Through The Voluminous Shroud

Through The Voluminous Shroud

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​"Through The Voluminous Shroud" - oil on paper, 13.5 x 20 inches.  This item is unmounted and unframed (click on the image to purchase)

It's been said I was a vocal child.
demanding, wanting affection
As if basic needs like gentle words and hugs
were unforgivable.
I am tenacious, so
it took awhile
to punish the volume out of me.

Each time I got
the bright idea to say something
kicks ensued.
Why speak when
speaking hurts
So I did not say.

​When I was older
aging
fading
he saw me
under those layers
through the voluminous
shroud
pulled me out.
Breathing
what’s that?
My voice.

I finally used it
a croaking, awkward sound
it drove away the kickers
the hitters
the haters
because I no longer
fit the mold
they made for me.

​Am I sad?
Not really.
I am seen.
That is not to be traded
​ like a horse.
Rather
cherished like a lost heirloom
finally
finally
found.
​

Dear reader - I'd love to hear about moments you felt seen (or unseen!) Leave a comment below.

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About the art:  beginning with a gesso murder of an old acrylic painting, split into two vertical segments, I drew the basic figure and shroud shape with a brush loaded with thinned oil paint.  Working first from the outside in, painting away the gesso with the soft background color and preserving the lower portion for a layer of dark, darks.  Adding the lower dark portion and a few places near the figure.  Then painting with a large, wet brush to get the shapes and movement in the garment, preserving the darks around the arm, neck and shoulder of the figure.  A good long drying time before coming in with a small brush to paint the neck, arm, legs and feet.  More drying.  The requisite 80 million layers of pinks with a rubber wedge to create volume, folds and edges.  A very wet. paint laden brush around the lower portions to allow running paint and drips.  And another long, long drying time.  Though the piece is emotive and emotional, the colors soften the impact and allow a lightness to relieve some of its weighty meaning.  

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