This is a copy I did last night of a drawing in one of my anatomy for artists' books. I'm going to try to do some practice sketches like this so I can learn more about how the human body is put together. My art teacher, Richard Halstead, really wants us to have an anatomy book with us in class. Sometimes, when you're drawing from a live model, you see things inaccurately. For example, a couple of times, I've made that muscle at the end of the shoulder too squared-off at the bottom. We don't always have perfect anatomical specimens as models—because we're learning to draw real people—so sometimes the musculature isn't that obvious and the shadows can be misleading. If you know what's beneath the surface, then you can make sure you don't draw something that is anatomically impossible.
A little while ago, when I checked my drawing to see how it looked in the cold light of morning, I realized what a perfect little parable this is. The things beneath the surface are what give outward shape to our lives. As a very minor example, for the last month or so, I've been getting up each day, doing my work, doing my household chores, paying bills, being polite to grocery store clerks, making drawing in class, reading mysteries. To most people, I must have seemed fine, but inside, I was miserable.
In contast, now that my cold is gone and I'm not wondering how to pay this month's bills, life is so different. I wake up looking forward to my day again. It's a wonderful feeling. From the outside, nothing is different, but underneath, everything is. If this is true for me, how much more true is it for someone who just learned a loved one has cancer or whose spouse just announced they're leaving . . . or on the positive side, someone who just got a job or found out she's expecting. Such concerns are the things that color our world, but they are hidden from most of the people who interact with us.
Unlike the musculature of the human body, which is more or less the same for everyone, the cares and concerns of the heart are different for each person. And we rarely know all the burdens or joys another person is carrying. I hope I can remember that more often and have more compassion and empathy.
10 comments:
You are so right about "inward" and "outward." When I look at your anatomical drawing, I marvel that we are so "wonderfully and fearfully made."
Amen!
From your pen to my ears "I hope I can remember that more often and have more compassion and empathy." I need to print this post out and tape it up and read it every day. I find myself getting so wrapped up in my woes that I forget other people have them as well.
Seeds will be on the way today - I am so excited to think they may be growing in your garden soon.
xoxo-
fiwa
Great post Ruth. When I don't understand someone or something, I try to remember these thoughts and act respectfully instead of let my own concerns cloud the situation. I'm not always successful, so thanks for this great reminder.
PS. Glad you are feeling better!
I get what you are saying and you are so right. But for some reason I'm thinking of the verses about people that are "hidden reefs in your love feasts" there just to lead people astray. I guess that's a totally different side of the same concept.
I published that humor article about playing the super bowl commercials during half time, if you are interested. it is here http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2684629/the_super_bowl_half_time_show_solution.html?cat=9
1. That musculature is really neat!
2. You are so right about each of us shouldering (sorry -- couldn't resist) our own personal crosses. And we have no idea of the weight...
When I was studying to be a massage therapist I had to learn all the muscles, ligamnets, tendons and bones of the body - where they were, where they connected, how they moved. It was very cool. And helped me understand what is going on beneath the surface too...beautiful drawing.
Ruth, I love your comparisons like this one - very insightful. And your drawing is excellent.
Now that I've retired I hope to have more time to visit blogs - and definitely want to catch up on yours - you have so much wisdom in your posts.
Thanks for your good wishes for my family - my mom and aunt are both doing better and hopefully will come home soon.
You are learning something I think about off and on every day at an even smaller level--the cell. I looked at four stomach biopsies today in four patients all with gastritis. All four, if they were not labeled with a surgical path number, look just alike at the cellular level. But each one is a little "different" in terms of their gastritis. I think every day about "same" and "different" as it relates to the human body.
Don't you find the process the same with writing? The more you understand the inner processes of humanity the more fleshed out the characters?
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