Cassandra Barney

Walking into BYU Bookstore was like entering a magical land called Cassie-topia. Actually, it was more like a magical ride than a land because the same music played over and over and people waited in lines. There were really big banners of my artwork, signs, pictures, media and even buttons everywhere. I wasn't the only queen of Cassie-topia; it included Emily and a few other artists, all signing artwork at this two day event. We met some amazing women who were bursting with emotion from the conference. We shared laughs and tears with ladies we'd just met and it got me to thinking. We weren't there to sell artwork, we were there to share. Artwork is unique in that way. Once again of feel pretty lucky that I get to do what I do.

I've seen my artwork used in lots of ways, but this is the first time I've seen it on stairs. Val Ugolini put the event together, he's the mastermind behind the ascending stair artwork in Cassie-topia. I wonder if it will catch on.

It would have been odd if happened once but when it happened several times, it got downright strange. A group of women would be standing in front of our artwork saying,"hmmm... it reminds me of something." Then they'd look some more and somebody would say, "your artwork reminds me of James Christensen!" Seriously, it was strange. I wonder what it is that connects us.

I'm glad that I got to meet the people that I did and share stories. I'm glad that I got to be there with my sister. Really though, I love making artwork far more than dwelling in Cassie-topia. I can't wait to get back into the studio.