"she circled her arms wide"
mixed media collage
10 x 10 x 1.5 gallery canvas
(c) 2010 julie king
"she circled her arms wide. in all that she did she spread love. her arms were never too small to wrap around someone in need, to comfort someone in pain, to celebrate joys and triumphs. little ones learned the special healing touch that came from being hugged by her. she whispered words of comfort and love while her arms provided the necessary prescription for whatever ailed. she circled her arms wide to welcome new ones to the family, always accepting, always warm and inviting. in times of sorrow or worry, she knew the right words to say or simply offered a few moments of welcome silence. she remembered birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. she was the keeper of family traditions, heirloom recipes and family folklore. she circled her family with a protective shield, letting them know that all were safe within her widespread arms of love."
she is my mom, my grandma, my sister, my aunt. she is the matriarch of every family, the glue that holds the family together. there's a little bit of her in each and every one of us women. we've had great examples and teachers to show us the way and we are each trying to follow in her footsteps. they are very big shoes to fill.
these days more than ever, my art is my therapy, a way to feel in control and to be transported away from the hurt and confusion. i loved every minute of writing this text and creating this collage!
the collage is for sale in my etsy shop and will be accompanied by a little mini book with the complete "she circled her arms wide" story. it would make a lovely mother or grandmother day gift.
9 comments:
Lovely post and art work. I really enjoyed reading your beautiful story! All my best, Theresa
Precious post, love the words and the visual, great work!!!! Hope you are doing well.
"she" is beautiful. and so are you. :-)
what a lovely piece!
Dear Julie: The power of the love women give to the earth is conveyed in your spiritually tranformational folk art. There is an explorative and emotive quality to your art which reflects your own naturally loving being. Soulful and beautiful! Are you an art therapist? I find the works soothingly delicate and calming.
your artwork is wonderful, julie! it truly speaks to all of us.....thank you for sharing your gift of the written word with us! xox, :))))
Very nice.
I love your work.
Julie, I'm sorry that there is hurt and confusion for you to content with, but glad that you can find peace and refuge in making art.
You got me to thinking about how hard it is to always be a refuge to family and a keeper and the glue for everything. It's hard sometimes, but it is always rewarding.
One of the most beautiful things I've ever read, Julie - and your collage is a treasure. I would your order for this one will reach into the hundreds.
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