Trauma.
The first thing it does is to take away our sense of security. And the future will never be the same.
What brought safety before is now not enough to save us from our fears. So, like an old, comfortable, fuzzy blanket, security wraps us in comfort. Until it is taken away. The fallout can be as simple as nightmares and added stress, or as dramatic as failing health, financial loss, self-harm, or a search for that comfort through addiction.
This model is my son. And at the time of my very, very, fast separation his world was turned upside down. Like many kids who are a victim of divorce, his world was changed overnight.
Broken Vessel #3 / Security oil, 36″ x 24″
I was obsessed with his hand. There are so many thin layers. And painting someone upside down is tough. It distorts the features and if you turn him around and upside down, it looks very “off” since our brains are not used to seeing a face upside down. It tries to “correct” the distortions. So I painted him from life because I had to get it feeling natural. He was a trooper and posed for me laying upside down on a beanbag while l painted him in my living room under natural light.
I think he was yawning here… hehe….the blanket then had to be “broken.” I love how the more these images get “broken” the more it contrasts the 3-D portrait against the flat surface repair of the golden lines.
Here is a pic before it was cut up on how the fibonacci “spiral” fits in…so yes, his head was planned out to be in that “sweet spot.” Just like Hectors’ hand from last week. Then I had the gold cracks flow along this curve too.
The cracks and the way it was cut up with the saw reinforces the spiral, and if you see the painting in person, the gold leaf really glints. Hard to show that in the photos.
Here is the painting after cutting it up in pieces.
…….Thrilling I tell ya! Sorry- I know some of you are cringing…..
Here is a video of me figuring out how the pieces go back together.
Remember- the gallery opening for the exhibition is on October 8th at the Christine Frechard Gallery in Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh PA. 5-8pm. Sharing the gallery with me is my buddy and brilliant painter, Patrick Lee. Trust me, his work is worth seeing in person.
Hope to see you there….
Next week- The “Love” panel and my oldest daughter.
Oh Christine! I love to read about the way your work comes together… it is at once fascinating and impressive! So proud of you and all you’ve accomplished!! Amazing!!!
😊
I can hear healing in your voice.
I too have been divorced with children. Wouldn’t wish the trauma on anyone. Life gets better; I promise. Keep being intentional about restoring your life and the” burnishing ” you have experienced will reveal a conquest beyond measure.
Amen.
I am so sorry to hear about you getting a divorce. I know how hard it is. I still hurt from it, but it does get better. Life is such a struggle. At least you have your kids and your wonderful art. I had nothing when it happened. Now, I have everything. Take care.
So good to hear you have everything now! I have my kids. That is all that matters.
I have to say Christine that this one is my favorite so far. You are such an amazing painter but there is something that happens when you paint your son:) I love that you cut it up more than the others… there is something about boys that is so vulnerable… you have captured that. You have been so strong in showing them the way to “put the pieces back together”.
Thank you. Boys are special.
I am overwhelmed with this project of yours. Eagerly waiting for the next, These are so profound. So natural. So full of truth. Scary. Easy to understand, a bit, hard to put into words. Thank you.
Hug! Thank you.
Hugs!
Beautiful work. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing.
All of this is so amazing!! I am proud of you!!
😀😀😀
Can’t wait for the show!
Visual Artist throughout history have often produced their greatest works inspired by personal tragedies. Edvard Munch comes to mind for example. Divorce is a traumatic life experience for the entire family. I saw this with my son and his family years ago. Your work says it all and how you are processing this experience is truly amazing. Equally amazing is your strength of character and artistic skill These paintings are simply beautiful. Hugs for you and your children.
Thanks you use much. That means a great deal to me. What struck me most going through this was how universal all this suffering is… and how you can’t guess at what another person is healing from just by looking at them. But if we could see it, would we be kinder to each other?