When I was in first grade my teacher had us pose for a profile silhouette cut out, probably to give our parents for Christmas or something. Somehow it survived all these years and I found it again recently. It’s kind of big, a little torn, the black construction paper is faded, I almost trashed it.
Several days ago I had the idea to take that silhouette of my 6 year old face, stick it on a crazy abstract painting that was never finished, and I spray painted it black, like a template. The image being a little off-set, I thought the addition of some pressed pansies that my mom had given me would be appropriate, as though the child is smelling a bouquet.
I then spent a few days adding details and getting the color balance right. All the while thinking about what might be spinning around in a normal 6 year old head. For me personally, it was a lot of nature, flowers, and animals, but also a lot of confusion and questions. I will leave it at that.
Photographing the painting was a real challenge. Every time I try to photograph a canvas with black spray paint, I get a glare, or a sheen, especially with all the texture, no matter what I try. This was the best I could do. If you photographers out there have any advice, I would love to hear it!
My husband said he couldn’t tell what it was, until I told him. My mom on the other hand knew it was my profile immediately. I’m curious if you saw a Childs’ profile right away, or something else?
Tiffany Arp-Daleo Art 
Hey Tif, that is very cool. I kinda wish I still had art from when I was a kid.
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Thanks, Matt! Yeah, there are very few pieces of my childhood “art” left, so it’s cool to repurpose and make new again the little I have!
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I saw the profile first
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Thanks! I wasn’t sure if it was something only a mom could see!😂
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Nope, even a childless man at 50 saw it 😁
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That is really great! I love the bright colours. I noticed the profile first as well.
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Awesome! Thank you so much, Sean, I’m very pleased with the final piece! 🙏
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I absolutely saw the profile and connected to what you shared as well. I love the whimsical yet abstract feel of it too. The details you added do make it pop just right!!!
I finally got to paint the other day too and I thought of you🤗❤
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Thank you so much, Maria! It can be difficult to touch on my childhood, but when I can turn it into a happy positive, I need to do that! I’m thrilled to hear you are tapping into your visual art again, I hope it brings you healing and insight!💕🥰🎨
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I feel you on that and can agree in the delicate process it is to process our childhoods. I’m so happy to be painting again too! Creative spirits unite🌈🎆🌠❤🤗
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I hope you will be sharing some of your paintings, but more importantly, just glad you are expressing! 🥰🎨🤗
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😊
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You always been gifted and creative, respect
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Thanks, Max! We all have creativity within, it’s so therapeutic to dig in and pull it out! 🙏🎨
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I think this is just beautiful!!
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Thank you so much, Michelle! 🙏😊
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Cool idea, Tiffany ~ very nicely done 🙂
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Thanks a bunch, Phil! 🙏
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This is a great idea. I didn’t see the profile first ! I like the way you tried to think of your state of mind as a child and weave that into the composition.
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Thanks, Margaret! I am always trying to reuse memorabilia in a new purpose, or at least keep my favorite memories alive! Now, if only I knew what to do with the thousands of old photographs!
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A great idea that works really well, particularly with the addition of the flowers.
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Thank you, Graham! The flowers were a last-minute addition since I had all that space, and it ties in perfectly since my mom pressed the flowers many years ago, lots of nostalgia!
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