Skip to main content

Karen Blessen Journals

Sorrow of the Flag

A scrapbook page featuring a photograph of a KAWS sculpture, a handwritten note, and a drawing of a human figure.

This book started in late 2016, after the piece 29 dedication, after the election of Donald Trump before his inauguration. I said "F*#*$" more during this time than in all prior years combined.

A collage-style page featuring a photograph of roses, handwritten notes, and decorative elements.

Lord have Mercy on US. God help.

Dec. 19, 2016 65 years old today. 6 decades ago. Calvin has driven to day. Dallas TX and it is as cold here as it probably was in Columbus OH at age 18. I'm on Medicare as of this month. The electoral college is voting today and most likely Donald Trump will be our next president. This is a revolting idea. This man came in on a (m)ilitary coup to uphold the (you)ng while dark minds take control of the USA.

A collage page featuring a photograph of a woman at a protest, accompanied by handwritten notes and phrases.

A WOMAN’S PLACE IS IN THE REVOLUTION!

In a moment love has burned everything.

Divine Flame, O very sweet Blaze

I make my home in your hearth.

In your fire I gladly sing, I live on love

A collage of a comic strip and handwritten text, juxtaposing "Eyes on the Truth, Not the Tweets" with repetitive religious phrases.

EYES ON THE TRUTH NOT THE TWEETS (Let's give it a chance). ELLIS ROSEN is a cartoonist living in Brooklyn

2.23-17. Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on us... [repeated text].

A collage of various papers, photographs, and handwritten notes, including a note from Gandhi dated March 11, 2017.

THAT WONDEROUS STAR

from Gandhi

MARCH 11, 2017. Today is what I hope will be my last, or next to last monthly board meeting.

Today, I'll present three options for the organization and we'll see how the board votes.

I feel peace, and a great need for more rest and time in the studio.

A scrapbook page featuring a colorful illustration of a bird and flowers, alongside handwritten notes about stars and their composition.

She is truly like a star... emitting light. Steady... perched in the universe, burning, glowing, as long as the fix rays on.

Stars are made of very hot gas. This gas is mostly hydrogen and helium, which are the two lightest elements. Stars shine by burning hydrogen into helium in their cores, and later in their lives create heavier elements."

"Most STARS have small amounts of heavier elements like carbon,

A vibrant comic-style illustration depicting various emotional states, including shock, anger, and acceptance.

SHOCK
DENIAL
ANGER
bargaining
DEPRESSION
MORE ANGER
ACCEPTANCE

JESS HUTCHISON is a designer, animator, and thinker living in Queens, NY. She says, "We must use our emotions as fuel to keep us proactive and vocal."

A collage featuring a hand holding a revolver, a series of faces, and text advocating for resistance and creativity.

PLUG IT UP
RESIST FORCES THAT DIVIDE US
BRINDA CRACIUN is an illustrator living in Berlin, Germany.
TO RESIST IS TO CREATE — Stèphane Hessel