Taming the Critic (vulnerability)

Helpless, Diana Trout, 2010

Scroll down for yesterday's blog post on The Artist Pulse by Seth Aptar and my painting "Tethered."

The picture above is about vulnerability. Another deeply personal work - although this one is not in The Pulse. I am sharing it with you because it has to do with taming the critic and exposing our vulnerabilities.

This is the kind of cathartic painting that usually happens in my journal. It is difficult to share because in this picture, I'm clearly vulnerable and closed off. Helpless with my spindly arms. My inability to turn my head. My eyes are taking in only what is straight ahead. You don't want to announce your vulnerabilities publically, now do you?! 

Does this painting speak to you? What does it say? Are we stronger when we are upfront with who we are and where our vulnerabilities lie? 

 

Comments

[terry lee getz]

this painting does speak to me and i see a strength in it that you are not describing. facing forward and what's ahead. there's that florida maxwell quote that says (and i paraphrase), "accepting all we are makes us fierce with reality." this painting is definitely fierce with reality. i think it's a fabulous job and you are doubly fabulous for sharing it. also loved yesterday's piece.

[Diana Trout]

Thanks Terry Lee. Yes, i see what you mean. It is very good to share work and see what it communicates to others. Sometimes we are so close to our own imagery that we dont see it completely

[zinnia patch]

Hi Diana! What I saw and loved in your picture, before I read your words was the TEXTURE and Color! I admire that you can put your feelings and meaning into your work! I stuggle with that one.. I usally depend on text and am trying to get better with color to show it, but oh so much to learn and I thank you for sharing with us.... P.s. i like being your cheerful flower....tee hee

[Diana Trout]

I thank you for seeing the meaning; for getting it.

[Jacque Chinnery]

What I see in your (painting's) face is resignation to a situation that you don't like! Maybe I am seeing what I personally feel right now.....

[Diana Trout]

Yes, I am really liking that people are reading their own feelings into these pieces. It is not about the artist, is it? It is about the painting and the viewers.

[Jeannie]

Boy, talk about relating to a picture! I swear that is what I saw in the mirror this morning. Facing forward, with a hint of promise in the eyes, but the body is tired - worn out. (I am fighting a cold, could you tell? LOL!) You really captured a lot of emotion in this painting. Not just the face, but the whole body.

[PJ]

Thank you for posting that painting. I saw someone who is looking out at what is ahead of her but not feeling able to effect much change.

I'm struck by how powerful an image can be using what appears to be quite simple lines.

The painting evokes the feelings I have as my critic often tells me to "freeze" or "hide".

[Diana Trout]

Thank you Jeannie! And thank heavens it is Friday!

[Diana Trout]

Thanks for the comment, PJ. Im so glad that you saw yourself in there.

[Diana Trout]

Thanks for the comment, PJ. Im so glad that you saw yourself in there.

[Robin]

to me..it is saying..."what, not again"...upon seeing negative patterns, or having insights to some of the ways we sabotage ourselves..over and over again..what a great reminder to acknowledge.. accept.. and move on...creating everyday helps me with..!

[Jessica Porterfield]

I see the feeling of trapped in your eyes which I have feel 4 or 5 times in life's situations. I have used art work once to get through a BIG trauma and it shocked me how helpful it was. Of course, I haven't tried it since. duh.

[autumn hathaway]

I have that look on my face when my teenagers befuddle me, which is constantly....lol. We all experience this at some time or another, thank goodness it is a passing thing. Thanks for sharing Diana....artistic, cool and meaningful.

[Diana Trout]

So true, Robin. Practice!

[Diana Trout]

It is not easy to paint that deeply. The amazing thing for me is how much it informs me, though.

[Diana Trout]

Hah! Teens will certainly put that look on your face :) And, as I am learning, so will 21 and 24 year olds.

[Seth]

Another amazing painting Diana. I wish I had the space to have included this one in the book as well!

[Diana Trout]

Oh thanks Seth. Hey, the joy of a blog, right? I can show whatever I want!