Starwae Press, Sonoma, CA

“It takes a long time to learn to play like yourself"
Miles Davis

In her watercolors, stories, and poems Janice Crow explores how we carry our childhood throughout our adult lives. She shows the interplay between the two with humor and insight, revealing the way many things we discovered for ourselves early on are still true.

Watercolors painted from childhood snapshots are combined with words and definitions from the dictionary that match the mood of the image. Angel, enthusiasm, mischief, rascal, precious, tenacious...such words put us in touch with the dauntless spirit and optimism of the child. Through them we reconnect with the world of our imagination.

Janice Crow embodies each character in this book. She is that rascal, that angel, that rebel.... as mischievous as the neighbor kid with a water balloon. As tenacious as a two year old, she sticks with a goal for as long as it takes. Tell her it can’t be done, and before you can turn around, she’s done it.
In their studios surrounded by lilac bushes, Janice and her husband John Curry host workshops in writing and creativity. Her pottery and paintings are in collections throughout the United States. She attended the University of California and has a BFA from
Southern Methodist University.

Janice Crow’s art takes us into a magical space...
simultaneously personal, universal and masterful.
It's the work of an artist as accomplished in the art
of life as in the craft of applying paint to paper.

This book is a gift to be cherished, a journey of endless discovery, a sharing that illuminates the mysteries of creativity and the human spirit.

Hal Zina Bennett,
Author of Write From The Heart:
Unlocking The Power of Your Creativity

Reviews

Short of owning the original watercolors, the next best thing is to own this book. These cunning portraits portray children as they are: unique and cute, funny and sad, saucy and sweet; real. If you have known a child intimately, you will recognize that child in these studies. You will see yourself in these pages.
Judith Davidson Moyers, Producer, Bill Moyers Public Affairs Television Inc.

The poems and vignettes of a very fascinating Southern family are so full of gusto, so real, and yet gentle. The watercolors are lovely, and the book is full of humor and delightful remembrances of childhood.
Dr. Gaye Luce, Transpersonal Psychologist, Creator of Nine Gates Mystery School

Upon entering my psychotherapy room, one’s eyes rest first on the large original drawing, “Light”. It has reminded my clients, who range in age from 4 to 80, of the child’s inherent optimism in the face of adversity. Daily it keeps me remembering my own capacity for light. This book will have the same effect on readers.
Eugenia Rush Gerrard, Family Therapist

These paintings are charming. A really great idea to explore the dictionary for definitions of words that apply to oneself and in that way find yourself.
Fanny Howe, Poet, Novelist, Academy of American Poets

CHANGE YOUR LIFE WITH BRUSHES, PAINT AND PAPER!

In the amazing process called Mess Painting, you will discover how to unlock the creativity within you. This book is for anyone who is ready to break through creative blocks and experience the joy of unfettered self-expression.

“This book may help you discover the land that no one else can discover for you, a land that has always been waiting for you.”
Dr Alice Miller, psychoanalyst, author of The Drama of the Gifted Child, and Pictures of a Childhood

“...an exuberant book of miracles. The Magic of Mess Painting releases unconcious treasures and boiling creativity.”
Jean Houston, PhD., author of A Passion for the Possible

In the inviting guise of a small book of poetry and art, Janice Crow has crafted a memoir of a pilgrimage from a dark childhood into the light of a life of engaged creativity. She offers us the self-analysis of an artist, presented with such unadorned genuineness that both pain and growth appear in transparent beauty.

Like a Japanese master, she uses few strokes to evoke with immediacy the fullness of those around her as she grew, calling to life both those who encouraged her and those who did not. The effect of this tale of the courage to be is at one unique and universal. "I Give You My Word is indeed a gift, from a gifted artist and poet.

Warren S. Poland, M.D. Former Editor, Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association Review of Books