Published: Tuesday, Feb. 02, 2010 / Updated: Monday, Feb. 08, 2010 09:46 PM
Meet Clover author, artist Tuesday, Feb. 9, in Lake Wylie
Book of paintings, poetry to help local charity
Life, much like publishing her first book, is a journey for Jacqueline “Jackie” Clarkin. By sharing both with readers, Clarkin hopes to begin a new path not only of personal reflection, but also of giving to others.
Clarkin of Clover recently published “Off the Beaten Path,” a collection of her poetry and short writings showcased with some of her paintings. A portion of the proceeds, 20 percent, from sales of the 30-plus page book will go to Lake Wylie’s All Saints Catholic Church charities.
“It was a four-year process from the conception of the work to the finished product,” said Clarkin, who works full time in retail.
Spiritual themes and Biblical numerology are weaved through her pieces.
“When you create, it just kind of comes to you,” she said, explaining the name of her book. “You move from a path of obligation to a path of creativity. I feel like this is a highly spiritual time.”
Enheart Publishing founder Pat Shulz said Clarkin’s work is a natural fit for the company that provides materials to motivate, educate and inspire.
“Clarkin’s work certainly confirms to this criterion,” Schulz said. “Clarkin’s 10-year design and poetry collection has a unique capacity to reach individuals from every walk of life.”
The self-taught artist, who opened J. Clarkin Studios three years ago, has a daughter who recently graduated from Winthrop University in Rock Hill. Her parents of River Hills are active at All Saints, which inspired her act of charity.
But donating her work to help others isn’t new to Clarkin. She recently a “couch-size” piece valued at $1,000 for the Feb. 13 52nd annual Greater Charlotte Heart Ball for the American Heart Association at Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. She’d also like to publish a book for children with all proceeds going toward a local children’s charity.
Clarkin hopes the new book will show readers how inspiring the arts in all phases of life.
“It takes readers on a journey through four different phases of life,” she said. “We all strive for a spiritual path in life. That’s really the ultimate destination.”
Which, even Clarkin found in her book.
“It really is all self-evolution, self-reflection,” she said. “I guess in retrospect, it’s a reflection of where I am right now.”
Yet, Shulz said, it may represent where others are, too.
“Her art design work motivates the viewer to seek meaning within its symbolism, and in the process she is teaching concepts relative to connectivity and humanity,” Shulz said.
The book costs is $21.95 and may be purchased at jclarkinstudios.com, enheartpublishing.com or at Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road, Park Road Shopping Center, in Charlotte.
Meet the author
A book release and reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 9 at Lake Wylie Public Library, 185 Blucher Circle. Reservations requested Saturday, Feb. 6. Books and merchandise will not be available at the event. For more information, call 803-222-3647. To order the book or find out more, visit jclarkinstudios.com or enheartpublishing.com.
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