Most ancient of the elements; before water, earth or wind, there was Fire. It is a powerful, enigmatic force that can render immense damage, however it can also bestow unexpected gifts. Here is a young woman touched by Fire's embrace, a pilgrim who will always carry its burden and its enlightenment. Although she chooses to cloak herself in the mysteries of the night she still has the witness of the stars; the First Fire, scattered like sparks amongst the blanket of the dark sky. She is the moon shadow in the coal black alleyways and midnight doorways, reflecting molten embers in her intense gaze. In the black hours she dances over rooftops with the smoke of unnumbered chimneys. Few are the unfortunates that are allowed a glimpse of an ill-fated face. Her cold reaction to the blazing stares of open disgust belies the raging inferno of her soul. She may at times smolder in the ashes of painful memory but only until the breath of perseverance sweeps across her heart to ignite the glow of hope once more…
This character study came to me while reading a story in the Library. She is a loose interpretation, not an exact character portrait of Marjory, the main protagonist. It is an image of how I envisioned her ‘exotic’ features as I shared her adventures. The character and portrait belongs to the very talented writer Inger. Stop by for a visit to see the stories that ignited the spark of my imagination! Thanks Inger!
I just finished Inger's stories about Marjory, so I had to come over here. There's something so knowing and wise in her gaze, and I really like the exotic slant of her eyes. The use of lots of red in your palette really brings the fire imagery across.
Really an interesting interpretation. I'm delighted she inspired you! Barbara J. Wickham replies: "Thank you! It was such an honor to be able to visualize such a wonderful character from Inger's amazing stories. The image formed on it's own as I read thru Majory's tale with her personality making a big impression. Her 'knowing' expression formed quite naturally. I'm also glad you noticed her exotic features as I wanted to honor her Mezade heritage in some way. The fire references where hard to work out and I may have gone over the top in the description, but I feel pretty good about the portrait itself. Thank you for taking the time to comment on this one. It means a lot! "
she is so beautiful, so very beutiful, it gets to my heart. this is truely sad. Her face has been scared and she looks so hurt, but she is still beautiful, you can see past that to her inside, in her eyes. why do you keep drawing things that pull my heart strings, stop it, lol Barbara J. Wickham replies: "I'm so sorry. I'll stop doing that right away...not! *wicked cackle* I do love putting subtle emotions into my pics that inspire the viewer to consider what's beyond the surface. I'm glad that appears to be the case with this one. Thank you for your lovely comment!"
I feel like I may have used the wrong word to describe her eyes when I said "haunting". Its more of a determination I see there, but still they're intriguing. Sorry, when I said haunting I was looking at the thumbnail to try and remember what it was I wanted to say. Bleh - excuses Gloria, excuses. Anyway, I love it! Keep up the fantastic work! Barbara J. Wickham replies: "Well...I didn't want to make it too easy for ya! You actually are correct in that she is haunted by her experience, but the payoff is the wisdom and strength that she gained. We all have our own 'wounds' to deal with and a choice on what power we give it. So...I'd say you described her perfectly! Thank you so much for your comments, awkward or otherwise! *giggle*"
As I was looking at this picture, my older brother walked by. "Creepy" he said. Not exactly the word I would use - perhaps haunting is more like it. The way you use color to portray emotion is awe-inspiring. Your attention to detail is, as usual, superb. Why aren't you famous yet, Barb? When you are, send me an autograph please!
I love her eyes. Very lovely and...I dunno what word to use other than what I said before, haunting. Intriguing even. Someone you'd want to talk to just to hear the stories they could tell you, though I'd be too afraid to start the conversation. Barbara J. Wickham replies: "lol...I love your brother's honest assessment! I once worked closely with a person who had severe facial damage and I was initially 'creeped' out, too. She was an inspiration, but also she kept people honest. She had a way of manipulating the conversation so people couldn't hide their true feelings about her face. She preferred unguarded speaking as opposed to polite avoidance in conversation. In the short time I knew her I learned a lot about seeing people with my heart. I received a priceless gift, especially for an artist. A lot of that emotion went into this portrait. Of course, the main inspiration is Inger’s wonderful character, but she reminded me of this person so much. Thanks and make it a signed original painting instead of an autograph. You can sell it for more money! Woohoo!"
26 Jun 2004
Jennifer L. Martin
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I've read Inger's stories about Marjory, so I just had to come and take a look at the 'artist's conception' of one of my favourite characters in the 'Woods. Beautifully done! I love the tragic lines of beauty next to the scarring. Barbara J. Wickham replies: "Thank you so much! I really appreciate your feedback on this one as one of Marjory's fans. I love creating images inspired by other people's imaginations. It has a sense of challenge to it but you also want to make sure the other artist's contribution is correctly conveyed. I'm glad that it appears I succeeded on some level! Thanks again for such valuable observations."
Amazing picture... Just amazing...!!! 0.0 Barbara J. Wickham replies: "Thank you very, very much! The character that inspired this portrait is one of those fascinating, complex persons that just sparks the imaginative fire in me. I love it when that happens!"
Beautiful picture. Her eyes very catching and the skin is great and the sky amazing. Definitely thumbs up Barbara J. Wickham replies: "I sure appreciate your comments. Thank you! Even though the character is not mine I put a lot of emotion into this portrait. It was a pleasure to do."
0_0 wow its beautiful i like this one best Barbara J. Wickham replies: "Why thankie most kindly! I had a great experience creating this."
27 Dec 2006
Anonymous
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dude im stunned. tis pic is so beutiful. wow!wow! ive been on this site so many times and i see alot of great art but this piece just blows me away. it absolutly phenomenal. WOW! i can't not complement you enough. bravo! Barbara J. Wickham replies: " Oh my goodness gracious! *lol* Thank you for such a flattering comment.
This was one of a few special pics that I did purely in gratitude for another person and these types of pics always seem to have something special in them. It's kinda like finding chocolate chips in my morning pancakes! "
The flame-like hair is wonderful... it looks so soft, yet with a bit of that angular bite. Nicely done! Barbara J. Wickham replies: "Thank you, Marina! The character was quite striking and intense and I used that to inspire the style. "
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D Joelle Duran
. I love creating images inspired by other people's imaginations. It has a sense of challenge to it but you also want to make sure the other artist's contribution is correctly conveyed. I'm glad that it appears I succeeded on some level! Thanks again for such valuable observations."
