The Copper Forest - COMPLETE

[moonvoice]

The Copper Forest (Prints Available)

76 x 51 centimetres // 30 x 20 inches.
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Ink (0.1 / 0.5 fineliner)
Coloured Pencil / Watercoloured Pencil
Minor acrylic detailing in cream and copper.
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FINAL





Since being diagnosed with cancer on February 14th, 2017, I have been exploring the concept of ecosystems that are sick, but still beautiful and in their own way, thriving. Which is almost every ecosystem. Ultimately, I proceeded with an Inktober project in the style of The Bronze Forest before it (because I had forgotten how tortuous it is to work on a piece this big lol), to process my feelings.

The Copper Forest was envisaged as a forest that would be autumnal in feeling. The trees are mostly bare, there are many broken branches, and many hollows eaten into the trees. Those trees standing have galls. But life in abundance, and beauty, persists. My own cancer is genetic, it is an autosomal dominant condition that is incurable. My tumours are inoperable (they are operable, but in the 'wait until you're ready to die' sense), and I start radiation soon. But my life is rich and filled with beauty. I am an ecosystem of so much life and abundance, amongst some nuisance tumours in my head and neck. And while my life is very focused on them right now, it's also focused on my friends, garden, animal companions and more.

It's taken me a long time to realise that despite the dis-ease of chronic illness and genetic malfunction, despite mental illness and requiring tablets to help my brain comprehend feelings of wellbeing, I am still a whole ecosystem and brilliant in my own way. The Copper Forest was in a way, a sort of affirmation of that.

And so here we are, at the end of 6 months. Life is good.



Full list of animals to discover:

1. Two ravens
2. Sleeping dragon
3. Owl
4. Two pheasants
5. Two fairy wrens
6. Spiny possum
7. Fox
8. Lizard
9. Two bears
10. Beetle with a castle on its back

Comments

[alatefeline]

I salute you. This piece is rich, restful, intricate, thought-provoking, enjoyable to look at over and over, and tells a profound story.

[redsixwing]

What a beautiful, peaceful-feeling work of art. This is beautiful, and I'm glad it helped you, too.

[alias_sqbr]

It's beautiful and alive and so are you <3

[surpassingly]

Absolutely amazing. This was such a wonderful thing to wake up to; I spent twenty minutes just admiring it while I lay in bed, drinking in all the detail and love and work and beauty that went into this. You are extraordinary.

[redheart]

It has been a privilege to watch your progress wit this. The final result is stunning, and powerful in its message about the ecosystems without and within. Sending you a lot of love for what this work has been for you.

[yourdeer]

This is stunning. Thank you so much for sharing it.

[alee_grrl]

Wow. That is absolutely stunning. Wonderful to see how it progressed, and the final result takes my breath away. And the story behind it was equally powerful. Sending love. Thank you for sharing this.

[silverjackal]

Oh my goodness this is lovely. You know I like your more monochromatic work a great deal. (Am I using that word correctly? I know there is more than one colour involved, but it's not your more usual blaze of colours) The Bronze Forest is a delight, and this is possibly even more wonderful. It's interesting how I am drawn to different things than in the black and white stage. The pheasants in particular are irresistible, as is the owl. Also perhaps you have mentioned it and I just missed it, but what made you gravitate towards copper as the colour for this?