Purple book with a black label reading "from: A Circle of Love," displayed on a shelf, highlighting its title and artistic presentation.

Box spine

Purple hardcover book opened to reveal a dark blue interior with scattered, reflective, geometric shapes. This design highlights artistic bookbinding.

Book in box

Abstract artwork featuring scattered, reflective shapes in shades of pale blue against a dark background, evoking a sense of movement and depth.

Book cover

Abstract watercolor artwork featuring swirling blue and purple hues with the text "from A Circle of Love by Joan Finnegan" prominently displayed.

Title page

Blue watercolor artwork featuring a cutout shape revealing the text "I awoke that night." The design conveys a dreamlike atmosphere.

I awoke that night. closeup

Abstract artwork featuring shades of blue and hints of green, with delicate script reading "from a Circle of Love." Represents emotional depth and connection.

1st & 2nd openings

Abstract watercolor art featuring swirling blues and purples, with elegant white text expressing themes of love and divine inspiration.

1st & 3rd openings

Abstract watercolor artwork featuring swirling blue tones with white script text that reads, "I thought God had tapped me on the shoulder."

3rd opening

Abstract watercolor artwork features flowing blues and purples, with handwritten text reflecting on divine experiences and miracles in life.

3rd & 4th openings

Abstract watercolor artwork featuring swirling blue and purple hues with a handwritten quote about understanding love's progression.

5th & 6th openings

Colorful abstract artwork features handwritten text expressing emotion and longing, emphasizing a personal narrative. The vibrant blues enhance the theme.

5th & 7th openings

Abstract artwork featuring swirling blue hues with white and colorful text elements. The piece explores themes of madness and introspection, enhancing its emotional depth.

7th & 8th openings

Colorful abstract painting featuring handwritten text: "like a madwoman I wept for joy in the night." Evokes emotion and introspection.

7th opening

Abstract watercolor artwork featuring vibrant blue hues and subtle orange accents, with the phrase “there is no reason not to live like a hundred.”

8th opening

Purple book with a black label reading "from: A Circle of Love," displayed on a shelf, highlighting its title and artistic presentation.
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From: A Circle of Love

By Joan Finnigan

I awoke that night
as though God had tapped me 
on the shoulder

and I realized that a miracle
had occurred in your life
because I had loved you so well

from him to me to you and outwards

I understood the progression 
of love to eternity

and like a madwoman
I wept for joy in the night

there is no reason
not to live to be a hundred 

The pages of this book are made out of one sheet of Arches Text Wove on which I did multiple random acrylic washes with a little salt thrown in for good measure. The final outcome brought to mind this poem by Joan Finnigan from a longer poem called “A Circle of Love”.

The lettering was done with a brush using a mix of Pro White and W&N Permanent White gouache. I later highlighted the letters with watercolor.

It’s dimensions are:

6.9″   W 6.75″   D .5″

The cover and box are covered in silk that I purchased in Bangladesh over 25 years ago.

This book is the property of the Douglas Library at Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

The book uses a meander/maze/flutter book structure see figures 31 & 32 on this link