Today is Mother's Day in Mexico and I can't think of a better time to post this. I think it is finished now.
Those of you that are mothers and grandmothers know of the joy of holding a newborn baby in your arms. There is nothing you protect more and as you love and caress this child you can hardly wait for the baby to smile, sit, talk and walk. While you enjoy these stages you don't realize how fast time goes by and one day you wake to find out that your little girl has turned into to a gorgeous beautiful woman at age 14. Where did my little girl go?
I wanted to express in this drawing where I find myself now in relation to my grandughters and how I vision them at this moment, and at the same time remind myself how important it is to savor every moment of childhood in them, because before you know it, they are all grown up.
I wanted to express in this drawing where I find myself now in relation to my grandughters and how I vision them at this moment, and at the same time remind myself how important it is to savor every moment of childhood in them, because before you know it, they are all grown up.
In this drawing, Sofìa 6 months would be the peach with the protective tissue paper symbolizing infancy, protection and the joy of being swadelled. Ana Paula 12, is partially veiled but anticipating all that involves being free in the sense to make her own choices and discove the exciting age of adolescence. Daniela 14, has bloomed into a beautiful young lady, ready to live exciting moments but also vulnerable to so many emotions that will be coming her way.
The rebozo in the background is a symbol of their cradle in a figurative sense, and the wicker platter symbolizes the light and sturdy nature of the support given to them by their loved ones.
Kahlil Gibran in this quote sums up a little of the feelings that I have experienced with this drawing.
Your children are not your children.They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.They come through you but not from you.And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.You may give them your love but not your thoughts.For they have their own thoughts.You may house their bodies but not their souls,For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,Which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you,For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,and He bends you with His might that His arrows might go swift and far.Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;For even as He loves the arrow that flies,so He loves also the bow that is stable.
-Kahlil Gibran
The rebozo in the background is a symbol of their cradle in a figurative sense, and the wicker platter symbolizes the light and sturdy nature of the support given to them by their loved ones.
Kahlil Gibran in this quote sums up a little of the feelings that I have experienced with this drawing.
Your children are not your children.They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.They come through you but not from you.And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.You may give them your love but not your thoughts.For they have their own thoughts.You may house their bodies but not their souls,For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,Which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you,For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,and He bends you with His might that His arrows might go swift and far.Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;For even as He loves the arrow that flies,so He loves also the bow that is stable.
-Kahlil Gibran
Charcoal on Rives 26X17 inches
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16 comments:
Mary this is quite stunning. Your story is touching and shows your love for your family. They are blessed to have you show this in such a unique way.
Thank you Robin! I did enjoy this one very much but and I thank Michael for teaching me to turn the light bulb on.
How simply lovely Mary. The drawing is exquisite and your words inspirational. Yes indeed, your love of family shows through so clearly. I hope they all realize how lucky they are to have you.
Thank you Jeanette for the lovely comment.
Absolutely gorgeous Mary! Your work is just going from strength to strength (inside and out)! Michael must be very proud of your progress as well.:o)
And... I'm tagging you.*eye roll*
See my blog for all the details.
http://kats-in-klompen.blogpsot.com
You dont have to play if you don't want to, of course!
Besos, mi amiga!
Judy
and "the kats"
Ha,ha Judy, I hadn't recognized the name and thought "another Tag" (gulp). I'll play and thank you for the comment.
Mary i've been trying to leave a comment for a day or two but Blogger wouldn't play, or maybe it was my PC.
Just wanted to say how beautiful this work is and how lovely the way you have woven yourself and your family into it. xx
Thank you Lesly, your comments are always so encouraging.
This is an amazing drawing!! I love the backstory and also the quote you gave us. Happy Belated Mother's Day to you, Mary! I didn't realize that it was earlier in Mexico than here in the US.
It's so true that our children are with us, yet the do not belong to us. They have their own life to live. I'm so thankful that I've had the opportunity to be a mother myself. I've never felt such unconditional love for anyone in my entire life.
What a beautiful post - both the drawing as well as your words. And Khalil Gibran (one of my favourites as well) is truly touching.
Thank you Cynthia for your lovely comment. Your blog is always a treat to read and to learn from with all of the information and beautiful pottery. Someday I will have to go to Colorado and buy myself a set of your pottery at the rate you are going.
Regula, how nice to have your visit here. Your work is full of life and beauty.
Mary, i saw your PM on WetCanvas so came to see what 'tag' was all about. when i saw your latest charcoal my jaw dropped! omg...Mary, this is spectacular!
My jaw is on the floor too! I popped in for a quick look and find so much beauty and skill here - I'm going to have to return after domestic duties LOL. Absolutely stunning Mary and I can't wait for you oil painting!
WOW Mary, this is absolutely beautiful. The skills you have acquired from dedicated long hours of work. Thank you for sharing your feelings for your granddaughter. I am so sure little Sofi will be just as beautiful as your Daniela as a young lady. This beauty comes from their Grandmother and what fortunate young ladies to have you in their life. Happy Late Mother's Day.
Billie, Robyn and Pilan, it has bee a joy to read your comments. I had to adjust the bottom right on the drawing because it wasn't quite finished but that is done now and almost the grisaille on the painting. I hope to post that before starting with color.
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