--Francis Schaeffer, How Should We Then Live?
When I was seventeen, we were given the assignment in art class to create self-portraits. I made a plaster casting of my face. Straws up the nose, Vaseline slathered over my mug, and a bucketful of plaster poured on top. Held still until it set. How long did that take? I honestly don't remember. The cast was successful. Pouring liquid clay in the mould, out came my reflection. I stuck it in the snow, and photographed it--a death mask. That was my world-view. Two years later, that would all change. I haven't taken very good care of this photo. I don't really like looking back much. The view ahead is so much better. And I'm alive. Soli Deo gloria!
"Everywhere the statues were coming to life. The courtyard no longer looked like a museum; it looked like a zoo. Creatures were running after Aslan and dancing round him til he was almost hidden in the crowd. Instead of all that deadly white, the courtyard was now a blaze of colors..."
--C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Joining Emily today
27 comments:
Wow! That is a powerful photo and story you share...so glad that Aslan found you and that you are alive :) Linked up behind you at Emily's place.
I am glad that you are now surrounded by love and color rather than death and white.....
A very powerful post......lots to ponder here...
What an image and what a testimony. That's amazing, Jodi.
you are spectacular. once upon a time, mine would have looked the same. glad to have found the other side with you.
I really like your old art, even though it's a little dark...I think it's pretty honest, and your death mask looks peaceful to me. I don't know, I guess there's a beauty in showing how you feel, even if it's dark. Maybe it's only beautiful because I know the happy ending. I don't know that happy endings would be so happy if I didn't know the dark middle. I think it's important and wonderful that you shared this.
Dolly & Nancy, me too. thank you.
Amy, Thank you, tea girl.
amy, I glad too. xx
JoAnn, I know what you mean. Dark middles sure make the happy endings more appreciated.
Fascinating Jodi, a haunting story and that mask is rather beautiful in an ancient Greek kind of way.
like val said this does smack of a grecian plaster in some ways....
which leads me to my MOSTFAVORITE cslewis ever... til we have faces.
do you know this book? you must, if you don't.
and mr lewis also said in problem of pain or surprised by joy that indeed, we don't know what joy is til we know what its opposite is. so yes, i am happy to see your old, dark art in celebrating the Life inside and the Creator/-ation working in you.
wowza. what an incredible piece of art. and the story behind... the mask. x
All depends on where you're standing. Being emotionally removed from it, makes the image intriguing and haunting. There's the contradiction of light and dark. The slight tears in the photo add to it all. A whole fictional book could be written around the image. I'm glad your life has more real light than dark.
I can only say that I'm so glad your view has changed. And I may have shuddered and caught my breath when I read how you did that. I would have died and it would have truly been a death mask.
I've heard of people making those, straws up the nose and all, but never met anyone who actually did it. Somehow I'm not surprised. You really go all in when the makey-makey bug hits you. I love the way your art reflects your heart. And the Lewis quote at the end? Goosebump worthy.
It is so interesting to see your 17-year-old face and then realize how much life you've lived since then, and what a better place you are in now. Hallelujah! It only gets better because the destination is glorious beyond our wildest hopes and dreams.
This photo reminds me of the Andrew Wyeth painting, "Spring" which despite the name, has a stark and deathly feeling about it. I am glad you look forward. I love both the quotes you used in this post. They are perfect. <3
You have a colorful heart, Jodi :) I love the imagery both quotes paint in my mind.
Though lost, sadness and despair within, I can't help but love seeing your precious and beautiful 17 year old face, knowing what Love has done and continues to do. Thank-you again for the gift, of the sharing of your life from your tender heart. So much said in so few words. Such just-right quotes to wrap 'round the saying. xo
Ooops...Love, 'Anonymous'
Thank God that He brought color. Wonderful story.
it's a beautiful mask... and i like the way it has come to life in the new you (the lewis quote is so perfect.)
oh wow. well, i love the mask. and in some ways, our view of life is a death-view, no? we're living to die to self? but yes, i get it. to live is beauty, is color, is good. is God. and i'm so glad you want to live. love you friend.
Hi JODI,
thats a very good sculpture of your face.awesome quote from C.S Lewis.
Love Audrey
Oh, Jodi~ Why has it taken me nearly a week to get here and read this? The beauty and glory of your story and His story in and for you takes my breath away! The poetry of your sharing, the artist's way of seeing...it's all so nourishing to my soul. Thank you for sharing. And I'm with Jewels. There is such precious, fragile beauty in your almost, but not yet alive but chosen-before-the-foundation-of-the-world young face. I do love you. Jesus to you, today. Melissa
I wonder...
Where would you place that mould now? Maybe a do-over? Oh, yes, you are alive! And when I come here, I feel more alive too. You make me want to create, Jodi. If that is not sharing in the good work of the Divine I don't know what is.
world-views thankfully can change over time, I like the distressed look of the photo, it adds mystery to it
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