The Parchment

by Taylor Coffman

Illustration By Loreli Deleon

I’ve known Loreli Deleon since middle school back in Fairfax, Virginia. I am honored to say that through the years she has been the best of friends and developed into one of the most talented artists I know.

Just out of college, I wrote and performed a one woman piece called STREAM that was read at the Kennedy Center’s Page to Stage Festival with Smallbeer Theatre Company. This piece was a modern take on the Ophelia story… As a gift and show of support, Loreli designed a poster for the piece and I’ve traveled with it throughout the years.

When Ditch was coming into fruition, I contacted Loreli. Inspired by her work, I felt like the world of this play could really be translated and complimented by her artistry and talent. She read the play and we’ve worked tirelessly to collaborate on an illustration. She did a first draft of sort for our reading a few months back. Much like the play itself, since the read we’ve worked (well really LORELI has worked) to deepen the art. That translates to mostly getting emailed designs and me replying with “COOL”…or “AWESOME” to whatever developments Loreli had made.

Oh did I mention, Loreli lives in Germany?

Yep! Germany. So in the beauty of modern technology, two friends and artists can collaborate across oceans to create art… It’s really pretty cool. Honestly sometimes I forget that we haven’t talked personally in a long time because our dialogue since beginning this project has been so constant. In fact it wasn’t till the other day did I go, “WOW, I don’t even have your phone number??” Although I am not sure I could afford the call! Mostly she is consoling me over my new found addiction to Harry and David’s Moose Munch- which has been quite the companion while I’ve sat long hours with Final Draft open. We’ve also gotten decent at figuring out the hours and time difference between these time zones…

So here is the design. I think it’s pretty righteous and really illustrates the emotional heart of this piece. I am so grateful to Loreli for her artistry and her efforts. She really has created an invitation of sorts into the world of this play and set the tone.

I think the last time I saw Loreli was a few years back when she was living in Hawaii. It is across a different ocean this time (well, depending which way you go)… and I hope to see her soon and am so grateful that the world can be so connected and bring people together for art, support, and at the end of the day or the beginning depending on the time zone, love.

Thanks Loreli!