- Published on
Resurrection Is Only For The Strong
Resurrection Is Only For The Strong
oil on Yupo
11.75 x 19 inches (plus a border for framing)
This item is unmounted and unframed
(click on the image to purchase)
being willing to
start over
again and again
is the opposite
of weakness
it's the toughest
thing I can think of
resurrection is only
for the strong
and you, my love,
you are the strongest
person I have
ever met
- JOHN ROEDEL
oil on Yupo
11.75 x 19 inches (plus a border for framing)
This item is unmounted and unframed
(click on the image to purchase)
being willing to
start over
again and again
is the opposite
of weakness
it's the toughest
thing I can think of
resurrection is only
for the strong
and you, my love,
you are the strongest
person I have
ever met
- JOHN ROEDEL
How many of you have started over?
I'd guess maybe most of us, at some point or another. Roedel's words hit me right in the gut - starting over is the opposite of weakness. The reinvention of myself has been a constant musical soundtrack to the bulk of my existence. Sometimes I chose to start again. Other times it was forced upon me. Either way, choice or no choice, when you start over, you are brave. You are strong.
It isn't different in your creative life. Beginning again, whether your art or writing was a fail or a success, requires strength. We pour our beings into what we creatively birth into this world. We know what we will face when we choose to begin again, that blank canvas or white page in front of us. We accept the process will take us on a journey - that we may very well feel uplifted or broken on the other side.
I'd guess maybe most of us, at some point or another. Roedel's words hit me right in the gut - starting over is the opposite of weakness. The reinvention of myself has been a constant musical soundtrack to the bulk of my existence. Sometimes I chose to start again. Other times it was forced upon me. Either way, choice or no choice, when you start over, you are brave. You are strong.
It isn't different in your creative life. Beginning again, whether your art or writing was a fail or a success, requires strength. We pour our beings into what we creatively birth into this world. We know what we will face when we choose to begin again, that blank canvas or white page in front of us. We accept the process will take us on a journey - that we may very well feel uplifted or broken on the other side.
For each of you looking at that new beginning, be it in life or in art, I salute you. You got this. You are the strongest person I have ever met.
About the art: beginning with a gesso'd piece of Yupo, I roughed in the basic figure shape with thinned oil paint and began working from the outside-in with the background. A long drying time. Next I placed the darks, deliniating shapes and sharp edges. Small brushes and many layers to create depth and texture on the face, hand and skin. Flat color on the wings. A base coat for the hair, then the background again to lighten and lift the color story. Finally, a palette knife and paint to create a thick imposto texture on the hair. And more drying time. This piece has been soulful company in the studio for the last few months.
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Bonus malarkey!
What I am especially drawn to, again and again: the exquisite rendering of darks and lights, the exquisite expressiveness of posture, and the exquisite depth of texture in the hair.
I salute you, Lola!
Thank you for seeing the darks and lights, the posture and the texture. That means a lot to me! xoxoxo
First of all I really like the painting. It reminds me of an exhausted guardian angel. Many times in my career I have started over. It can feel scary but also like a great weight has been lifted as well. The decision to start over can be terrifying that is where the bravery comes in I think. Resets are a growth tool. Everyone of them has led me to where I am today. I'm a poor happy art teacher. I walked away from a 6 figure IT career to open a studio. I must also add that my career changes were made possible in no small part to having a wonderful partner in Wendy these las 36 years. Being brave is easier with the right person at your side routing for you.
Carl
You are the CHAMP of starting over! So amazed by your brave journey. And yes, indeed, it is easier with a supportive partner FOR SURE! xoxo
Love everything about her, her pensive eyes, wings, and her ochre framing. I am sure she will arise and start again.
Relate to the concept that starting over is not a sign of weakness, it's the finishing that I get stumped on.
We all have to keep our STRONG!
And yeah, finishing can be a hurdle at times.
We can help each other keep our STRONG!! xoxoxoxox