Other than writing, I channel my inspirations by creating mixed-media story boxes that I call retablos. An explanation of the term is given in one of the photos. They may be enlarged by clicking on each photo in turn.
Lens Artist Challenge: Your Inspiration
lifelessons - a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown 
Beautiful images
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So nice to find your blog. Your photos are outstanding.
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Thanks Judy..I love following your site. You are a great writer and photographer Anita
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Thanks, Anita. Did you really do a 100 country trek or is that your goal?
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We have been to 106 different countries in the World. I always want to see our world.
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I felt the same way for most of my life. I’m so glad I traveled so extensively when I was younger.
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These are beautiful, Judy!
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Thanks, Janet. These are some of my old ones. I guess I haven’t photographed the newer ones.
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Judy, you are a woman of many talents. I would love to use the images on a dVerse prompt one of these times. Would you be willing to let them be featured there?
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These are amazing.
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An intriguing set. I particularly like Frida
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Love them Judy.
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Your retablos enchanted me first time I saw them and continue to enchant. Your retablos also inspired me to want to create my own, which, with your guidance and support, I have done. Twice. I look forward to the next. You are an incredible artist and your daring urges me to be more wild, more free, more open in making art. Thank you!
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Well you’ve given back the same, Judy. Bring some mementos to add to a new retablo while you’re staying with me. And encourage me to photograph my new retablos. They are now under the bed. I’ve run out of places to put them.
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I’ve already started gathering a few things. Look forward to seeing your new ones, too.
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I’m so looking forward to your being here, Leslie in tow.
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Yes! I have been a patient woman. But that can only go on for so long.
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These retablos are fantastic Judy. Do you make the boxes from scratch or do you use found objects to house your art and interesting objects? I’d love to try making one of these.
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Come down and make one! The ornamental boxes I buy. They are brass or copper or aluminum or steel. I patina and color them and embellish. Most of the photos are my own that I use in the background. Or small oil paintings on canvas or found images are also sometimes used. My studio is filled with tens of thousands of tiny things ready to become a part of them.
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I just love your retablos, so creative! 😍
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Thanks, Tiffany.
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I love this idea, Judy. I saw a retablo in an art gallery in Maine not too long ago and love the idea of telling a story through the work. I’d love to hear the stories you had in mind when you created each piece. I’m delighted you shared your inspiration with us. Now you have me thinking how I would do this!!
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Do it and send photos. Perhaps when i get home I’ll start doing one a week
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By doing, I mean publishing a photo and explanation. I have done a book but only a private publishing..
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WOW. Fascinating and talented artwork. Each story must be equally intriguing. Very impressive!!!
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Thanks, John. One part of me thinks an art work should not need to be explained.. but another part would love to tell the story.
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