Mouse of Zen and Knell Studio Works

GIVEAWAY DETAILS BELOW

 

Last month, I received a tweet from J.B. (Brad) Conway (AKA @mouseofzen) asking for the picture I was using as my Twitter avatar.  He said he wanted to write a haiku based upon it.  It's a really special photo to me and I liked his work, so I was excited.  I edited the color as requested and emailed it over.  During the next couple of days, we came to an agreement upon:

baby steps to dreams

closer to becoming my

wish of a princess

I won't get into my love/hate relationship with the Princesses, but I'd like to thank Brad for graciously changing a word from the original version with which I was uncomfortable.

The picture and haiku were sent to John Knell to work his graphic design magic.  The resulting image is above.  Isn't it fabulous?!?!

Below are some other examples of the collaboration of these two talented guys.  The images below combine John's photography and graphic design with Brad's haiku poetry.

Brad and John will be selling these pieces of art soon on KnellStudioWorks.com.  These are just a few of the creations they plan to make available.  Here's a link to even more.  Or if you have your own very special moment captured in a photo, contact the guys for a custom piece. Brad had this to say about the project, "We are moving towards producing WDW-inspired artwork that will touch you emotionally and delight you visually. They will be complete/self contained moments of magic that will not only be based on our passion/ideas/vision but we are also hoping to add a customized element which will make it even more personal and special."

I asked John how their collaboration began and he said, "Wow...the collaboration came about fairly simply and organically. Started following each other on Twitter thanks to our mutual passion for Disney. Brad found out that I do graphic design for a living so he asked me to design his Mouse of Zen logo. We worked well enough together that he wrote haikus for some of my photos that I have been posting on Facebook and Flickr. I did a few quick layouts, combining his words with my images, and we got some positive feedback from our respective audiences. Encouraged, Brad wrote some more haikus and I did more photo illustrations, which yielded more positive responses, and now we are looking to build on what we've started and see where it goes."

This isn't the only big news from these guys.  Brad's first book of Disney-themed haiku poetry, Mouse of Zen, was recently released and is available on lulu.com.  Inspired to write after his children's first trip to Walt Disney World, Brad chose haiku to express his creativity.  Haiku compels the poet to follow a 5 syallable,7 syllable, 5 syllable pattern.  This very short format requires words to be chosen carefully to convey the desired message.  Brad's work does that beautifully, taking you to the place in Walt Disney World he is describing and stirring your own memories of a special vacation.  What I consider to be "Audrey's poem" is #5 in the book and I am glad it is being shared.  My other favorite is #83 since I love Epcot and IllumiNations.

reflections of earth

fire dancing in the sky

tugging on heart strings

 

With 350 poems, the mood ranges from sweet to sad and covers practically every WDW topic.  He's even written poems on the marathon, IllumiNations cruise, and the Partners statue.  Below are a few more I couldn't resist sharing.

340.

eyelids of kids drop

after counting mouse shaped clouds

dancing in their dreams

251.

upon my shoulders

my son takes rightful place as

king of his kingdom

205.

raise those mickey ears!

fought a hell of a battle

and won lifetime friends!

This book of "mouse-sized" poetry would make a great addition to any Disney fan's collection.  While you could sit down and read this book fairly quickly, I think you'll find yourself reaching for this book over and over,flipping to a page and taking a little meandering trip down memory lane as the poems take you back to the mouse. 

Best wishes to John and Brad on these creative projects!

Use the code "autumn" to receive 10% off Mouse of Zen at lulu.com.

-------------------------------------------------------

Ready to enter to win an 8x10 print of this beautiful castle art?

You get one entry for each of the following. Please note each as a separate entry in the comments section below so I know what you have done.  (If you are already following us through any of these channels, just note that. Hey, free entry!)

• 
  
  Like Knell Studio Works on Facebook
• 
  
  Like Mouse of Zen on Facebook
• 
  
  Like Growing Up Disney on Facebook
• 
  
  Follow Knell Studio Works on Twitter
• 
  
  Follow Mouse of Zen on Twitter
• 
  
  Follow Growing Up Disney on Twitter
• 
  
  Tweet about this giveaway, one entry per day.  Feel free to use this: "Visit http://www.growingupdisney.com/ to enter to #win an 8x10 castle haiku print from @knellstudio and @mouseofzen  #Disney #giveaway"
• 
  
  Follow Growing Up Disney publicly on Google Friend Connect.  See widget at right.

  

This contest ends at midnight Central time on Monday, September 27 and is limited to residents of the United States and Canada.  The winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. You'll be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Good luck!

  

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of Mouse of Zen for reviewing purposes. No monetary compensation was received or offered. All opinions expressed are my honest thoughts on these products.

****The winner is Lisa Battista.  Congratulations!****