Rapunzel
February 8th, 2007
In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.
-Albert Camus
This is the piece I mentioned last week. I needed to end it and so I finished it up today and here it is. The idea for it came quite randomly. I had started to doodle and sketch in a sketchbook, just swirling lines. And then a figure appeared and her long hair made me think of Rapunzel. I think she may have popped into my head because my hair has gotten so long. So, I was drawing her and the window she would gaze out of, but I didn't put her rescuer in the scene. Then it occured to me that I didn't want her to have a rescuer, I wanted to re-write this tale, so that she would rescue herself. It also became a play on the idea of looking outside yourself (out the window, waiting for your hero) for the answers, when they reside within you. So, yes, there is this beautiful landscape outside her window, but within her there is an equally beautiful landscape from which to draw upon, and it's right there for her whenever she needs it. There's nothing to search for, there's nothing to wait for. The answers lie within.
The quote above is stuck on a corkboard near my desk, so I will remember this, and re-remember all over again.
21 Responses
Hello there!
I stumbled upon your blog today, and I just wanted to tell you that I LOVE your Rapunzel piece! The colors, the drawing, the quote and the explanation are just beautiful.
I haven’t found the time to be creative recently, but you are inspiring me! Thank you!
Tammie
Posted by: Tammie | Feb 8, 2007 at 4:45 pm |
OOOooohhh!!
That is BEAUTIFUL!
It inspires so much in my soul.
I am weeping for the internal and eternal message
you have expressed.
And it makes me miss my long red hair … WHAAAAAAaaa!
Posted by: Cynthia | Feb 8, 2007 at 4:59 pm |
Hey, Kat!!
Do you remember me? I used to blog at myartistsway during the artist’s way group time, and then I had to stop blogging b/c I got sick. But I’m back! Though I started a new blog… You can visit me here: http://readwritedream.blogspot.com/
I love your art. You’re blog is always so inspirational. I will link to you from my site as soon as I get up a list of links. (Still playing with my template). In the meantime, keep creating. You really do inspire me. I’m glad I found your new blog, I had the old link still.
Rachel
Posted by: Rachel | Feb 8, 2007 at 5:36 pm |
That is stunning!
Posted by: Kathryn | Feb 8, 2007 at 5:51 pm |
Woman, I LOVE your art. All of it. This piece is stunning. I am so jealous that you can just spin this work out and make it look easy. I love that you decided against a rescuer. I love that. Did I mention I love your work?
I may be getting a regular job (or not – depends, but the interview went well). Is the header to your blog sold yet? Cause if it isn’t and if I get this job (won’t hear until March), I’m gonna want it.
Posted by: tammy vitale | Feb 8, 2007 at 6:26 pm |
This takes my breath away. I love the warm colors and the tree that covers the girl’s stomach (that grows within her). For some reason, I immediately thought that this image was a self portrait of sorts. It is so beautiful, Leah. And it speaks volumes. I could look at this painting for a long, long time and never tire of it.
Posted by: Jessie | Feb 8, 2007 at 7:30 pm |
I’ve always had a fascination with Rapunzel (for obvious reasons), but I have to say that I really like the symbolism and colors in this one. It seems as though you’ve done a very uplifting and inspiring self-portrait without even realizing it. Congrats to you on finishing this piece and letting us in on your own metamorphosis.
Posted by: Staz | Feb 8, 2007 at 7:41 pm |
oh this is simply awesome! the colors and vivid hues stand out so well…you are such a talent, brava, brava! This is one of my favs.
blessings,
sage
Posted by: sage | Feb 8, 2007 at 8:15 pm |
Lovely, beautiful, breathtaking, and thoughtful – thought provoking. I’m so glad school is done and You’ve come back with such a wonderful piece!
Your art is amazing… always love looking at what you say with paint.
Posted by: Megan | Feb 9, 2007 at 1:02 am |
Absolutely wonderful! LOVE the Piece LOVE the quote!!
Posted by: bluejude | Feb 9, 2007 at 10:43 am |
What a gorgeous fairy tale piece and I love that she is her own hero. It really resonates with me.
I once lived in a place called Paradise, in a Castle called Castle Godwyn, where I rented the garret flat. It was owned by seemingly lovely people but they turned out to be ogres.
At the time my surname was Knight!
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=387410&y=211650&z=3&sv=387410,211650&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf
Posted by: Caroline | Feb 9, 2007 at 6:24 pm |
utterly utterly utterly gorgeous!!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth | Feb 9, 2007 at 7:19 pm |
WOW leah. i’m going to have to come back here and soak this in some more. i think every day for a while. thank you for finishing and posting it. and that quote is fabulous.
you make my heart smile.
Posted by: bee | Feb 9, 2007 at 10:19 pm |
This is stunning, leah! I love the rich reds…very passionate and deep, and i love the tree motifs throughout. It’s such a strong piece in every way – color, composition, concept! I have always loved that quote as well…very inspirational at this time of year when the cold sometimes seeps into one’s spirit. Lovely!
Posted by: carla | Feb 10, 2007 at 8:29 am |
Wonderful gorgeous piece, Leah!
I’m itchin to catch up on the last few posts, but I’ve just returned home to Australia a few days ago and am recovering from jet lag. Also have learned of our possible move to a new place… so when I’ve recovered a little, I’ll read more. Just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you. It’s great that you joined the lovely hearts exhibition!
Keep well.
Love,
Ames
Posted by: Amy | Feb 10, 2007 at 10:39 pm |
Her hair is almost like a long piece of ornamental jewelry. It’s lovely.
Posted by: violetismycolor | Feb 11, 2007 at 11:17 pm |
You know how some pieces of art just draw you in? Pulling you towards them, into them, encapsulating you in mesmerism?
That is what this piece does to me…I feel connected to it, pulled into it, held within the colors and meanings…I absolutely LOVE it!!!
You are an incredible artist and I love the resonating feeling in my own depths as I see this piece. I’m not sure if you ever sell any of your work, but please let me know if you do. When I moved into my current apartment, I committed to only decorating the walls around me with personally meaningful art. I cannot begin to put into words the meaning I find in yours.
xoxo,
td
Posted by: Tara Dawn | Feb 12, 2007 at 9:52 am |
Leah, this is stunning. I love your use of colors, and your idea of leaving out the rescuer. She can look out into the distance, but find the answers within her. Brilliant.
Posted by: bella | Feb 12, 2007 at 2:54 pm |
beautiful work
love it!
Posted by: Vedrana | Feb 13, 2007 at 3:56 am |
That is one of the few things that I’ve ever seen online that I could really see myself owning. Simply gorgeous and inspirational. I am in awe.
Posted by: Mardougrrl | Feb 16, 2007 at 1:08 am |
Really, really love the feeling in this piece…and the colors, WOW! Beautiful job.
a.
Posted by: andrea | Feb 23, 2007 at 10:08 pm |