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The Book Journey So Far
“Desiderata – Ultra Violet” is a visually stunning journey through a woman’s dream world, where Norville Parchment’s vivid artistry harmoniously melds with Max Ehrmann’s poetic wisdom to create a whimsical yet poignant tale of discovery, love, and loss. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Going through a really large life change, I found the poem. It was exactly the thing I needed to read at exactly the right time. I started drawing the book that afternoon. It’s not a story about me, but it certainly has elements that I recognize from my own life.
Can you explain the process behind creating your unique visual narrative and how you brought the dream world to life on the pages?
The book journey so far has been 17 Hardcover and three paperback Editions; spanning 11 books, written by four authors. I learn the fun way: doing it. Been searching long for something just now found; a specific kind of visual storytelling that uses humor and double meaning to add subtext while illustrating the poem.
The story started with only three little monsters collectively called “Reckon”. They made mischief in the city. In one version they ate people and so most of the book was characters being introduced and then eaten to the confusion of other characters. But the plot didn’t hold up. And after a couple of people were dinner the idea got stale. Just causing havoc wasn’t enough. It was empty. Carnage chopping across bloody pages not really lining up with the poem. I Needed a Hero.
That hero was Fem. I want you to think she’s the victim. I’ve dressed her up as one to start. She jogs through Lake Oswego to begin the book and three little monsters break into her apartment. Calling this Ultra-Violent is an intentional design choice. I’ve set it in your mind that we’re going to hurt things. If you’re observant, you can see that her tattoo is framed in such a way so that you can only read “like a girl” It’s later revealed to be Fight like a girl” (in reference to Princess Leah). when Reckon attempts to sneak up on her, Fem is ready. She’s no victim, she is fierce, strong, and stunning all the way through.
Fem is becoming. Fem becomes a mouse, shifts body types, she’s a bird, inverts her color, sells her soul to be a mermaid, she meets someone and they fall in love. Fem grows into a princess until she in the end Reckons and they live happily ever after. Not only does she form shift but she also shifts across the seven female archetypes. Fem moves from innocent, to the caregiver, the sage, the huntress, the mystic, the queen and the lover. She is adapting as she moves through the story.
“Desiderata – Ultra Violet” evokes a strong sense of personal growth and discovery. How much of this was drawn from your own experiences or insights?
Fem is adapting as she moves through the story. Please notice Fem is never afraid. She’s not confused. Through her journey, Fem remains stunning and fierce. The damsel is never in distress.
Life changed quite a bit and I had a choice to keep doing what I was doing or to change everything. I chose to change.
When and where will your book be available?
The Book is available now. For this series, I’ve chosen to not release it to Amazon/Bookstores as all of that money goes to middle people. Instead, this book is only available on my website. It’s $499 for the first of only two limited edition runs. This is for collectors and investors. These are all numbered and signed and cataloged by the artist. These are personalized. This is art.
Desiderata: Ultra-Violent
“Desiderata: Ultra-Violent,” created by Norville Parchment, is an inventive fusion of art and literature inspired by Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata: Words for Life.” This visually captivating book presents Ehrmann’s poem in a unique format that provides additional depth to the visual storytelling.
Ehrmann’s poem, renowned for its concise yet stirring style, dispenses an array of insightful advice about life, inviting readers to shun unhealthy comparisons and focus on personal growth. It underscores the significance of fostering inner tranquility and propounds virtues such as kindness, honesty, and patience. Ehrmann’s words inspire an appreciation for life’s beauty and instill a sense of comfort in the present moment.
The imagery crafted by Parchment intriguingly juxtaposes this wisdom with an element of playfulness while also introducing undertones of violence and tragedy. His narrative revolves around a female protagonist journeying through her dreams, thereby unveiling a fantastical yet dramatic tale of discovery, love, and loss. Parchment’s abstract art style and his inclusion of curious characters known as the “Reckon” lends a whimsical touch that deeply engages the reader.
The allure of this book lies largely in the engrossing visual narrative Parchment weaves, successfully encapsulating the fluid and elusive essence of dreams. His illustrations abound with moments of vivid imagination, each one coaxing curiosity about the ensuing turn in the narrative.
“Desiderata: Ultra-Violent” deserves commendation for its extraordinary artistry, predominantly Parchment’s creation, which is bound to leave a lasting impression on readers. The enigmatic charm of his artistry propels an interest in his future works. This book is certainly a compelling exploration of the dream world, manifesting a uniquely captivating experience through an intertwining of poetry and art.
LITERARY TITAN 