37th Day of Lent

Exposure


I wanted to share with you a painting that I finally completed a couple weeks ago. I've attached a photo of the painting, which probably needs a bit of explanation to go with it--but feel free to take whatever meaning it has for you personally as well, if you choose to view it differently.

I haven't decided what to call it, but for now I'm calling it "Exposure". The central figure is seen in four stages of turning towards the light, getting up, dropping his/her cloak to the ground and standing fully in the light that is revealing his/her true "design". For me, although most see the central, colorful figure as the main event, personally it is The Light, whom I understand to be God, who is the driving force of the painting. It is in turning to the light in authentic vulnerability (as symbolized in the dropping of the hooded jacket) that I have discovered who I truly am...an exquisite, unique creature designed like no other, and called to be true to my unique design. If I were to express how it feels to stand in The Light this way, I feel awestruck by the wonder of my own design and an overwhelming gratefulness to my Creator. I feel the warmth of Light as He reveals myself to me, and a smile from Him that feels like an endearing caress, like when a little girl twirls in her brand new dress for her Daddy. It is warm and wonderful and safe and alive in the light.

In the distant darkness you hopefully you can see the shrouded figures of others who so far have not realized they can turn and discover the warmth of the light and the uniqueness of their own intricate design. I don't know why The Light has not touched their lives yet and reassured them that it is ok, that it is safe, to get up and discover, so that they can start living as their truest selves.

As far as the skill it took as a painter to do this painting, I'm not that thrilled with it...but it is does express the image that I had in mind when I started out, so I am grateful for that. I hope to do more paintings that have this type of character and design in different situations, although there will never be any two of the characters with the exact same design---obviously!

I hope you find it interesting and at least a little provocative!

By Vickie Thurston