Sunday, September 28, 2008

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!

10 comments:

  1. I am honoured and pleased by this piece--it says a lot that you have handled it delicately but with strength. You are the best!
    Sending you good thoughts of safety and creativity!

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  2. My heart breaks for the pain the young woman that grew into the Arlee I'm acquainted with went through. I admire her strength and perseverance to survive the torturous times in her life. It all adds to the depth and breadth of her amazing creativity.

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  3. This piece is awesome. SOOOOO POWERFUL.It is just lovely. I think it may help in putting some of these feelings to bed - or I hope so. I want to echo Nellie's thoughts to Arlee also.

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  4. This is a lovely piece - very moving and not too sentimental. Hope you are well!

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  5. its hard to see arlee in this light. I see her as positive, inventive, strong and creative. But I am not surprised that her journey was difficult. Lovely work.

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  6. A realy wonderful piece I think Nellie got the best words I agree Arlee is a great artist and your work is so wondertful to

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  7. A very moving piece. All the more so because it appertains to someone we all know for her exuberance. Well done Susan, a wonderful interpretation.

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  8. I agree that this is a strong and sensitive portrait, superbly executed, of a very brave and honest woman. Such an impressive series.

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  9. Very well done Susan! Your sensitivity really shows and I think this is a wonderfully touching.

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  10. I cried. I got it. I know where it all comes from. So do you. I love you.

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