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.)
the wounded soldier is no longer just a man begging for mercy - he is infected with something dangerous, which makes him aggressive and possibly uncontrollable. His outstretched hand may now mean not a plea, but an attempt to grab the protagonist, which increases the sense of threat.
The soldier's eyes, wide open and seemingly filled with fear or madness, now look like a sign of loss of humanity. The blood stains on his clothes are no longer just traces of battle, but perhaps the result of his own aggression.
The chains in the background can be interpreted as a symbol of restriction or control over the infected - perhaps he was captured or locked up, but was able to break free.
It shines! Doodle inspired from Pinterest, from The Calm Creator. Drawing done in Sakura Pen-Touch Black and Silver C paint marker + Uni Pin Fineliner 0.2 black pen. I'll continue looking for inspiration!
Pun play to encourage positive body image. Freckles, moles, skin tags. Love them or hate them, they are part of our body. As one who enjoys stargazing, I think that the dots on our body resembles stars in the night sky. Truly beautiful. Sometimes when I’m bored, I play connect the dots on my limbs, and they do resemble constellations.
I’ve had the new Kings of Leon album Can We Please Have Fun on repeat lately. And my favorite song off that album is Split Screen which inspired this piece.
Inspired by the Irworobong design (korean palace folding screen) during my Korea trip. Since I made the trip in spring, with flowers abundant, I thought to use the five mountain peaks as five petals to form a flower.
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.
Psalms 18:2
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
//There are 6 Sundays leading up to Good Friday. In observation of Lent, I will be posting 6 works inspired by the theme. This is for the 1st Sunday of Lent.
Gold and Jade are especially favored among the Chinese. The gold ginko leaves (ginko trees are also know for its longevity) across a background of green is to symbolize abundance in health and wealth for the new year. There are 15 days to the Lunar New Year celebration but typically the first 3 days are the most celebrated. In celebration of the festive season, this is a post for Day 3 and this will be my last post for the celebration.
"Nobody knows why he is here,someday he just appeared.Some say that he roams this realm and is in constant search for specific girl.He is supposed to be her guardian I guess.I hope he finds her,because his presence here terrifies me"-Villager of Groza
