(Enlarge) Emerson Probst, an author and owner of G.W. Zouck Publishing, poses with fairy artist Linda Biggs at Probst’s home in Beckleysville. The two worked together on “Her Rainbow World,” a book featuring 32 of Biggs’ fairies and 10 essays written by Probst that focus on the artistic world. They both will be signing their books July 25, noon to 2 p.m., at Greetings and Readings, in Hunt Valley Towne Centre. (Photo by Patrick Smith)

Emerson Probst is a quiet writer who is analytical and introspective who wears khakis and muted plaid shirts.

Linda Biggs is a wildly creative artist whose fairy paintings come straight from her soul. She dresses in a black kilt and shirt, Celtic jewelry, and her trademark, vivid multi-colored socks.

The two have teamed up to produce "Her Rainbow World," a 48-page book featuring 32 of Biggs' fairies and 10 essays written by Probst that offer a glimpse into the artistic world where it's all about taking chances.

"I wanted to catch Linda's spirit of putting yourself out there," said Probst, who recently started his own publishing company, G.W. Zouck, in Beckleysville, named after the owner of the tavern where he now lives. "The book is both an art book and a motivational book."

When Probst called Biggs at her Parkton home last year to ask if she'd be interested in collaborating on a book, he didn't need to introduce himself. They knew each other from Towson High School, but didn't hang out together.

Biggs was a popular cheerleader. Probst was a long-haired hippie type.

But after meeting every few weeks for the past year while Probst interviewed Biggs, they now call themselves best friends.

"It was like therapy," Biggs said. "I really looked forward to it and I love being able to talk about my fairies."

As Probst listened to Biggs talk about leaving a high-pressure sales job to pursue painting fairies, he knew her enthusiasm and daring would be the focus of his essays.

"I found the book inspirational. It gave me a jolt," said Susan Wales, of Dover, Pa., who knew Probst from the publishing business. "I also enjoyed the artwork. It's very fanciful and very colorful."

Biggs' fairies also captivated Probst, who began admiring their uninhibited nature.

"There is a reason behind each painting," Biggs said. "Each is a copious amount of work, but when you love what you do, it doesn't matter. I get lost in my studio when I'm painting. There have been times I've painted through the night."

She knew she was onto something magical when she attended her first craft show, Sugarloaf Craft Festival, in 2000 and sold everything she brought.

Bob Sussman, of Frederick, started buying Biggs' artwork at Sugarloaf about five years ago. He's a big fan and now a friend who recently bought the book, too.

"So much of Linda's moods are in her work, and the written compositions are about that carefree, whimsical mythical world," he said. "Just like you can see something different every time you look at one of Linda's paintings, you can get something different out of the writings, too."

Like any good friends, each believes the other will be responsible for the book's hoped-for success.

"Linda has such a worldwide following and her prints are so beautiful," Probst said.

Biggs countered with, "The text is so pretty. I think people will purchase it because of that."

They both will be on hand to sign books from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 25 at Greetings and Readings, in Hunt Valley Towne Centre. The book costs $21.95 and is also available through G.W. Zouck Publishing Web site, www.gwzouck.com.

user comments (1)

user pksmi says...

Thanks, Linda and Emerson. Some people don't believe in fairies, but I have it on good authority (J M Barrie) that if we believe, Tinker Bell and her kin will survive, even in the Hereford Zone.

Posted 9:21 PM, 07.22.09

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