Death Wish, Decision Portrait Series

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(Click on image to enlarge.)
Death Wish. Stitched words: I just wanted to lie down and never wake up...Ignored...Social Outcase...Cut wrist and a bottle of aspirin...Loner...Psych Ward...Beaten...At 16 I thought it would just be best if I wasn't around at all...Attempted Suicide. Unframed: 25 " x 18".

A few months ago Arlee Barr emailed me privately (mouse_house@prodigy.net) volunteering for this portrait. I sent her a standard model's release. She signed and returned it. She scanned a photo taken of her when she was sixteen and emailed it as a high resolution image. We also corresponded about this time during her life. I selected and altered several phrases from her message. Of course I shared these with Arlee first.

It was wonderful to arrive at the MacNamara Foundation's location on Westport Island in Maine with a familiar series on which to start work. After finishing Blood Donor, I got to work on this piece. Tomorrow I plan to start Marked for Life (Tattoo Artist). Once this piece was finished, I sent an image to Arlee. I wanted her to see it before I posted. At this point, I also asked Arlee whether she wanted me to blog about the work with or without her name. The choice was hers.

I'm very pleased with the portrait. I wanted the words to swirl around her head as if visualization of the internal thoughts. The phrase at the top and bottom are therefore couched straight across and in a different shade because it is a current reflection.

I tried to post this piece earlier today....but I couldn't manage it. It seems that Hurricane Kyle interfered with the broadband connection. Otherwise the storm was just lots and lots of rain. I miss high speed! On that note....I thank each and every person who has kindly left me a comment but beg for understanding. I really can't navigate quickly to blogs to return the compliments. The support, however, has been my strength here in Maine! Thank you all!