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I have been working on artwork that just feels peaceful. This is one that I feel like I have made it through the storm in one piece and survived. I love the beach and the serenity that it brings. I feel like I am able to finally paint just because I want to and things that I want to, but somehow always come back around full circle to what I am going through or I can relate it to my future.
After the forgiveness book and working through the Brene Brown book I felt the need to finally let go which is what I do with my art, it is like the final stage of letting go and being done with whatever I may be going through although situations may arise, and I may still get angry or hurt, it doesn't last as long as it used to. I do not usually attach words to these works, but I felt the need to write the words again as the forgiveness book urged us to do. I feel as if I have finally forgiven Carson's father for all the hurt he has caused, all the pain and suffering, although I still get angry with what he does to Carson, I am able to not let that hate/hurt/pain control me like before. I am able to move on and let go. I think this was ultimately the hardest thing I have ever done, but forgiving is not for anyone but me. I can not express how FREE and how relieved, how much lighter I feel since finally letting it go!
After much debate and talking this over with friends, I went back in and changed the words, I can't cover them up completely, but I made them much lighter. I do like this much better as it focuses on the image and not the words.....
Lovely paintings! I love the first one with the boat a lot. It does have a sense of peace, but knowing how harmful waves can be it also makes me remember that moments of peace can be temporary and that we need to cherish each moment.
ReplyDeleteMy only criticism is with the text on the 2nd one...I know it's probably too late, but for future reference I would just consider not putting text in the image. Sometimes it can be said in the title of the piece. I feel like a painting can have a sense of forgiveness without the text. But that's just a thought! Great work though.
Thank you! I usually do not put text on my paintings like this.. For me it was something I needed to write, paint. I needed it to be on there. I know images are just as powerful without the words. It was the process of it that I needed to go through and I needed to paint the words. Part of doing the book on Forgiveness was writing and saying those words to those that have harmed me.... Thanks for the feedback!
ReplyDeleteAndrea,
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you are working so diligently a really important soul stuff. Here is my strange thought. I think iconographically we are used to seeing one receive forgiveness on our knees. But do we forgive from the same position. I don't know. I know I was told forgiveness is an active verb that I don't have to forget and I prefer my forgiveness offered at a distance while running. I guess, I am offering the idea, that you are really exploring not just the nature of healing but the nature of forgiveness. What do they look like?
Lynn, the Sunday that I did the clay vessel on stage after the service, when I walked off stage, I hit my knees, was bent over and just sobbed, for me that was when I believe I truly let go, truly forgave... Maybe I need to do one of my bent over sobbing instead. I don't think we always forgive on our knees, but for me this forgiveness was on my knees off stage, sobbing...
ReplyDeleteGreat replies and suggestions one and all. When I say the work I thought of retablas and x-votoes, religious paintings on tin from Mexico. When a healing would occur a person would go to the local artist to have a painting done telling of the miracle. Look them up.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Carleen, I like the first painting more and for the same reasons. For me I think the text would have been perfect for a title, but this Art work is for you. So in a way who cares what others opinions are? If you were working on a more general topic I think others evaluations would carry more weight , but since you are dealing with a deeply personal topic your the only person whos opinion matters. If you feel you have to write the text in the painting to further your healing process continue to do what is right for you.
ReplyDeleteI really like Lynn's points and questions about the nature of forgiveness, very interesting. I think most people don't really understand forgiveness, or even give it a chance to be honest. We could all use a bit of time examining the concept.
Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Daniel. In a way, this work is for you. It is an expression of your emotions and your story. I have work I create just for fun/personal reasons, and work that I create for exhibiting. This is more of a depiction of your life, your moments. You have chronicled this moment in time for yourself. Do with it what YOU want.
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