Histrioriated Initials

In 2019 the intricate embellishments of illuminated manuscripts inspired that years portraits. The initials of Marc de Ansar’s name (MdA) were prepared as histrioriated initials.

Time went by and the initials were never colored in. Discovered buried deep in the folio, the page was brought to light and is now a fanciful ornamentation of interlaced ribbons, foliage, and colorful abstract forms.

Ornamented, Inhabited, Figurative, Historiated are all variations on the Decorated letter. These were usually placed as an enlarged letter at the beginning of a paragraph or text. 

April Fool's

 A Google search for April Fool’s brought me reams of Groucho nose and glasses images. That novelty disguise is the essence, the instantly recognizable symbol for the the definition of “fool.”

My April Fool's interpretation was presented on my road-side display banner and 25 MPH speed limit safety-dog.

 

Gender Equality

Potato Heads are big news!!!

In the New York Times 

In the Washington Post

From here...

There is much talk these days about the peaceful transfer of power. Everyone is nervous, wondering if Trump will actually leave the White House on Inauguration Day. We are hoping for a bow, a shaking of hands and the passing of the baton to Biden and Harris and their stellar cabinet picks.

In that hopeful spirit, without a lot of who-ha and noise, DeAnsar and Selbini are preparing for this finale year of the enactment of Marc DeAnsar. 

Selbini, emboldened by the lessons learned, exclaims, “I CAN TAKE IT FROM HERE…”

2020 Hindsight, Insight, Foresight

In hindsight, even with my fascination with skulls, I could have never known how appropriate they would be to represent this year. In January when I set my course I had not even heard of Covid-19 or understood the global impact of a pandemic.

With insight, it’s been a somber year that includes learning to wear a mask and to shelter-in-place. But, Marc has done his bit to add some humor to the important issues of the census and voting. He’s been a good sign in the Roadside Art Action.

With foresight, he has done his bit to remind about the power of the skull. When the accoutrements of identity are striped away we are what we have always been — bones and flesh, facing an uncertain future.

Vote early. Vote!!!

As we go in to these last days before the election, it’s imperative that we all do what we can to get out the VOTE.

Marc's not taking any chances with a possible USPS delay. He hand-delivered his envelope to the Civic Center ballot dropbox. Marc sez: Vote early. Vote once. or is that twice? What's that other envelope under his arm?

No need to track our votes. As Richard was snapping this pic the elections workers came out to empty the box for the day. They said, "No worries. No hurry. Lots of folks are taking their photo by the box but, you're the first we've seen in disguise." Maybe a Russian operative stuffing the box?

Thanks to Jessica at Marin Tack and Feed my sign is close to the road but hopefully out of harm's way. Fingers crossed that it will remain there until its taken down on November 4.

VOTE early. VOTE once.

As the day for the crucial 2020 election nears, it's all hands on deck. The Roadside Art Action artists will be at it again, reposting the signs along Sir Francis Drake Road through the San Geronimo Valley.

And Marc will be at it, with mask on, with the message: VOTE early. VOTE once.