Linda's work as a digital artist began when she received a Wacom on her 20th birthday. Her future ambition is to create a book on dark fairy tales that will feature her artwork. You can see more of Linda Bergkvist's work by checking out her gallery on deviant art.

She also has her work displayed on her website: http://www.furiae.com/index.php

My Redeemer by Jason Zapata

What Hell I have dragged her through.
This devoted conscience bound in flesh.
Rescuing me from fires of fault and flaw,
The flames of my failures sear her.
Irrationally she remains by my side still.
Faithful in her belief I will someday honor
All the promises I have yet to fulfill.
I caress her lovely face.
She is my guardian angel,
My would-be saving grace.

There is no abandoning this path I tread,
As it coils deeper into unyielding sorrow.
She’s radiant in the darkness engulfing me,
My salvation that refuses to surrender.
She sees all the noble acts I would commit
Fall easy prey to the infirmity of my nature,
Victims of the failings to which I submit.
Her heart has not hardened,
As I seek forgiveness for,
Crimes that cannot be pardoned.

How can anyone remain so patient,
When given no reason to remain so?
Despite this battle being a lost cause.
She valiantly confronts my demons,
Always without reservation or pause.
She is my Virgil in this Hell.
I would be lost without her,
My last and only chance.
My Redeemer.

Abdul Alhazred by Jason Zapata

As a man in Sana’a I heard their voices
The inhuman dialect flooded my mind
With images of a vast nameless city
Lying in the wastes of Roba El Khaliyeh

I wandered through buildings and spires
Built by a race not of this earth and time
Descending deeper into the city’s depths
Where madness and damnation awaited

Within the fathomless cavern I became
A worshipper of the great devourer
Imbued with the forbidden knowledge of
The unreverberate blackness of the abyss

In forgotten R’lyeh dead Cthulhu sleeps
But my master's message reaches me still:
That is not dead which can eternal lie
And with strange aeons even death may die

"The Lamp Maker" by Minna Sundberg

Minna Sundberg is a Finnish artist. She started studying art at the age of seven. Her high school studies also focused heavily in art and she’s currently studying graphic design at Aalto University School of Art and Design in Helsinki.

Minna specializes in fantasy art. Important factors in her creations are perspectives, color schemes, and mood settings. She began studying digital art on her own, utilizing Paint Shop Pro. In recent years she relies more on Photoshop. In terms of traditional art Ms. Sundberg uses combinations of watercolors and black markers.

I highly recommend you check out her official website at: http://www.minnasundberg.fil/

She also has a gallery on deviantart: http://shadowumbre.deviantart.com/gallery/

“The Girl Who Played with Fire” is Stieg Larsson’s sequel to “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” The story is an enthralling murder/mystery starring the series dynamic protagonist – Lisbeth Salander. In this installment Lisbeth is faced with a deadly enemy from her past named Zala and blamed for the murder of two Journalists. The murder victims were working with Mikael Blomkvist to expose perpetrators of Sweden’s sex trade. Blomkvist owes his life to Salander. He adamantly believes in her innocence – even as the country is inundated with headlines proclaiming her a psychotic killer.

There are several viewpoints in this story. We see the investigation aspect of the murder. Officers of the Ministry of Justice relentlessly search for leads to Lisbeth’s whereabouts. There are henchmen working for the mysterious Zala, especially the intimidating killer known as the “blonde giant” who pursue Salander. And through Blomkvist’s perspective – we see his frustrated efforts in trying to uncover the truth with only the cryptic clues Salander leaves on his hacked computer.

And then there’s Salander herself. Her unflappable will and determination are evident every time she makes an appearance in the novel. Salander is the modern day version of Sherlock Holmes. She possesses a unique ethical code, photographic memory, and is a world renowned computer hacker. What I admire about Lisbeth’s character is her believability. She doesn’t perform miraculous acts of martial arts or gunplay. Her primary weapon is always her incredible intelligence.

I’m surprised she hasn’t been adopted by the Feminist movement yet.

"The Girl Who Played with Fire" is well paced and the characters for the most part are intriguing. I think it losses some of its pacing during the investigation scenes. Some of the minor characters were unnecessary and could have been omitted altogether. But that’s a negligible comment. There is a reason this novel is an international bestseller. It is damn well written. For those who love a good mystery novel or for those looking to break into the genre - this is a great series to start with.

Gregory Fromenteau's, "Lost Flying Throne"

Gregory Fromenteau is a senior lighting artist in the video game industry and an independant illustrator. He currently works for Artificial Mind & Movement. This particular piece was showcased on DeviantArt on June 6th of 2010. I really enjoy the detail of this work and the subtle sadness you feel when viewing it. If you like this piece check out his "Flying Castles" too.

If you are interested in viewing more of Gregory Fromenteau's art - visit his gallery.

Gregory also has his own online portfolio: http://www.greg-f.com/

My Review of "Wicked: The Life and Times of The Wicked Witch of the West"

Gregory Maguire’s “Wicked” is a victory in revisionist fictional writing. The novel is based on the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West. The author takes his time in establishing his interpretation of OZ. In wonderful detail we are told of the different races such as the Munchkin Landers, Quadlings, and Arjiki. Maguire even goes so far as to create a volatile political climate. The Wizard of Oz is portrayed as a cruel dictator determined to strip away the rights of Animals (not to be confused with animals). These are talking beasts who strive to be first class citizens. But the real fulcrum on which this story rests is the complicated character of Elphaba - who eventually becomes the infamous Wicked Witch of the West.

Elphaba’s childhood is disastrous. Though a large part of this is due to her being born with green skin, her parents are absolutely dysfunctional. Despite these problems - Elphaba’s personal actions as a young student are surprisingly moral. She openly questions the teachers at the School of Shiz when they support the Wizard’s anti - Animal rights propaganda. She even ends up joining a freedom fighter movement - though this ends unsuccessfully and with the death of her only lover.

What irks me about Wicked is how purposefully anti-climactic it was at times. I realize this was the writers intent to create mystery, but it borders on being infuriating. We are never really given any insight to the movement Elphaba was involved in nor was there an immediacy with its failure. When she seeks forgiveness for the affair with Fiyero, events unfold in such a way as to prevent the suspenseful moment from happening. Even her death at the hands of Dorothy lacked poignancy. Yes. We all know the Wicked Witch dies at the end of the story - but I didn’t feel Maguire’s novel owns that moment.

But again - what carries this story is the precocious, spiny, and endearing character of Elphaba. Wicked has many brilliant lines of dialogue and internalization. This was the main reason this novel was so easily adapted into a Broadway musical. Wicked is an entertaining read and deserves its place beside L. Frank Baum’s original work.

3:34am in the morning

I feel horrible but mildly triumphant. I've finally found a digital bookshelf which will work for blogger. Its called aNobii. I orignally intended to use Shelfari - but it just wasn't compatible with anything I was trying to do. I've been striving to make the blog a bit more interesting and with a little tinkering I think this will be a great addition. ...Of course that means I need to transfer the old book reviews on Shelfari over. Ugh. Off to sleep.

Pillars of the Earth

"Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett is without a doubt one of the most impressive novels I've read in a long time. With the background of Medieval Europe, this period specific piece centers on the building of a cathedral in the sleepy village of Kingsbridge. The author does a marvelous job depicting medieval Europe. Readers see the squalor of the peasantry, the barbarity of armored men, and the machinations of the ruling class. The buildings come to life as well. Mr. Follett's descriptions of the period specific architecture and buildings are very accurate. But what makes this epic so powerful is the cast of memorable characters whose often volatile interactions center on the cathedral's construction.


The characters can basically be broken down into three groups. Those associated with Tom Builder – the mason who will begin the construction of Kingsbridge Cathedral. There is the noble family of Earl Bartholomew who falls into disgrace after being accused of treason by the king. And then there's the villainous Hamleigh family – whose treachery and vindictiveness touch all the characters in some way. It's incredible how these characters evolve and interact with each other throughout the novel. The individual story lines build upon one another and connect to create an all-encompassing story. I'd wager to believe it was intentionally done this way to mirror the construction of the Kingsbridge cathedral.


The characters are all interesting and fleshed out. Readers will enjoy pious prior Philip, artistic idealist Jack Shareburg, and the despicable William Hamleigh as the decade's long tale unfolds. Some of the more enjoyable moments of this epic are the "witch" Ellen's view on the rule of Benedict, the massive battle of Lincoln's field, and Aliena's search of Spain for her lover Jack. The intense rivalries developed in the story seesaw back and forth throughout the years. The Earldom of Shiring once under the rule of Bartholomew is bitterly fought over between his children and the Hamleigh family. Bishop Waleran Bigod strives for influence at the expense of Prior Philip. All of these struggles and interactions occur with the backdrop of true historical events. The hundred year's war, the crusades, and the slaying of Thomas A' Becket are events that flow naturally with the story.

"Pillars of the Earth" was a massive undertaking. This is a book you’ll spend many a rainy day enjoying. The novel is nearly a thousand pages long, but as you grow entranced by Follett's spell you hardly notice it. The amount of craft and skill that went into this book makes it appealing to any reader regardless of their interest in the time period.

Car Crash

You think I’d be used to it by now. The initial impact of 2,000 pounds worth of steel and polymers colliding violently into the bumper of the car I was driving. It’s still scary. The force of the impact launched me forward as the seatbelt simultaneously restricted further to hold me in place. My head whipped roughly forward and the gray matter of my brain sloshed against sides of my skull while the car settled into place. Everything was foggy as my brain recovered form the lag caused by the collision. And then there was the dawning horror of realization. I’ve been in the third car accident of my life. Elapsed time? Four seconds.

In a daze I pulled off of Keyser Avenue and into the Garrity’s supermarket parking lot. The car was still running. I try to tell myself this was a good sign. No matter how bad it looks at least my little Pontiac Sunfire still functioned. As I stepped out of the car and walked towards the trunk, I saw my automotive assailant pull up beside me. It’s a mammoth of a blue SUV. I can’t tell what exact kind – I only registered its size and color.

I finally get to look at the back on the Sunfire…there’s no damage. Confusion prevented me from being happy. My brain told me I should she a crumpled bumper and the shattered red glass of broken taillights. Nothing. There was barely a scratch.

I hear her talk then. I turn around and the woman who tried to park her small blue tank in my trunk asked me if I’m all right. She’s a short brunette with an accomplished summer tan. Her pretty brown eyes have an “oh my god please don’t sue me look” as she holds her open hand at me to emphasize her anxiety. I reply there’s no damage and ask her if she’s okay too. She replies she’s okay and there’s no damage to her vehicle either.

No one wants to bother with the cops or deal with insurance agencies. Especially if you are lucky enough to escape an accident without having your ride totaled. We both go are separate ways. Pretty brunette girl goes on her way to cause yet another automotive catastrophe and I resumed my commute to work. I wondered why there was coffee spilt all over the place and I dimly remember seeing my black mug being launched skywards from the cup holder. Ah so that explains the mess. I make it to work with no further incident, but there’s a cold certainty in my mind.

God has determined how I will die. This was the third time I’ve been rear ended driving in the Scranton area. Each time the vehicles have grown progressively bigger. I assume the next time some diesel filled semi will plow into me – reducing whatever car I’m driving into a ruinous mass of steel. They’ll need the Jaws of Life to extract my corpse from the wreckage. Then again that’s only if the car doesn’t explode. I think that would be a bit more interesting at least.

Light a candle on my birthday.

-Z-

Nothing Can Be Explained - By Jason Zapata

Nothing Can Be Explained

The past unremittingly seeks dominion over me.
A struggle for sovereignty taking place behind,
The haunted windows that are my troubled eyes.
Bygone battles and conflict play out in my mind,
Locking swords against what I believe in now.
But which blade will shatter under the strain?
There is no answer to this question.
Nothing can be explained.

I cannot remember when this bitter duel began.
If feels like I have been fighting myself forever,
Yet this confrontation must have a conclusion.
In my heart I wonder what victory would mean.
Would these past memories be finally shed,
Like so many tears in the falling rain?
There is no answer to this question.
Nothing can be explained.

All These Words - By Jason Zapata

All These Words

Another would-be suitor is quick to depart
Due to false stewardship of your heart
I’m hate seeing this kingdom in neglect
When it deserves only honor and respect
Don’t be accustomed to frauds and liars
Please still recognize genuine desires
Here I’ll stand repeating them forevermore
If only to convince you they were true
All these words I would say to you
Similar things were said by others before
I’m going to prove my words are true
All these words I would say to you

I’ll stand before you so our eyes can meet
And I’ll tell you how I feel without deceit
Please do not doubt this dedication
Or view it as a false proclamation
This oath will not be an empty promise
No vow of devotion to fall into remiss
Here I’ll stand repeating them forevermore
If only to convince you they were true
All these words I would say to you
Similar things were said by others before
I’m going to prove my words are true
All these words I would say to you

"Wheat Field with Crows" - By Jason Zapata

"WheatField with Crows" by Vincent Van Gogh

~ ~ ~

I was the one to find you.
You were in the very field you painted.
The wind sighed. The wheat swayed.
You lay still.

I looked up into the blue sky.
Was your angelic trumpeter here,
Had the dark winged heralds come?
My eyes saw neither of these.

Your conscience led you to the field,
You were never a burden. I failed you.
I gazed over your completed canvas,
Reminded of the melancholy you felt.

I recall your hand spreading dark paint.
Brown, blue, and black were worked
Resignedly into your canvas.
As it became clear what it was, I asked you:

“What does this mean to you?”

Blue eyes regarded me in silence.
“Vast fields of wheat beneath troubled skies.”
It was then you turned your head so I couldn’t see
The wound and the change in your blue eyes.

"Ksendra” by Sarah Ellerton

This is a long overdue artist of the month entry. I am aggravated at the fact this is only the second entry for this year. This isn’t good enough. Artists like Sarah Ellerton deserve as much press as possible. So let me fill you in a bit.

Sarah is a comic artist and handles both the writing and illustrations for her current graphic novel, The Phoenix Requiem. A story she describes as, “A Victorian-inspired supernatural fantasy story about faith, love, death, and the things we believe in.”

Sarah was already an established artist before she began work on her latest project. She has already finished a five part fantasy graphic novel series entitled, Inverloch. This series earned many nominations and awards from the Web Cartoonist’s Choice Awards. This includes winning the Outstanding Fantasy Comic category in 2005.

Sarah enjoys traditional painting and her favorite artist is William-Adolphe Bouguereau. Some of the software she uses for her projects are Photoshop CS4, Wacom Intuos3 6x8, Apple 20" Cinema Display.

If you would like to view more of Sarah’s work, I highly recommend you view her gallery on Deviant Art. She also has her own website for The Phoenix Requiem.

Ksendra by =artsangel on deviantART

"Booted Foot" by Jason Zapata

The future is condemned by the past.
What has transpired becomes the basis,
The reason why future decisions are made.
Liberty from this prison can only be achieved
By destroying everything we once knew.
Grinding our former selves into dust
Under the booted foot of the present.

"Rydia and The Dancing Ghosts" by Jason Zapata

To watch the dancing ghosts promenade and pirouette
Rydia enters the castle ruins bathed in moonlight
Letting herself become lost in the shadowy minuet

These spirits from another age pose her no threat
Villagers fear them but she come here every night
To watch the dancing ghosts promenade and pirouette

Rydia knows no worry and doesn’t allow herself to fret
As spectral bodies glide about in the eerie twilight
Letting herself become lost in the shadowy minuet

The sight of these undead royals she will never forget
How it always filled her with wonder and delight
To watch the dancing ghosts promenade and pirouette
Letting herself become lost in the shadowy minuet

My Review of Gabrielle Charbonnet's and James Patterson's "Witch and Wizard"

James Patterson’s new novel, “Witch and Wizard” is intriguing to me conceptually. The story is based on two siblings named Whit and Wisty Allgood. Average teenagers living with their parents until the day their home is raided by the New Order. The brother and sister are accused of practicing magic by this oppressive new regime of the federal government that has come to power. Under the leadership of “The One Who Is The One”, they seek to imprison and execute all practitioners of magic.

During the course of their imprisonment and eventual escape the teens develop their magic and learn just how pervasive the New Order has become. Though this story is geared more towards a younger audience, it has a very mature theme. It makes me wonder if the author had questioned the direction in which he wanted to take the novel.

To be more specific, Mr. Patterson’s New Order is very similar to another dystopian nightmare, the world ruled by “Big Brother” in George Orwell’s, “1984.” We see the N.O. Party Posters and portraits of “The One Who Is The One” but the characters don’t really reflect on this. What made 1984 so haunting was how Winston would internalize the maddening world around him.

Patterson couldn’t take this novel to that level without alienating some of his young target audience, but I wonder what this story could have been if he had. Instead, Witch and Wizard focused on the conflict between adolescences who use magic and the adults who run this broken world.

I do think this novel does accomplish what it sets out to do. It creates a modern day world where magic exists and uses it as a tool to amplify the discord that can exists between teenagers and adults. Whitford Allgood and his sister Wisty are very benign and likeable characters. I would have liked more scenes with “The One Who Is The One.” I know the full explanation of his character will be revealed in later novels, but having the villain’s (and an adult’s perspective) would have made the story more enjoyable for me. This was a good read for younger readers but has enough storyline to cross over and appeal to those adults who read the Harry Potter series.

The Wendigo Possession by Jason Zapata

Gruesome murders occurred in the winter of 1878
The Indian swift runner would be hung at dawn
Guilty of cannibalism or being a wendigo’s pawn
I wanted to hear the mans side before he met his fate

To document his story I decided to visit the inmate
Nervously I entered his cell at Fort Saskatchewan
The aboriginal man looked haunted and withdrawn
But agreed to tell his story before it was too late

He said it started with insane hunger taking hold
There were no animals to hunt on the tundra’s snow
As hungry nights passed under the moons eerie glow
Slowly he began to feel his heart grow deathly cold

Among the Indians this symptom was centuries old
Swift runner never intended to let his family know
He was possessed by the evil spirit called wendigo
Harboring a craving which could not be controlled

Upon his wife and six children he would feast
Lost in the madness of the daemonic possession
I could tell he was not lying from his expression
Death held the only way he could be released

It struck me how much I had resembled a priest
Listening to this condemned mans confession
As he described the details of his transgression
Before he joined his family among the deceased

January of 2010's Deviant Artist of the Month

gypsie spirits by ~Hen-na-Ningyo on deviantART

I’ve decided to start the New Year writing about the many artists I’ve recently discovered on the deviantArt website (http://www.deviantart.com/). This site enables artists to post their work in virtual galleries and allow admirers to post comments on them. There are dozens of art categories and styles to browse through. In fact, over 100 million submissions were received by the site since August of 2007.

The first artist I’d like to discuss is Vanessa Cook. She signs her work ~Hen-na-Ningyo. She is a San Diego based jeweler and artist who primarily uses inks, watercolors, and acrylics. She recently opened up an antique store named the Silver Key where she designs necklaces and pendants. The Steampunk Chocker is just an example of the impressive work she does.

Vanessa studied Animation at the Laguna College of Art and Design; she has also attended the Art Center College of Design, and Gnomon School of Visual Effects. Her many interests include Post Surrealism art, European fashions from the Empire/Victorian/Edwardian Eras, Kimonos and Japanese Culture, and Experimental Animation.

Vanessa has been posting images of her paintings and jeweler on deviantArt for over two years now. I highly recommend you visit her gallery and get to know her work. She also has a myspace account you can visit by clicking here.