Beauty From Ashes: For Better or Worse

"Beauty From Ashes: For Better or Worse"/ acrylic and ink on canvas/ 8"x10"/ Erin Stinson June 2016

As I find myself in states of reflection, images will come to mind and I will quickly reach for a sketchbook (or pretty much anything I can write on) and begin to scrawl out my ideas.  Sometimes they are a permanent fixture in my mind's eye, other times they are a fleeting gift, reminding me to be present and not take it for granted.  

The idea for this painting caused me to leap out of bed and hastily sketch away.  Although I didn't waste much time getting to work on the painting, I have delayed on sharing the meaning behind it.  I was wrestling with something in particular last week, feeling incredibly stuck in how to work through it.  It was a moment of clarity when this image flashed in my mind and each brush stroke helped me to pour out every angst-filled groan.  

Even as I began this post today, I wasn't sure what I would end up sharing but I've decided that some works, despite the inner fear of appearing melodramatic, don't require accompanying dialogue.  And at least for the time being, I've decided to let this piece tell it's own story.