A far-too-common archetype that i have observed frequently in people as they converse with another is one in which an individual uses two layers of defense to protect an otherwise unexamined confusion or emptiness. This relates to a defense of the ego and does not apply to all situations involving anything discussed.
First posturing:
-A mask (or wall) of mockery is sustained in which the defensive individual behaves flippantly as if in jest. This positioning is a way to be aloof from the situation, using incredulity and belittlement to keep a person or their ideas away from the defensive individual.
Second posturing:
-A mask (or wall) of rage is revealed after a certain level of perceived threat is achieved internally. This positioning is usually the one the defensive individual maintains when they have given up the argument or the introspection. Not risking an ontological or existential crisis, the defensive individual lashes out with anger, often accusatorily in manner, potentially belittling others further or just plain rushing away in a huff. This is usually the end of the engagement.
Third posturing:
-The masks (or walls) both come off, leaving the defensive individual to examine the thoughts or behaviors involved in the situation more critically. The defensive individual may find themselves feeling deeply uncomfortable, sad, uneasy, lost, or confused. This position leads to introspection and to a genuine openness, which is not something that the defensive individual had been prepared for. They may find that they were incorrect, only partially correct, or that the perceived rightness of their idea/behavior now has an expanded context, all of which may seem frightening. Individuals may become mentally paralyzed at this point. It takes a strength and an honesty to reflect in this position, which is not something that everyone expressing this archetype will be capable of doing.
(Based on my professional insights as: a cashier, as a member of various technical support staffs, as an occasional minister, and as a peer counselor. Also based on my casual and repeated interactions with both strangers and with more intimately known persons over the course of my lifetime. Observations are my own.)
(PS I hadn't drawing Felipe & junior on an date in 6 month's / now almost 7 months l exp last time was Jeffpayricks day 2025 the one where Felipe had his childhood bff non blood related friend named junior back in March 2025 for st jeffpayricks day in pot of gold together was last time i drew the 2 together on.
*Ps:not my bestest work yet but its great tho! Due colors r too bright and its an Finished rn i draw this 3 person drawing on this.
Fisher Friends, an oil painting of a Kingfisher, is inspired by cherished childhood memories spent by the River Tyne. This piece pays homage to the joy of growing up close to nature—the serene beauty of the river, the excitement of spotting wildlife, and the rare delight of seeing a Kingfisher.
The original sketch came from the prompt ‘organized’ which immediately made me think of my label maker. It grew from there and I first posted it on what happened to be the 25th anniversary of the film Practical Magic! Let me know if you spot the homages…
I chose this piece because I wanted to single out the circle or brown I think it’s important to get some Reputation from the fact that maybe it’s time to Enter a new chapter similar some of my recent paintings