This whole page started with the words on grey paper "I think I'll hang on" - I'd stamped them with the intention of using them on something else, but then I never did. When I found it again in my collage stash I challenged myself to use it, and this is what I did!
Because it was grey and black I thought I'd work in monochrome shades on a vivid background, in this case a luscious lime green. Just for starters I drew lines across one corner with my Posca Paint pens ....
And then it was out with the collage pieces - but I wanted to avoid doing what I often do, which is put a rectangular frame around the page. This was my attempt at framing with softer edges.
As you can see in the contrast between the above and below pictures, once you add outlines in black and a shadow, it all begins to form a whole instead of being random pieces. Down went my "mission statement" text, and I extended the woman's body so I could add to it.
The words about hanging on were important to me because a few months ago, in the face of a second diagnosis of auto-immune illness bringing even more pain and tiredness, I honestly wondered why I was still trying to live a meaningful purposeful life ... when it would be so much easier to give up and just watch daytime TV. A truly horrid prospect, but I guess it was a low point.
But, because I believe that EVERY life has meaning and purpose, it gradually became clear to me that mine does too - even if I can no longer do some things. What the heck, I'm trying (and not always succeeding) to look for the positive every day, to rejoice in small pleasures like the first snowdrops, and to believe that things can get better.
There are days when I struggle to hold onto these truths, but that's because I'm a normal human being and I get tired and discouraged sometimes. But better days ARE coming, there are still joyful things to look forward to (daughter's wedding in November) and there are already snowdrops are showing me that Spring is just around the corner. That's got to be enough for now, and it is.
Love
Rosie
2 comments:
Yep, I am trying to keep this in mind too! Big fibro flare up for past month or so. Love the monochrome, it's nice sometimes to just strip things back to it's simplest. Gentle hugs xx
Such a vibrant green against the black and white and grey - and I'm reminded of flower petals too in those lovely central shapes. I am sad that there is so much struggle, and admiring of your ability to pick yourself up. I always feel inspired.
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