Have you noticed that tragedy either brings out the worst in people or the best? Our nation, in fact the world, has experienced one tragedy after another these past two years: floods, fires, tsunamis, earth quakes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, cancelled plane reservations, power outages, lack of food and water, you name it!
And what has come out of this pain and suffering? Goodness; the strength of human character, the kindness of one person helping another, the humbleness of unspoken prayers and those coming from the heart.
I’ve long wanted to capture these faces and feelings in a painting. A contest sponsored by Fine Art America (FAA), an online web site, is called “Earth Tones.” I love working with earth tones, so I decided to prepare a small submission.
My work in progress will be 11x14 when finished. I wanted to do something different; somewhat experimental. I don’t know if it will work as I expect, but I hope so. I wanted to capture the pain and suffering on the faces of victims who have suffered pain, endured loss, and who feel broken and lost by their experiences.
Every day we hear stories of crimes, of evil actions with disastrous results. We wonder if there is any good in the world. And then disasters of great magnitude come along and the plain and simple people of the earth are lifted to the forefront. Their goodness inspires us and reminds us that basically, most people are good.
We suffer with them. We cheer them on and admire their courage. They become role models in a world where what is taunted and exposed is fame, fortune, glamor, and evil. Our faith in God and in humanity is strengthened as we watch from our safe untouched living rooms. Some of us will pray for the victims; others will donate money and time. Still others will physically leave the safety of what is familiar to lend a helping hand. The best in us comes to the surface, and “all’s right with the world,” once again.
I’m sharing my drawing and preparatory work in this blog. Your comments are always welcome.
And what has come out of this pain and suffering? Goodness; the strength of human character, the kindness of one person helping another, the humbleness of unspoken prayers and those coming from the heart.
I’ve long wanted to capture these faces and feelings in a painting. A contest sponsored by Fine Art America (FAA), an online web site, is called “Earth Tones.” I love working with earth tones, so I decided to prepare a small submission.
My work in progress will be 11x14 when finished. I wanted to do something different; somewhat experimental. I don’t know if it will work as I expect, but I hope so. I wanted to capture the pain and suffering on the faces of victims who have suffered pain, endured loss, and who feel broken and lost by their experiences.
Every day we hear stories of crimes, of evil actions with disastrous results. We wonder if there is any good in the world. And then disasters of great magnitude come along and the plain and simple people of the earth are lifted to the forefront. Their goodness inspires us and reminds us that basically, most people are good.
I’m sharing my drawing and preparatory work in this blog. Your comments are always welcome.
This looks as if it's going to be a real new departure, Carol! Maybe the result of your feeling of 'stagnation' recently?
ReplyDelete(BTW, I think you might find my blog post on Thursday interesting! These coincidences - synchronicities? - seem to keep happening!)
You're right on the money, Judy. I'll look forward to reading your blog on Thursday. Maybe we're all desparate since things are moving slow. I also feel I want to grow and expand more than I have in the past. I want to try new things. Thanks for your comments!
ReplyDeleteCarol, I admire and quite agree with you. Most of us are good, decent people, and as Jeff Bridges' character said in the film. "Starman", "Shall I tell you what I find beautiful about humans? You are at your best when things are worst." That's a pretty cool thing to be able to say.
ReplyDeleteWow! Sounds like a movie I should rent. Thank you so much for your comments. And yes, "humans are at their best when things are worst" is a pretty cool thing to be able to say.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, Carol, touching on the very essence of what makes us human. Our courage, compassion and resilience in the face of suffering and loss. And I can tell already, without seeing the finished product, that your painting is going to be superb.
ReplyDelete