Silver Linings Historical Book Cover
Silver Linings 25th
Silver Linings is one of the very few digital images ever to officially go into orbit during the American Space Shuttle Program. The printed book cover of Silver Linings: My Life Before and After Challenger 7, written by June Scobee Rogers, was placed on board the last flight No.#33 of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. This flight also marked the end of the American Space Shuttle Program Flight STS-135.
Art, Symbol, Pointer + Dream
Silver Linings: Real Space Art back from Space!
Not a lot of digital artists or collectors can say they have any space art in their collections that have actually gone into orbit or outer space and come back in a verified way.
For me personally and more notably, is the fact that Silver Linings is an example of how art can have a bigger role to play in the minds-eye and the greater social ecology then we actually value, anticipate or think about on the day to day.
Artists’ work can speak of events, locations and situations that mark major transitions in artistic expression, geopolitical events and changes in human perspective, experience and consciousness both historically and psychologically and some would also say even spiritually.
This Silver Linings digitally painted image participated in several landmark historical events.
– Last Atlantis shuttle Mission No. 33
– Last ever shuttle mission Flight No. 135
– 25th anniversary of the Challenger accident
– Book cover of biography of June Scobee Rogers.
– Visually represents the spirit, aspirations and the legacy of the American Space Program and all its participants.
– Physical reproduction of digital artwork travelled 5,284,862 Statute miles, 200 Earth Orbits and 12 Days, 18h 27m 56s off the ground.
– Literary book cover illustration: Mixed digital
– 8100 X 8100 px
I would love to say a few words about your generous gift of your talent to design the cover for my autobiography titled Silver Linings: My Life Before and After Challenger 7. You demonstrated a keen insight into creating symbolism to illustrate the heart of the story. The design, color and clarity are captivating and capture the true meaning and depth of the story. Your cover art is a marvelous illustration that beautifully complements the theme and story line of the book. Thank you.
Seth Rowanwood is more than an incredibly talented artist. He works hard to listen and intuit the story for which he is developing a concept. You want him on your project!
Oct. 13, 2011, Seth Rowanwood, artist, stands in front of official NASA placard with June Scobee Rogers. His digital painting (printed as a book cover and print)
The Silver Linings 25th Anniversary book cover was one of the very few artworks to officially returning from space and the only piece of the Celestial Matters show that was not originally shown on the International Space Station. Not only was Seth’s painting one of the very few digitally created artworks to ever go into orbit, it was the very last digital artwork to officially go on the last Space Shuttle mission STS-135, Atlantis flight No. 33.
At a reception on Oct. 13, 2011, Richard Garriott, an American space tourist and video game developer, stands in front of pieces of art that were displayed on the International Space Station in 2008. The artwork is part of a free exhibit, called Celestial Matters, at the Charles Bank Gallery from Oct. 14-16 in New York City. (Image credit: Denise Chow/SPACE.com)
I was fortunate enough to meet June Scobee Rodgers a second time at the anthology book signing after meeting at the Illustrators of the Future Awards ceremony the previous night. I told her the story of my childhood dream, and of how much the shuttle program had inspired me. Speaking with her, I again felt that feeling from the dream, like a hug, and I carried that feeling with me for many days. A week later, I received an email from June, inquiring if I would like to illustrate her ‘Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Silver Linings’ book cover. I was thrilled, though just a little nervous at being given such an important honor. Of course I said yes.
I am so very grateful to have the opportunity to give back in a way that will see future dreamers, young and old, continue to look out into the sky and wonder: are we alone? what else is out there? who are we in the vast, limitless expanse of the universe? who are we really? I know one thing is certain: somehow, we are loved beyond our comprehension.
I offer a heartfelt appreciation for all those men and women who believe in the impossible and reach forward, those that help us to stand up and take notice of the miracles at hand. They dedicate their lives to inspire and teach us, every day, by their acts of courage, strength and care. Thank you for your unwavering passion and devotion. You serve not only us, but the greater love that holds us all.
With Gratitude! ~Seth J. Rowanwood