"The Suicide of Dido" by Lisa Coleman

. . . You're correct, I don't know this Elissa, nor do I know a great deal about Dido. But as far as simple, plain-ol' gut-feeling imagery . . . this is definitely thought-provoking. Especially when seen listening to the 'Gladiator' score. The colours are beautiful - I envy thee that can make such true flame.

I like this. The subject, I am uncertain of. And I do not know the mythology behind it, but it's full of passion, and before I even read the text it pulled an incredable amount of sadness to the surface. I really enjoy the incredible amout of passion in this.

this is so wild! i am fanatical about your stuff here woman. Lisa, truly, this is the complete ideal piece of art for me. (at least, encompasing my favorite stuff) it tells a story without words (i am a writer, i like visual inspiration) it is not only vivid, but impressional. i can bring it to mind without having to go back and look at it. i will hold this image in my mind for awhile. it is provactive and makes on think without forcing them to. it invites the audience to participate mentally into trying to comprehend the full meaning on the piece, the message. wow-o-wow

Sadly, it's beautiful...

Ooh, listen to the opera Dido and Aeneas. It isn't too long and it is in English and it is so so good. Her aria as she dies is perfect for this picture.

urk!!!I don't understand abstraction!!but I can see a lot of work had been done here!!

Sundered rage. Well done. Is that a butterfly just to the left of the upper figure's head?

Lisa Coleman replies: "Yes, though less rage then grief, it represents my final release of someone I was very close to and tried to help. Finally I realized I couldn't help her, and I must leave her to her fate. I loved her a lot, but she was sucking up all my energy. Dido freed herself from Aeneas by killing herself, I did it through this picture. And yes, that is a butterfly, a symbol of the soul newly freed."

Very strong.
I can appreciate it very much, Ms. Coleman.
Thanks so much.
The subject choice is very important too.
Dido character is very modern, I think.
Although I see her as a symbol not only of suffering, but also of joy (First Book of Aeneid).
I think suicide story is an invention of ancient Greeks.
And in the Aeneid, new studies show like Dido goes to Underworld as alive soul (an Ariadne identification), and death scene is a vision of Aeneas and "comites".
Dido reacts: she inflames the pyre without her inside!
And it's important, today, for a woman (and a for a man too!) thinking to react in another way than suicide and loving life again.
I've written a drama (on my language: Italian) about Dido.
And I maintain a whole website about her: www.queendido.org (please, check it).
I'd like very much starting an artistic partnership with you about this subject (Princess Elissa/Queen Dido).
Let me know, please, if you can be interested.
Thank you again.