5.23.2008

Worry--Illustration Friday


This piece started out in my journal. After painting and writing I scanned in the piece, cropped out my handwriting on the left, making it square and digitally added the words "so good night" taken from the back of a vintage postcard.

"So Good Night" 6x6

Violet tells whoever will listen that these are her last days. Her twelve grandchildren beg her not to worry, that she has a lot of life left in her. She admits to having worried much of her life away and begs them not to do the same.

Sometimes when Violet dreams she sees herself as a young woman again, nimble and straight-backed, her hair once more the lovely red that caught and held the light in a way that made men gasp. Last night's dream turned out to be more vivid than the rest. At her back she could feel Death, not reaching for her but pushing her gently toward a golden light cast on the walls up ahead. She walked slowly, afraid. The more she walked the heavier she felt. She looked down at her hands, suddenly heavy. Every memory, every worry, every unkind word, spoken and heard, lay in her palms, exposed. Young Violet walked down the hallway stumbling under the weight. The hall stretched on and on and Violet walked on and on until she grew exhausted and could not force her legs another step. She stood there in front of a doorway, Death's breath on her cheek and felt her body shrivel with age and stoop lower with the weight in her hands. Violet heard words whispered and she strained to make them out. "You have a choice?" Violet pondered the meaning and smiled. Could it be that easy? She released her burden to the ground and in her wrinkled hands appeared white flowers she knew in her heart to be of forgiveness. Violet, her body still old and full of a life of memories, was able to continue on easily down the hall. She was no longer afraid, Death's hand was a caress as it held her own. Violet walked into the light and let it warm her down to her bones.

13 comments:

Kristen Robinson said...

Tricia this is amazing you are so deeply talented you move me.

XOX
Kristen

Pilar said...

Beautiful story and illustration. Like Kristen said before, you amaze me! There is no end to your talent. : D

Rella said...

You have created an amazing, amazing piece here. The story with it is truly fabulous as all your writing is. You have a gift. I will also say that the piece could stand alone...it is THAT powerful.

xo Rella

Jo Wholohan said...

Fabulous Tricia, so thrilled to see some of your amazing peices on your blog again :)) You are so talented!!!

Mike said...

Outstanding work!

Willie Baronet said...

Love the texture! :-)

Anonymous said...

You are a constant source of inspiration for me! I hope all is well with you!

Your friend,

Brandie :)

rebecca christiansen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rebecca christiansen said...

WOW! That's what I have to say about this piece...the visual and the story just blow me away!!! I added your blog to my Google reader...what talent you have Tricia!

http://justgiddy.typepad.com

rebecca christiansen said...

oops...sorry about the deleted post at 1:52, my spelling was bad. Thought you might need an explanation...
rebecca

Ruth @ Camellia Rose said...

I've been reading your blog for a while and thought it was time I left you a comment! You do such beautiful paintings, it is wonderful to watch your talent grow. I also love the wonderful stories which accompany your work. Keep up the great work :)
Hugs, Ruth

Cat Stegall said...

This is a wonderful creation and such a view into what worry looks like. It is very soulful..love it. Cathee
catartnsoul.blogspot.com

Relyn Lawson said...

Oh.

My.

Oh my.

Oh my!!

This is not only a perfect image of the futility of worry, but of the blessed beauty of forgiveness. White flowers indeed.

Blessings, ~ R.