An example of Mimesis

When I started painting this vintage depiction of Faith, Hope and Love, my heart was in a very different place. The painting initially had a romantic, airy, real feeling. When the way I felt about the subject matter started changing (in my heart, undeniably) I painted in thick dark, unrealistic, cartoon-like lines. Distanced from the subject matter I actually began to hate the painting. I put it away for several months before finally dragging it outside onto a pile of leaves where I covered it with metal objects and angrily spray painted all over it. It stayed there until I finally brought it in last Sunday.

Upon seeing it back on my easel Cody said, "Wasn't frustrating enough the first few times?" I laughed.

I almost like the painting more now than I did when I started the whole thing. It still agitates me, but that I no longer see that as a bad thing. I don't know when
or if it will ever be done.

The painting is a process; my life is a process. This unresolved painting is the inspiration for the Lent 'Zine subject, Mimesis, this year. To me, the painting is a profound example of Art imitating Life.

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Last year I did not want to make the Lent 'Zine because of my own turmoil with the subject matter/traditional reasons for Lent. I plowed through it at the urging of a friend. Today, I am so glad I reluctantly meditated (and documented) through my Lent last year. Though I am still struggling with the subject matter/traditional reasons for Lent, I am ready for the excuse to slow down, meditate and consider the idea of Art imitating Life.

From what I've already gathered, the idea of Art imitating Life isn't too far off the traditional mark of Lent.

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Now that you know a little bit more about where I'm coming from with the subject matter of Mimesis, please consider contributing your thoughts/expression/artwork to this year's 'Zine for others to consider. If you would like to contribute anonymously feel free to do so. Find my snail mail address or email submissions to me.

Also, there's a great chance that this year's 'Zine will come with an audio CD. At least one of my friends is resonating musically with the idea of Mimesis.