February 7th, 2010
Waking Up
The blog is on Hiatus/Done.
You can pick which, I don’t care. :-)
No, don’t be so vain, the blog ending isn’t about you.
January 24th, 2010
Tree Man
I noticed that after the mask challenge, I did a mask/man drawing, and after the tree challenge I did a tree/man drawing… lol, clearly I get caught up in themes. The Tree man has been a creation I’ve worked on since my high school days, and every once in while I do another updated version. You’d have seen two previous ones of him in older posts. I went with a different view (his back), I thought it’d shake it up a little, and it helps give him some helplessness/dettachment. And because his face can’t be seen, I guess it uses the idea that less is more. I was happy with the end result, I feel like I’m finally making some strides after having such a difficult time drawing (realistic-ish-sorta) people. So yay. The was some minor inspiration of a religious figure, a sorta crown around his head… :-p
January 24th, 2010
TREE CHALLENGE
Well, while the person who issued it couldn’t be bothered participating or interacting with the end results in the challenge I intitiated before starting theirs, I did end up doing their challenge too. I guess I’m a doormat or something.
I don’t like mine, it’s a bit cliche, and the weakest out of the three, but I’ll still post it.
January 20th, 2010
White Mask
There was a picture I wanted to do for the mask challenge, didn’t have the pictures to do it. So I drew it. I tried to contrast some masculinity and femininity (well throw it arond), which is hopefully seen with the female-ish mask (red lips), the purple toga-like thang, vs it being a ripped guy. Also the pose being anti-masculine in a stereotypical way. Anyway just some ramblings from me.
There is also The Christmas Angel story a couple posts down… some feedback would be… kind.
January 8th, 2010
Reflection
This is the art work that I said was similar… and while it probably doesn’t look like it, it was the theme of mask/identity loneliness that was in the previous one. It actually is from an older pic, but totally different, and I wanted to give it *some* justice instead of being stamped over by red and black colour. also the scratch mask on the mirror goes with the previous one… :-p.
Anyway, it has been commented on in the real world that this has turned into an art blog away from writing, and it kinda only clicked to me why. It’s because I only get feedback for the art work (apart from the Fabulous Anna). I mean, if you’re reading my blog you don’t have to if the stories bores you (I’m aok with that, lol), but my sentiments are towards the ii-blog members/close friends… Why should I spend time reading/commenting/giving constructive criticism if you can’t be bothered looking/commenting on my stuff. A community doesn’t work if no one talks to each other, and a mirror isn’t going to reply back… Anyway, I feel like a bit of a tool bringing this up, though I do enjoy reading your blogs and continue to do that regardless. Sorry, just some negative reflective thinking, goes with today’s theme :-)
January 2nd, 2010
MASK CHALLENGE
Another challenge, this time it was my pick, so masks it is! An Idea for this took much longer then I thought it was going to take, I had an idea but was cut off from the net so my cropping/mashing of images didn’t pan out… So fell onto just photoshopping around. The crying mask came late to me, but was in love with the idea, and just had to find a background that worked with it. I hope it is creepy and sad at the same time :-p. It’s actually got some similarities to a piece of art I have finished but haven’t posted yet… we’ll see.
Check out the other challenger, Anna’s which is just fantastic! and I love, so do check it out!
December 22nd, 2009
A Christmas Angel
So for Christmas, I thought I’d celebrate by writing a story. It is much longer than I anticipated, but also changed a bit. Hope you have a good holiday yourselves, and enjoy the end of 2009. :-)
—-
A Christmas Angel
Arcs of light fluttered throughout the landings amongst a gathering of birds, which also had two angels perched. Josef’s white wings were elegantly folded behind his back, while he and another celestial figure peered down into the realm. Air, earth and water, the holy trinity for life to flourish throughout that world below.
‘Does excitement fill your mind for the task at hand, Josef?’ asked his friend with grey speckled feathers.
The eyes of the white winged Josef was busy peering into the towns and villages that sprawled across the green lands, weaving in and out of patches of forests, mountains, crevasses, and the numerous marvels of the rich world below. He stared for some time, searching for his figure in need.
At last, he turned to face his companion’s intrigue, ‘Oh indeed it does, Handel. The gift of altruism is one I dearly wish to spread to others.’
The wings upon his back murmured ever so slightly, revealing strong anticipation of future events. Handel smiled at his young but dear friend, ‘I remember this task when it was given to me not that long ago during the renaissance age of man. Much help was needed for the blind, the weak, poor, and sullen. I am always curious to see how their customs have changed.’
Long strands of black hair feel across the face of Josef, and at last he spotted the place to go, a harmonious balance of mankind’s metallic trinkets flowing in and around a seaside. A beautiful opportunity to see for the first time the ingenuity of this species, and their ability to cultivate and live on such a physical plane.
Handel stared at Josef, seeing the eagerness that so many of the young still obtained. It gladdened him, and yet… ‘Please remember that the splendour of man is their free will, and theirs to act on, themselves. Even if we do not understand their ways.’
The young being smiled upon his mentor, ‘I know my teachings, I shall not dictate upon them.’
His wings suddenly spread out, revealing their brilliant white sheen, which brought such warmth to the soul of birds around them. The sparrows swooped down and through the underside of his wings, before flying away themselves, back to the earth of man. Josef’s eyes now filled with purpose targeted the village and his wings began to beat.
‘Goodbye Handel, I shall see you soon.’
‘Remember my words, dear friend.’
The currents carried Josef lower and lower, to the destination that mesmerised his mind and soul. He could see the mountain ranges, which tried to reach, with the tip of their peaks, into the clouds, higher and higher, trying to touch the sanctity of his home. Cold air skimmed across these points, travelling across the sea, lands and sky. The chilly breath filled his lungs, bringing with them such sensations. The ancient trees also reached above for admittance into his haven, their own breaths bringing rich, lush and fresh food for the realm to survive off. Josef swooped lower, seeing paths slithering across the ground, hidden by branches protecting their fellow creatures. The majestic trees of a younger age brought sentiment to the winged creature’s throat. He followed the cold currents that fled towards the seas, and in their path, to the village that was to find him those in need. The further he flew, the more he noticed the variations of man’s ability. The trinkets that released white cloud puffs grew larger in number and size, growing and developing extreme levels of detail; he was amazed at such prowess. The time came when he had to say goodbye to the masses of the ancient being’s rooted into the earth, as the paths grew wider, with strange huts and towers that had erected over the years of progress, had replaced the elder trees who seemed to stay away from the hamlet.
He saw a dwelling that stood out from the rest of its kind, many stories told, with arcs reminding him of home. Right near the top, chimes and ringing sung out from a single swinging bell. He circled the sacred site and finally landed, taking roost behind a silent and grey womanly statue, beckoning Josef and the town with welcome arms. Her request was not disregarded, for folks of many ages and size followed the numerous paths leading to this temple structure. Josef spied upon the citizens that failed to catch his majestic wings, and raven hair, laughing and chatting as the moved inside, towards the hymns and hums that sauntered into the dusk of the night ahead. The street lights flickered awake, and revealed the empty shells of empty homes, which Josef watched intently, looking for the ones which would show which occupants wouldn’t join the townsfolk’s unison gathering. The souls of past life flickered awake themselves, to lighten the dark sky at night, and to give the moon company, for it was a night for one to spend with others. Folk below him finally went silent, and the angel heard the preachings of their kind and of ancestors of years gone. But the lesson of man’s history was not the angel’s task, and he finally saw in the darkening night the place to beckon him with its single dim light. He took flight, and flew over the small hamlet; on the streets he passed over a couple of families huddling together in the cracks and hidden paths among the buildings. Some had spread to benches in the parks and streets. They looked hungry and cold, but the angel wanted to see what was in the single lit house.
Peter sat alone at his fireplace, watching the embers grow weary and fall, dimming them much like the day that used to exist outside. His thoughts dwelled on the last logs outside, to throw onto his fire, but Christmas Eve wasn’t special enough to waste such limited resources for warmth. His tired eyes drooped for rest, but suddenly a knock at the door awoke him from his drowsy state.
The door swung open and Josef peered down at his new but unexpected companion of the night.
‘oh good sir, I came into town this night, but alas no one is about. I saw your light on-‘
Peter sighed ‘Well that is cause the joyous folks are up at the church this night.’ There was a small pause as Peter peered upon this strange figure wrapped in a brown coat, long black hair resting on the shoulders, and the strangest warmth he’d ever felt since he was a child, ‘Travelled far?’
Josef smiled serenely ‘oh yes, indeed I have from over the mountains, and through the amazing forests, where such fascinating life teems there.’
‘Well you must be tired, come in for warmth until the folk come back to town, the inn will be open soon enough.’
‘Thank you kind sir,’ Josef stepped through the wooden arcs and into a bare hallway.
Peter directed the angel into the kitchen, and placed his scorched kettle upon the stove. He waved his hand to his right, gesturing at his guest to sit in the frayed armchair. Peter brought two cups out and dallied about through the bare cupboards, looking for tea and biscuits to offer the new man in his home.
‘What brought you to this town on such a cold night’ Peter queried as he dropped the last two sugar cubes into the non-chipped blue cup. His own red and worn mug was empty.
Josef grinned to himself to see such kindness, ‘I came to this town to find a dear friend in need of help, to again feel the joy in life once more.’
Peter sighed and said, ‘you sound like a good friend, rare to meet these days.’
Josef continued, ’He is an honest man, but lonely. Why are you not up at the church tonight?’
The man pulled out two tea bags and dropped them into their cups; he looked into the eyes of the raven-haired man and felt the warmth penetrate his body. ‘Folks just tell a story I hear around this time, the birth of a child on this Earth, one I care not to hear again.’
Puffs of steam started to flow up into the air, fogging up the windows and concealing the man and the angel from the outside world.
‘A story on new life sounds amazing. What is it about?’
Peter cocked his eyebrow at the stranger. He wondered just how far this stranger had travelled to not know the story, and what other queer customs this man might have, ‘You haven’t heard of Christmas?’
‘No I haven’t, who is that?’
Peter chuckled, not at his companion, but for the coincidence of such a visitor to his house on this night, ‘It isn’t a person, but a holiday that many folks around here celebrate, which is the coming of our saviour.’
‘How do you celebrate?’ The angel asked.
The kettle slowly began to hiss.
Around this time every year, people invite friends and family to join together for a feast, and the exchange of presents. Well most people.’
The angel turned his head ever so slightly, as he saw the sadness on Peter’s face, ‘But not you?’
The boiling water was building up much pressure inside, suddenly the water burst and started to pour out. Peter quickly grasped the neck, and poured the spout into the angel’s cup. He sighed again.
‘Oh I was, but my sister was besotted by a cold, and could not make it. And alas I am new to this town so not many in this home tonight.’ Peter smiled at Josef, admiring his warmth ‘But my night hasn’t been wasted.’
Josef wondered why the man hadn’t joined his townsfolk, but was determined to have him join them, ‘Why not join your people at the church?’
Peter came and sat with Josef on the other armchair next to him ‘I take no heed from their strange customs. There are better things to spend my night doing.’
‘But what is better than being within the physical presence of your neighbours?’
‘Well there are other ways to embrace with my fellow man.’
‘I am intrigued. What are these other ways?’
Peter smiled at his visitor, ‘follow me’ is all he said, as he walked through a door into another room. The angel placed down his mug, and walked through the arches. His eyes widened as he saw the depraved scene that stood before him.
A dead body, dressed up and paraded about in the front window of his home, it had searing lights draped over it, in the strangest of ritualistic symbols. Its limbs hung down, having dried out from daily exposure, and sitting beneath it where boxes covering their identity. Such an old thing, slaughtered and dragged into this monster’s home.
The angel stuttered, ‘what-what-is this?!’
Peter smiled again, clearly insane. ‘Isn’t it marvellous, it’s our Christmas tree. My kids wanted this one, it’s a bit big, but my wife said we should spoil them.’
The angel’s horrified eyes turned round to the murderer of the tree who had once lived in the forest, ‘Your family?’ They must have worked in a pack to kill it, Josef thought.
‘Yes, my wife is currently up at the church, she’ll be back with our sons when she comes home, we’ll then have started that Christmas feast I was telling you about.’ Peter then gestured with his bloodless hands towards the murdered beasts that littered a dim candle lit table.
In the centre of the table layed a burnt and decapitated fowl of some kind. The feathers that once graced its lifeless body had been ripped away. Josef realised the feast these townsfolk enacted involved a barbaric animal sacrifice to the saviour they prayed to.
Peter warmly looked upon his guest, ‘We have too much food because my Sister is unable to make it, so if you have no plans tonight you’re welcome to join us for Christmas. My wife would love to meet a new and friendly face.’
The angel pointed back to the boxes stashed beneath the dead body, ‘What are in those?’
“Oh it’s a tradition usually for the children. we give gifts, mostly toys to them.’
Josef, could barely stand to hear another word, the beasts gave play items amongst themselves while people outside starved. The smell of burnt flesh filled his nose, but something else tickled his horror. The monster started pouring another drink, one that had the faintest of smell of yolk, mostly likely broken and pilfered from eggs of many fowl, stealing a sacred life of their own creations and hunger.
‘What does your saviour say of this?!’ Josef said, as his warmth cracked away from him, falling into oblivion.
Peter failed to notice, ‘He died for our sins two thousand years ago, you must have at least heard of him?’
Josef steeled himself, ‘died?’
Peter took a swig of the dead life forms swirling in the cup; he placed his back down, and poured more into another goblet.
Peter stared down at the two cups, ‘yes, perhaps the greatest sin for humanity-‘ there was a strong gust of wind that breezed through the room. Peter thought a window must have been left open, ‘but he saved us for all from-‘ He glanced up, and saw his visitor had disappeared.
He followed the wind and discovered his front door ajar. In the hallway, all that remained of the stranger was the brown coat, crinkled, upon the stone flooring. The angel was gone.
December 18th, 2009
Fighter
So another soldier/warrior/fighter of some kind. I must admit, but the end of it, I was content with the basic background :-p. I’d been wanting to try something like that, and it finally worked! yay! I need to move away from smoothing over the edges/outline with an auto tool because I feel like it’s cheating… lol, maybe you can answer that, is it?
December 16th, 2009
CHURCH CHALLENGE
Probably not what you’re thinking, but one of my blogger companions issued an image challenge. We compromised and picked a church.
SO the original image is this;
and the challenge was that we could edit, add, subtract from the image in anyway we could as long as some part of the original image was still there.. this definition will probably get stretched in future challenges, so who knows how that’ll go.
I went with a very cynical picture. Does it even make sense? …well I’ll leave that up to you. :-p
For the other people, here they are:
December 15th, 2009
Warrior #2
I finally(!) got around to colouring my warrior, and very happy with the result, so fingers crossed I have finally learnt how to colour my pics in photoshop. Had fun with shadowing (finally got around to trying it), and I think it makes the picture better.
So.. my blog has turned into an art blog… Haven’t really had any good dreams that I wanna throw up or attempt to write, and the blog existed to also work on my creativity… I’ll just extend that definition to include my drawing (I like to think there’s some improvement, even if there’s quite a distance to go :-p).