Flying Girl is a Warrior, or The Miracle is Now3/17/09
Golden Fluid Acrylic
The theme for Illustration Friday is "Legendary." I painted this... that's inspired by Joan of Arc. But you see, rather than being burned alive, you notice that she holds the fire within her. The fire to purify. The eternal flame. The fire looks a lot like the trees, also. Perhaps its the fire of life?
Flying Girl is made of spirit and she does not wait for someone else to bring the miracle. She does not wait for the perfect circumstances to create the flame. There is no deus ex machina here. The miracle is right here in this very now, if only we pay attention. All around us. A part of us.
My other thought for the theme legendary would have been something inspired by Billie Holiday. Oh, she sings the blues. Interesting, huh? An idea for a saint. An idea for a sinner.
Well, they're both Legendary, and they both kind of gave their lives for their beliefs, for their living. Sacrificed their fire to the greater good.
Granted, I'm not saying any of us should sacrifice ourselves to the extent that those women did. Martyrdom is nice for the stories, but not so much for us. That's why my warrior, my Jean D'arc has that fire in her hand. It inspires her, it leads her, but it does not burn her. The passions burn without destroying.
i really like this!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this flying girl. Mostly because I've been fascinated by Jean d'Arc from a young age because of the similarities of our names. My name was always so different and spelled weird and people were confused or thought it odd, but me, I always took it as a sign that I would do things differently than most who I was surrounded by. And I have.
ReplyDeleteLove that fire of life!
A heroic, empowering image of a great warrior! Unique flying girl and admirable subject.
ReplyDeleteOh, I LOVE this one! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd martyrdom...think about how there is probably something each and everyone of is willing to die for. I am guessing that your children would fall in that category.
Joan just had different ideas about the value of her life versus the value of some ideas.
You remind me that I need to read more about her! :)
Really nice take on the theme! I knew this was Joan before reading a word, and I really enjoy the way you manage to combine the power and grace of her story in this. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love how her emblem is the same tree as in the landscape. Her unity with nature is undeniable. :) The flame is even more so!
ReplyDeleteI don't think one need necessarily sacrifice herself to be true to her ideals. Not literally anyway :) Here's to a passion that burns but does not destroy! :)
Lovethe style of this piece! Very nice!
ReplyDeleteI found your your words, your description of your Joan D'Arc, uplifting, and your artwork is fresh and touchable.
ReplyDeleteI love flying girl and your thoughts about her.
ReplyDeleteI think she's one of my favorites :)
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