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Collage
Art by Edwina Peterson Cross © 2004
Through the Artistic Eyes of Another
It doesn't happen often, but when it does, I listen
closely. Sometimes I'm embarrassed, and sometimes I'm just deeply
flattered. What am I speaking of? The times when a close friend or
family member tries to purposely build me up by reminding me of all
the good things I bring to the table of life.
Although I don't depend on the warm fuzzy validation of others to
function in the world, I do appreciate honest feedback and kind thoughts
that reflect well on my personal efforts and self growth. Like anyone
else, kudos help raise my esteem and build my confidence.
But it's not just the honey sweet words from another person that
interests me. It's the unique opportunity to see myself through their
eyes and experience "me" through their collective experiences
and unique filtered interpretation of life. It's as if they function
as a special soul mirror to allow me to see a reflection of my insides
from the outside.
Recently, I had a new opportunity to see myself
through the eyes of another. Winnie Cross is an artist (among many
other things) and a participant in a creative group I'm also part
of. A couple of months ago Winnie put out a questionnaire in our
group to collect tidbits about our interests and tastes. In addition,
we were to supply a photo of
ourselves as children. The answers we gave would be used for a painting
Winnie would create of the group; capturing our individuality and
childlike spirit.
As it turned out, our group grew rather quickly and the idea of
putting us all together in one composition "without floating
heads" went out the window. Instead, Winnie decided to create
individual digital collages of each group member. Mine appears at
the top of the page. Isn't it interesting?
To help you understand the meaning of the elements in my collage,
here are the answers I gave to Winnie in the questionnaire.
Favorite Colors: Blue and Black
Favorite Animal: Cat
Favorite Flowers / Trees:
Rose, Sunflower / Oak, Maple, Weeping Willow
Favorite Authors / Books:
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and Anything by SARK
Favorite Instruments:
Drums / Piano
Favorite Song:
Running up that Hill (Deal with God) by Kate Bush
Favorite Singers:
Kate Bush and Natalie Merchant
Favorite Food:
Almost any Chicken Dish
Favorite Thing to Drink:
Coffee or Protein Shake
Favorite Place on the Earth:
Anywhere near large bodies of water
When I was the age of my picture, I wanted to grow up to be:
A big kid
I have always wanted to:
Write a book
I have always wanted to visit:
A tropical island
I wish I could:
Create more love in the world
I love it that I can:
Express myself through my creativity
The thing I would like to do most in the world is:
Teach Children Art
Extraordinary talents:
Juggling
Things I can't live without:
Books, music, computer
 The
end result of my input plus the few things Winnie's picked up from
the group about me are expressed in a surrealistic and humorous way
in her collage (for instance, the inspiration for the Thesaurus Rex
is this Nit Wits cartoon).
I really enjoyed Winnie's composition about me. She's given me a
whole new perspective on my essence and provided a tangible reminder
to myself of my individuality. I count this image as one of those "purposely
building up" things from another. Winnie has a great knack for
bringing together loose tidbits of ourselves and making us smile.
Thanks, Winnie. :)
It's funny how we are all the same in some ways, but yet, so different. •
On the Web
More
About
Winnie Cross
Soul Food Cafe's display of Winnie's art and creativity.
How
to Collage Art Resources
Learn about the world of collage art and techniques to create your own.
How
to Graphic Software Tutorial Resources
Learn tips and techniques for popular graphics programs like Photoshop, Paint
Shop Pro, Illustrator, and others to make
your
own
digital
collage art.
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