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Resolve-IF

Happy New Year! It’s been a year since, I decided to join Illustration Friday (“IF”). I know that there are folks that have been a part of IF for years, and I congratulate them, too!

What’s really a big deal and funny to me about the whole blog thing, is “I absolutely do not like writing!” So, it has been a major feat for me to continue this weekly. Writing to me, is like speaking in public for some folk…incredibly scary! But, last year, (a year-to-date) I decided to take on one fear at a time, and this was one.

Oh, boy, do I have a lot of fears, and after turning 50 years old on January 1. I figured, it will be a lifelong journey to conquer them, one at a time. Now granted I maybe 150 years old by the time I conquer them all, but, hey, I’m trying 🙂

The word for IF this week is “resolve” which is close enough to resolutions for me. I’ve already broken one resolution…yes, already…lol! That is to post only new work this year to IF; but oh well…!

This lovely lady, was created under the title of “Comfort Zone”. She is a beautiful tribute to my godmother, “Miss Mamie” who always appeared to me to be comfortable in her own skin and always confident! She was an inspiring influence in my life! She resolved in the early stages of her life to be comfortable in her own skin! Now that’s “resolve!”

Let’s make this year a beginning for positive resolve. Peace.

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Comments

  1. Love the expression ‘was comfortable in her own skin’! Love the style of the image as well.

    It made me smile the painting and the expression above as quite a few years back I had several Caribbean ladies who worked for me as typesetters on a magzine and they were all ‘comfortable in their own skin’, the most lively, happy, fun loving and crazy group of people you could hope for. They also used to bring me in their Blackened Chicken and rice dishes which were fab!

  3. Yeah, this is a great piece to strat with especially with New Year to come:)
    I love how you position this lady, embracing her comfort zone with “green”.
    I can feel so. Thanks Indigene!
    May your New Year is a Happy and prosperous one, fill with joy, hope, love, peace and all you could get!!!

  4. Not only does she look comfortable, she looks comforting. She must have been the lovliest grandmother for you to do such a beautiful portrait of her. But YOU, you silly thing, are a very good writer, despite your fears. I enjoyed your words as much as your art, and I’m a writing teacher! Like you, I turned 50 this year and decided to confront some of my fears. I started painting again, after a 20-something year self-imposed exhile from the world of art that I loved. I hope your quest has been as fulfilling an experience for you as mine has for me. I should have realized what healing powers that art has! Anyhoo…I really like your blog and would love to come back to visit again and again. Happy Resolve, Indigine. I hope this year brings you resolution , creativity and and happiness.

  5. Hi,
    I just went through your gallery again; it’s been a while since the last time. What a treasure trove you’ve built up here. I have to admit that especially Treeheart touches me deeply. Fantastic in all the meanings of that word. That said you truly have a horn of plenty here of spiritual and mystical imagery. Thanks for sharing with us.

    Son

  8. I love this “oldie one”… Don’t worry if you broke one of your resolutions, it’s not too late to start over again: the year is just beginning! 🙂

  9. What a great concept “comfortable in my own skin”… A great resolve, it involves a lot.
    You have a wonderful style with the figure, they just have so much feeling and they feel comfortable to my heart. Have a Wonderful New Year 2009.

    Oh I really like the green here that is soothing also and very living 🙂

  10. For some one that does not like to write, you sure are good at it! What a wonderful post! So inspirational. I wish I could be comfortable in my skin but some times I think that you are born like that … I resolve to be OK with that!
    Great painting too!

  12. She has such wonderful expression! I always enjoy your paintings and illustrations. They are beautiful. Keep doing what you are doing. Your illustrations are inspiration alone, but it takes on a whole other favor when you add your writings! You will be come comfortable with it the more you do it! YOU GO GIRL!!!!

  14. very expressive image! i am convinced that she does ‘resolve’ 🙂
    love your art…. and congrats on your 50th…. i admire your spirit & passion to keep trying! wow.
    p.s. thanks for your comment in my blog.

  15. dear indigene- happy birthday- beautiful jubilee of your existing!
    happy new year! :***
    i like your comfortable style from your own skin- your illustrations are with great energy, full of emotions. this one is great!
    p.s.
    it is 9 days left to my 44! ;]

  16. As usually I enjoy your posts so much! Who would say you don’t like writing? You do it really well, Indigene, cause you write with your heart!
    Looking at this piece all your love to “Miss Mamie” is so evident 🙂

    Congrats for your birthday and for your first year posting in IF!!!
    Have a Wonderful and Happy 2009!!!!

  17. You may be uncomfortable writing but you do it well! 🙂 And the painting is wonderful, so packed with expression, she must’ve been truly something.

  19. I would never have guessed that you don’t feel comfortable writing because you have a beautiful ease with your words and I always feel like I’m coming to your home when I visit 🙂 Beautiful image and great resolutions, keep em coming! Hapy Birthday and Happy New Year!!!

  20. wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. your illustration expresses so much feeling and resolve. It is so special that you share with your writing when it is something that doesn’t come easily for you. Your words, illustrations and reflections are special. Happy Birthday for the 1st Jan.

  21. Yes, one of the most important things in life! To be comfortable in your own skin! Oh! yes, I Should too…..everybody!
    I like what you wrote, and the warm peacefull drawing.

    HAPPY NEW YEAR AND HAPPY NEW AGE!!!!! Happy birthday full of resolve” and energy! 🙂

  22. Happy Birthday! Great to stretch ourselves – I think we might have started IF around the same time. Beautiful expression in your ‘resolve’.

  23. Happy birthday, and happy anniversary as well. What a wonderful message, to be comfortable in one’s own skin. The illustration depicts it so well, it’s so strong and serene!

    And, oh, you do write well, Indigene! 🙂

  24. happy birthday, indigene. i’m happy you resolved to stick with your posts and beautiful paintings on IF; i really enjoy them. this one in particular is beautiful; it radiates comfort and reassurance. she looks at peace with herself.

  25. Well, congratulations on fully conquering a personal fear because I would never have guessed you were afraid of that. 🙂
    Best wishes for a wonderful new year.
    Christy

  27. cheers for your birthday. i will pray for your wishes and more blessings for you esp. this year. I always enjoy reading your posts and your paintings seems to always tell a story.

    Best regards and a happy big bear hug is coming your way to greet you.

  35. wonderful tribute to your godmother. like you i’m over the1/2 century mark and find writing on my blog very uncomfortable, so i mostly let my art speak for me.

  39. your work is lovely and touching.
    happy birthday, and cheers to conquering fears,
    and to those that inspire us!
    thank you also for your comment on my piece.

  40. She has such a look of wisdom and strength. I think this is a perfect illustration to share along with your words. It takes time to conquer fears, but taking it one thing at a time makes it easier. Congratulations on one year doing IF… and a very happy birthday to you!

  41. What a wonderful tribute and so lovingly done.

    Happy birthday.

    I so enjoyed your commentarty. You do so well I would never have guessed you feared it. I think you are over it. 🙂

  42. Happy belated birthday! I wouldn’t have imagined you have a fear of writing…
    I love you art, especially the figuratives. Also, thanks for your kinds words. 🙂

  43. If you’ve been afraid to write, it doesn’t show. Great subject for this topic which was not easy. I knew what the word meant, but had to read the definitions of the word to be able to come up with something. I’ve never been comfortable in my own skin either. Great art work.

  46. You’ve done a great job in overcoming your fear of writing, and this contribution to RESOLVE is lovely and evocative. Happy new year, and even better – happy birthday!

  47. You write beautifully….and from the heart. And not only that, you are a very talented artist as well. This tribute to your Miss Mamie is absolutely wonderful!

    Peace and artistic fulfillment to you in 2009.

  48. Congrats on your 50th! Your illustration is lovely. It’s always a blessing when we can remember our loved ones and learn from them. As a child I always thought older folk were just “old” but they are wise beyond their years. Can learn soooo much from them. Wishing you all the best in ’09!

  49. I admire you for taking on your fears! It’s no small feat! I believe you write from your heart, and that is a good thing.

    This illustration is a big inspiration for me — not only because you have committed yourself to doing IF and facing your fears, but because Miss Mamie resolved to be comfortable in her own skin. There are certain conditions in which I am so d**n uncomfortable in MY own skin that I can hardly stand it. Perhaps it’s something that must be started at an early age (like training cats, no?), but I am going to at least try to be more comfortable. Thanks for the inspiration.

    And thank you for the lovely comments on my own IF:Resolve illustration. They mean a lot.

  52. There’s a great peace and serenity in her face that speaks of someone who has lived her life true to herself.

    Congrats on your one-year anniversary, and Happy Birthday!

  55. Beautiful image and grandmother- you captured the look of comfort perfectly! Congratulations on journey! Happy New Year!

  56. Well, happy new year and happy birthday all at once! That’s a great birthday to have. Everyone celebrates with you.

    This is a fantastic portrait. Being comfortable in your own skin is definitely something to strive for. It’s that aura of confidence (without being arrogant) that’s so attractive. I think you’ve captured it well.

    Looking forward to seeing a whole ‘nother year of posts from you!

  57. Wonderful symbolism. I really like the point of view on this–down at the level of the figure containing her feelings. Powerful questions too.