Hangups
When I was a
timid monkey in art school,
and it was time
for figure drawing class,
there would always be parts
that I was afraid to draw.
I didn’t even want to be seen
looking at those parts.
I’d leave these big empty
spots on my canvas.
Then I would sneak a peek
to the student next to me.
Her canvas left nothing
to the imagination.
You could see every fold,
but the face was missing.
Guess we had
different outlooks,
different fears,
different curiosities,
different hangups.
I no longer paint,
but I still look for
the big empty spots
on my canvas.
I imagine what might be in there,
if only I would let myself look.
Trail Wood,
2/20
Exploring the Canvas of Self-Perception and Vulnerability
In the vast expanse of our shared consciousness, we delve into the realm of personal growth and self-awareness, as mirrored in the journey of a timid monkey navigating the challenges of art school. This narrative offers us a poignant reflection on the nature of vulnerability, perception, and the invisible boundaries we impose upon ourselves and our creative expressions.
The Fear of Observing and Being Observed
Our journey begins with the acknowledgment of fear in the act of observation, particularly in the context of figure drawing, where certain realities of the human form are met with hesitation and trepidation. This fear is not just about what we see or choose not to see, but also about how we are perceived by others in our act of seeing.
The Canvas as a Mirror of Personal Insecurities
The empty spaces left on the canvas serve as metaphors for the aspects of ourselves we are reluctant to explore or acknowledge. These voids represent more than just omitted details in a drawing; they symbolize the parts of our identity and experiences we shy away from, due to fear, uncertainty, or societal conditioning.
Contrasting Perspectives as a Reflection of Diverse Inner Worlds
The observation of a fellow student’s approach, fearless in detailing the human form yet omitting the face, highlights the subjective nature of our fears and curiosities. It serves as a reminder that our hangups are as unique as our perspectives, shaped by a complex interplay of personal history, cultural influences, and individual sensitivities.
The Evolution of Personal Hangups Over Time
As we transition from the context of art school to the broader canvas of life, we recognize that while the medium of our expression may change, our internal landscapes continue to be marked by areas we hesitate to explore. The act of painting may no longer be our chosen form of expression, yet the metaphor of the canvas remains relevant, representing the ongoing journey of self-discovery and the courage required to confront our vulnerabilities.
Imagining the Unseen as a Path to Wholeness
In contemplating the empty spaces on our metaphorical canvas, we confront the possibility of growth and enlightenment that lies in the willingness to examine those parts of ourselves we have previously ignored or avoided. The courage to imagine and eventually confront these aspects is a crucial step toward achieving a more complete understanding of our identity and potential.
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
We reflect on the personal journey of facing fears and vulnerabilities, using the metaphor of a canvas to explore the nature of self-perception and the empty spaces that symbolize unexplored aspects of our being. This narrative invites us to consider the transformative potential of confronting our personal hangups.
Glossarium
- Canvas of Self-Perception: A metaphorical representation of how we see ourselves and the areas of our life or identity we might ignore or overlook.
- Invisible Boundaries: The self-imposed limits within our minds that prevent us from exploring certain aspects of our lives or selves.
- Metaphor of the Canvas: Used to symbolize the journey of personal growth and the exploration of one’s inner landscape.
- Path to Wholeness: The process of confronting and integrating the unexplored or avoided parts of ourselves to achieve a more complete understanding of our identity.
“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” – Pablo Picasso
On the canvas wide, where shadows hide,
We, timid monkeys, once did bide,
Leaving spaces empty, vast, untried,
Wondering what truths they might confide.
But as we journey, grow, and seek,
Those empty spaces begin to speak,
Inviting us to take a peek,
At the parts of us, unique yet meek.
So let us brave those uncharted lands,
With open hearts and willing hands,
For in those voids, potential stands,
To paint our souls with broader strands.
In this cosmic dance, we find our pace,
Exploring each once hidden space,
Embracing all with grace and grace,
On the canvas of life, our mark, we trace.
We invite your musings on this journey of confronting and exploring the empty spaces on our canvases.
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