tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795191973728869942.post3705627726171188961..comments2023-02-17T17:13:57.768-08:00Comments on Schizophrenia And Art: Adam, Eve, and the DevilKaren May Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14436905322393073250noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795191973728869942.post-57116250345306767402013-01-16T00:57:22.953-08:002013-01-16T00:57:22.953-08:00Hi Karen,
This is my first time visiting your blo...Hi Karen,<br /><br />This is my first time visiting your blog and seeing your artwork. I had many responses to viewing this particular artwork- Whoa, wow, awesome, intricate, delicate, BEAUTIFUL, and eccentric.<br /><br />I took one art literature class in college a few yers back studied a thick book of differing periods of artwork from anciet times to present and what fascinated me most was the hidden theme, message, and way of symbolism. With that said, I love the fact that you distingushed the devil mostly by her clothing compared to the nakedness of Adam and Eve. The full range of colors are beautiful! I really like your style of intricate detail down to the obvious, Adam's penis. <br /><br />However, I had a question and this may be because I am an African American woman that loves natural hair. I was drawn to the different hairstyle approach- braids- and not the usual straight long hair appearance that I frequently see in pictures of Eve- why did you choose braids (with a twist rather) raised upward to the sky?<br /><br />I am interested in seeing more of your artwork, which I think the term unique is an understatement to describe and your artwork deserves a much better term, but I do not have a distinct art vocabulary.<br /><br />Finally, I like the advice Richard Avedon received from his master, because I have a habit of coming up with writing ideas and other projects where I work my way backwards- I come up with a title to my blog entry for example and then focus on writing around the topic by emphasis on its title- if that makes any sense?<br /><br />Thank you for taking your time with your art, I need to be more patient with my own creativity through my writing.Ashley Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4795191973728869942.post-36680238324638666942012-12-21T10:06:36.689-08:002012-12-21T10:06:36.689-08:00Dearest Karen,
Mad, eccentric, call yourself what...Dearest Karen,<br /><br />Mad, eccentric, call yourself what you like, but you are still a brilliant and sensitive person and an excellent artist, despite any comments by your father to the contrary. I love this painting. Some people with schizophrenia spend hours making calculations that come to nothing visible and cohesive in this world, but you, spend hours creating images (even a language of symbols!) that are both inventive and challenging AND lovely to look at in all its rich details. What you do has value, I just wish more people could get to see your work in person. I would love that. <br />Someday you must show your portfolio to some galleries. That takes time, care and courage, but I have a feeling that it would be worth it.<br /><br />I am very sorry to hear that some of your symptoms have resurfaced and have incapacitated you on several occasions. It is, I'm afraid, to be expected with our illness, at least for many people. I had a return to some deluded thinking for a few weeks, but I was vigilant and careful to redirect myself towards health and I seem to have succeeded so far or at least for the time being. That gives me some encouragement that it is possible to creatively counter the illness, even at a lowered dose of the anti-psychotic medication. <br /><br />I think it is very beautiful that you love your mother despite her failings. That is mature and I think ultimately just of you. Family can be a two edged sword. In one way, it can protect, even champion you and in another way it can cut you at your most vulnerable spots. I have found that people can both reduce stress and alternately increase stress, but it is especially true of family members. The holiday season can be filled with stress, but soon enough it will be over and hopefully you will feel better. I chose to not visit my parents in Florida for Christmas precisely because I have trouble dealing with the stress of it all and so I will have a quiet Christmas at home amongst my seven cats.<br /><br />Karen, I hope you don't mind, but I have to tell you that I respect and admire you. I love the way you use words and paints. I love the way you love your husband and animals and family. I love your dedication. If you ever need someone to listen to you when you struggle, please think of me sometimes and turn to me. I'm a good listener and I really care about you. You have enriched my life these last couple of years. <br /><br />If all goes well, the world will not end today, and we will collectively be given another chance to continue with our lives and our recovery. I'm wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Years. Thanks for posting images of this work and for writing a blog. If I had my way, you would continue with this blog. It's important. Sometimes it's just when you want to shut down and withdraw that you should reach out and speak your truth.<br /><br />I love you.<br /><br />Kate : )Wandererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16550316119497369344noreply@blogger.com