Friday, July 13, 2007

IF: Self Discovery


I see myself in windows and mirrors. Squinting, I try to get a better view of my reflection but it's not anyone I recognize. I refocus my eyes, still I'm not sure I know that woman looking back at me. There's a vague familiarity around the eyes and mouth. Her hair is shorter and red. It was never red, always blonde. And her weight, surely that can't be. And then to my horror and shame I realize it is me. As I pick away at my physical flaws I make an important discovery. I AM NOT THIS PACKAGE. I'm more than that. I'm a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a healer, an artist and a kind-hearted, spirited woman.

And so, I've discovered that I am enough.

Collage, sweat and tears. And with love to my dear husband and friends who tell me this every day.

43 comments:

  1. This is such a striking and beautiful image, and your post certaily resonates! It is strange when what we see in the mirror does not match what we think and feel inside... our inner and outer images have to catch up to each other, I guess. Beautiful work, Laurel

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  2. This collage is beautiful! Elegantly put together, lovely in every way.

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  3. How very touching. This post hits close to home. What a sensitive portrayal of a discovery so many of us, at one point or another must face. Very nice!

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  4. Wow, great surrealist work here and realization. Fine work as always!

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  5. wonderful - to me the image says you never allow yourself to be closed in; you always find a way out of a difficult situation by changing your perspective; you take the leap and find you have wings

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  6. wow...this is really different and yet reminds me of dali, but doesn't scare me like his work can.

    very good work, lolo.

    i am enough. that really is something to say, isn't it?

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  7. As already said, a wonderful and powerful collage with an equally powerful written piece. In a phrase then, "goddess at your fingertips". :)

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  8. Laurel...
    Your work is glowing and growing - so rich, so full, so beautiful - just like you! Your life and work are a blessing to all... Much love, Lois

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  9. A beautiful piece and a wonderful message to each of us, Laurel. Thank you !

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  10. Beautiful work! I love the words you wrote as well...they match perfectly.

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  11. nice conceptual piece like ur images

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  12. This is stunning work! As always, you find a way to break out of the topic of the week and make it something more wonderful, pure and personal.

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  13. your collage touches emotional chords with grace and beauty - well conceived and executed!

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  14. Beautiful surrealism! Great idea, Laurel! Have a nice weekend! I am so excited that you will send me postcard! Will be waiting!

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  15. Oh my, been there. Not a fun place. Gorgeous collage.

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  16. Beautifully done! Your touching post only underscored the message of the image. Wonderful!

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  17. Beautiful collage, whistful atmosphere.

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  18. You've given us a window to your soul. Beautiful.

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  19. lovely collage. thanks for your comments on mine. i just recently signed up for portfolios.com as well. so far, not a thing! i'm hoping for the smae as you...a few nibbles and to get my work out there.

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  20. Laurel, this is precious. I truly honor your "opening up", to us at IF, and mostly to yourself. What a courageous feat! This piece says so much, and I think it can be interpreted in so many ways. Btw, I didn't know you had Palmolive hands ;)

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  21. You ARE enough. The best discovery of all. :-)

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  22. Oh Laurel, isn't that freaky? I didn't even know you posted that. Oh, that's cool. We are connected, eh?

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  23. Amazing image and poignant tribute to you and all of us to remember that we are more than our physical selves and to love us in a whole and real way. ThankYOU!

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  24. Cool collage and great words of wisdom we should all take note of:)

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  25. Wow, this is a very powerful piece, and illustrates so nicely what you have revealed about yourself. Beautiful!

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  26. Laurel, thanks for the wonderful comments. You are always so sweet! I posted this on MondayArtDay, but you can stop by the Coles pub anytime... just please don't swipe 'me wee little Moleskine'. I'll get you a freshie!

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  27. OOO! This is so beautifully dreamy. I love the cool colors you used :-)

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  28. Thanks for sharing your self-discovery illo Laurel - how wonderful when we get to that place! btw Congrats on the MondayArtday award!!

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  29. A bold and beautiful combination of cut out and painted images, seamlessly fused into a powerful illustration.

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  30. Absolutely wonderful, I love that it's personal to you but has something in it that I'm sure many other women recognise too.

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  31. Beautiful collage and a beautiful discovery! Your blog is always a pleasure to visit with the wonderful things you come up with!

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  32. Beautiful collage! Great interpretation of this week's theme.

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  33. inspirational. striking, poignant!

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  34. I very much like this and the words that you have placed with it really pushes it over the top

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  35. I love this.... Its a very philosophical almost like Dali or Magritte... I really like the delicate sense of placement you employed.

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  36. I can really relate to this. I remember a time in my thirties when my hair was turning gray and I was at my heaviest, and I thought the very same thing to myself. We are all so much more than that, and you especially are with all the kind words you leave for us. Thankyou so much for encouraging me!

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  37. oh yes how many of us think like this, I know my support is strong and firm but still there's always that something that doesnt quite fit with me yet. Sometimes I feel when I look in the mirror there should be a monster looking back at me!! Thankyou for your constant support, I am getting there honestly I am :) Jxx

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  38. Your words and collages are striking in their honest sensibility. I came to visit (via Periette's blog)and I am absolutely hooked. What a wondeful "discovery." Thank you for being yourself :)

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