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Subtract – IF

Subtraction is an odd word to illustrate, especially while living in a culture where “more” is considered better and I see daily how that’s  taken over the top! Maybe taking away is an answer, not a punishment.

My thoughts on Illustration Friday’s word, “subtract” led me to the image of a Geisha, where I subtracted the background, to make you more conscious of the individual. The simplicity of beauty is evident, but a paradox, in the way I’m using it, since Geishas, wear many  added layers of clothing.

So in this image, you can think about the addition of many garments or the subtraction of environment. There’s a lot to ponder in a paradox…or not!

Whether you subtract from life or add to life, it is the living that must be done.   Happy Week…Peace.

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Comments

  3. Ok, I found the link to your Asia theme painting. This is fabulous! Your writings are also inspirational. You’re right about how “more” is the now the norm in most societies.
    I prefer or try to, at least to be contented with less.

  6. Lovely piece…It’s interesting how you chose a similar color for the geisha and background. In blue, she sort of dissolves into the environment, where we are used to thinking of geishas as bright and contrasting. I like her!

  7. what a beautiful post. I like your painting and your words. And to share this with you also—I have a japanese friend and she is beautiful, she is not a geisha but whenever she wears their national costume, it always makes me smile, because the one covered with adornment and layers of clothing is my wonderful friend.

  12. Serenity is the paramount feeling I have when looking at this beautiful image. It subtracts the mind from any chaos that may be clamouring mentally. Really lovely, Indigene.

  15. Brilliant post! I totally agree with you such a tricky word to express.
    But this all made sense the way you put it… And the image is one of beauty, simplicity and elegance… but highly sophisticated… less is more 🙂

  19. I’m so glad you wandered into my site. It caused me to wander back into yours – and what a peaceful, delightful world it is. Beautiful work and an interesting show. Best regards.

  21. Great narrative on the word subtract. I struggled with this theme as well. Trying not to focus on the obvious definition of the word itself. Anyway, wonderful piece!

  23. Thanks for the comment, so nice! I really love your work. I just got done reading a book on Geisha’s I like this piece without a plain background, she really does stand out!

  26. Hi–i wanted to say that I thought you commented on every single IF post, because there wasn’t a single one that I looked at that you hadn’t already commented on. But then I realized that you and I seem to have very similar tastes, and we’re just looking at and commenting on the same pictures. I think that’s pretty wild.

    This is a beautiful drawing.

  28. Hi there. Thank for stopping by my blog, and for leaving such nice comments about my IF piece…it was allot of fun, and this week’s theme was a challenge. I love your geisha piece, and the concept of adding and subtracting as related to the geisha is very thoughtful. Cheers to you!

  37. I love your Japanese theme – and the idea of subtracting the background! This is a lovely subtle image portraying the gentleness of the Geisha.

  39. Less is always better. We seem to have become a culture of more. We’ve supersized our food portions…and even still increase the amount of sugar…

    We’re building larger and larger homes, even as farmlands are disappearing, and millions huddle in the elements, homeless.

    We’re driving big, big SUVs…using more and more fossil fuels…

    What gluts we’ve become. Jaded. Simple and Plain have become flaws…how did that happen?

    I agree with Janie. There is a dignity to simplicity…

    Beautifully portrayed in your illustration.

  40. Great! Very cool idea. And yes, naturally, the omission of the background makes the figure so much more pronounced and gives singular focus. I am inspired to go out and subtract!

    All blessings,