Scars

I think I've said before that I took copious photographs of a wall in Lyon last year; it was cracked, distressed and very, very beautiful. This new piece is the first of a series entitled Scars. It struck me that we see scars as blemishes, ugly things that disfigure. Looking at that wall, it was clear that although I could see things that perhaps should not have been there, like cracks and holes, there was great beauty there also. It was as if the wall had changed to accommodate the cracks, the light touched them gently, changing their colours and creating mysterious shadows that flickered and moved as the day progressed.

Finally, I realised that a scar is a sign of healing. It is the body's way of accepting a change, often a loss. For me, living with depression, that is very important. I can't get rid of the depression, just as it can be very difficult to remove a scar totally. But I can accommodate it, live with it, allow myself to be beautiful despite it. And that is the beginning of a whole new phase of work, and of life.

Scar I is a mixed media painting on canvas; sand mixed into the paint in places gives it an incredible texture. There are some detail shots here, if you are interested.

I'm going to be away for the rest of the week, dealing with a family emergency. I won't be blogging during that time, but I will be back on Monday, so normal service should be resumed after that! In the meantime, what are you waiting for? Go be creative!