Week 128

I was dying. Dying to do this piece. 

Before our photo editing process, my initial feeling was like “meh” towards the original photo. BUT once it was edited, all I saw was DRAMA. 

When I was 4, I was a true drama queen. There was no facial expression I couldn’t conquer and no song or dance that wasn’t mine. My parents called me Shirley Temple and Jr.Houdini. Then came a time when the immensely expressive girl went convert. She tucked inside - only to dramatically reappear within the safety of those who knew her well.  Even now, after a myriad of public speaking courses and dramatic theatre classes, I am still fairly soft spoken. It is an interesting paradigm since when I think of myself, I see my flamboyant side first.  In fact, it still is a shock to me when people cannot hear me. The conflict between these different aspects of my personality makes it where I don’t really know what is seen of me by most. But those who know me, see that extravagant character leaking unceasingly around the peacekeeping moderator of my “adult” persona. 

When Laert selected this one and told me the size, there was no question in my bright eyes. YES. Of course - it HAS to be enormous. This is the largest quickie we have done to date. Laert is setting me free do the main subjects lately, and I have mixed views on this. Initially thrilled as it means there is trust and skill built there, later my insecure side tugs annoyingly at my sleeve questioning “is it patronizing?” as he closes the door leaving me alone to finish. Then, fierceness inside reigns up, reinforcing my will and freeing my brushstrokes in a fantastic display only fitting for the dazzling fowl before me. They come to life as splendid as they have been created, without pretension or boastfulness. Who could say they shouldn’t be as extravagant they are? 

If you got out a thesaurus, you would find that a flock of flamingos is called a flamboyance of flamingos.  As they gather together in the deep evening light, there is no effort to perform, only to be. As we are created, we must be. There must be room for dual personas, and personalities that have been quieted in fear must be freed. When those who live in the best version of who they are gather together, it is a magnificent display of beauty and life. Together we are flamboyant. Together, resplendent. 

Flamboyance

48 x 72 | Oil on Panel