Innocence is perhaps that one element that we can never fully recover.
Childhood trauma, abuse or neglect can take the rest of our lives to comprehend and to heal. It is amazing to me how much damage a cruel or careless comment can cause and can how it can linger for the rest of our lives. I wanted this “shatter” to seem like a rock just missed hitting her. This child looks back on the world through a broken gaze. But she will survive. Thrive even. It is just a matter of recognizing the damage done to us at a young age. Realizing we were innocent and forgiving ourselves.
“Broken Vessel #7/ Innocence” Oil and 24k gold leaf.
The good news is that we can get back a sense of child-like wonder and joy from the world around us- even as adults.
The model is my friends’ daughter. She doesn’t have blue eyes, but I felt that blue would have a more innocent look. The more people I talk to over the course of my life the more I realize how much trauma can be inflicted on us as children. And how it sticks with us. I was in a new school in 7th grade. I remember a boy coming up to me and saying I was ugly and that I should go back to where I came from. Yes, this was a Catholic school. I can still fully recall that moment. How he looked, how I felt. I can tell myself 40 years later than it was just kids being mean. That that one moment has nothing to do with me, but I can’t seem to shake it. It sticks.
Next week, the Trust Panel.
You are incredibly beautiful and so is this painting. Thank you for this wise post.
This is beyond beautiful and so true… unfortunately young girls are especially susceptible to negative comments about themselves and social media takes it to a whole new level. So very powerful!!! You have put together an unbelievably emotional and amazing body of work.
Thank you! Right? Kids that are bullied can be so traumatized yet if only they could see how beautiful they are.
So true and so beautiful. If only people could realize or remember the impact of words.
Amen.
Hi Christine! Thank you so much for “The Exhibition ” email. Loved all the photographs. Felt like I was really there too This series has been very meaningful to me, and I’m sure many others. Not only are they gorgeous works of art, but you have expressed so much feeling from each model. Thank “you” for being the beautiful person “you” are!
Thank you so much! Really. Needed that today.
Your amazing art and words of wisdom touch my heart and mind. Thank you for sharing!
Such a beautiful, moving painting. The whole series is really remarkable. You have such a powerful and sensitive vision.
Thank you!
I really enjoyed seeing the lovely paintings and reading your insightful vignettes at your art show opening. I hope you will continue to flourish as an artist in your new home.
thank you so much!
Such a beautiful and true reflection and representation of “innocence.” This touches me deeply on many levels and one was a similar experience – I think in 8th grade when a boy told me that I looked like a ‘farmer’ when I laughed – we lived in Omaha, Nebraska and apparently this kid didn’t think farmers were cool!! But at the time his comment stung and I never forgot it. I think I laughed less for a long time after that. I can’t think of anything much more precious than the innocence of children and it should be respected and protected as the jewel that it is. Your painting perfectly captures that.
Thank you. I agree. Such damage can be done without even the inflicting party realizing it.