This is so beautiful, Heidi. What struck me today is how interesting this is from every angle. Congratulations again on such a powerful and moving work!

Thank you Rob and Linda,
I have been having the urge lately to see if I can still draw. Last night I searched through the attic and found some 25 year old charcoal and charcoal paper and sat down to draw a self portrait from life. It has definitely been a while and long overdue.
It was harder than I remember, but a good exercise. Although I found a paper stump, I couldn't find my kneaded eraser and had no white charcoal, so I ended up with a smeary mess of course. I think I'll stick to 3D.

If any of you are in Scottsdale in February, this piece will be on display at the Scottsdale Artist School February 2-28 if you are interested in seeing it in person. I entered it in the annual "Best and Brightest" show and it was accepted. Hopefully I'll be able to sell it and at least recoup the expenses for making it into bronze.

Heidi,

These make you want to keep on looking and looking! There is so much to see, and on so many levels. For me the biggest appeal is their tactile appeal. I just want to touch the surface and appreciate the forms. Not that I'd be allowed to touch the artwork! But at least seeing them "in the round" would be a good substitute.

Alex

Heidi,

I am so glad this will be in the show. I don't know who votes, but if I could vote, I would vote for this!

Alex and Chris - you are both such sweet hearts. Thanks!

Shoot, Heidi. You're the real thing.

Best--TE

Ah, allegory! What a relief!

This is an interesting, thoughtful exploration of human form, and so deserves to be bumped to the top of the category, as we are all interested in this section surviving the titilation of most contemporary soft-porn nudes.

This rings with the spirit of both Cynthia's and Mr. Whitakers hopes for this section. Thank you.

Mari,

I sincerely agree that Heidi's allegory is fully deserving of top honors here, but I hope I am not reading the inference that other works of art presented here might be considered less than worthy of both Cynthia and Mr. Whitaker's hopes for this section.

I for one, proudly stand that everything thus far offered here is fully wholesome, uplifting, dignified, and worthy of inclusion, and there is nothing that could be even remotely inferentially derogatory; and wish to think the mention and wording choices of "titilation", and "soft-porn nudes" are not offered in association with any of the works of art that have been moderated honorably and thoughtfully into this particular section.

Again in assessment, my hat is off to Heidi as well, for raising the bar of the dignified representation of nudes and figures in the fine arts in a visionary and wonderfully uplifting way; but I don't mean for this supportive statement and stand to contextually read as a possible comparitive denigration of her peers, as I hope no one does. I cheer for us all here nobly and honorably pioneering this section with vision and purpose (with Heidi as an exemplar of inspiration), and I trust you sincerely do as well.:thumbsup:

Garth

PS: I don't think it is going too off topic to acknowledge you have a wonderful and very instructive blog. Thanks, Mari. I hope you will present one of your own works here too, in the not too far off future.

Garth, please don