Prairie Burn by novelist
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Description
This is the first of a series I'm calling My Grief, because that's what I'm feeling right now and I'm using my new skills to see me through. My ex-husband died May 6, 2008. He had just turned 54. I wanted to do something special in his memory as we've remained close friends over the years we've been apart, and I'll never forget the positive effect he's had on me and so many others. He worked in conservation and taught students all about parks and natural resources for the majority of his life. We witnessed many tallgrass prairie burns together. He was burning prairie when he fell ill and died suddenly. His family and friends are all in shock. I'm so lucky they still accept me as one of them and let me be with him in his last hours. So, I'm doing this for him as well as for me. Please consider planting a tree, or a flower, adopt a pet (his last words were, "Can somebody take care of my dog?"), or even just walk outside and appreciate the world of natural beauty around us in his honor. The wonderful thing about prairie fire is that it is how the plants rejuvenate themselves; they are like the phoenix, arising from the ashes.
For some reason fractals are all I can work with today. Everything feels surreal since I only talked to him a few days ago and he was fine and we even talked about our feelings about death. It's a comfort to me, that he was doing one of the things he loved most when he fell ill. Something that will soon bring new life.
The funeral is this weekend, and then I'll probably continue this series in some fashion. I've lost my parents, so, I know what to expect emotionally. I so appreciate the new friends I've made at this gallery and appreciate your encouragement while I explore this new world of digital art. The only way to get the full effect of this one is to view it larger.
Tools used:
Ultra Fractal, Paint Shop Pro, Filter Forge
Comments (21)
ldynghtwng
So very sorry for your loss. I think the only thing to do at a time like this is to look back on the time you spent together and know that, no matter how great the pain is now, that there was no one you would have rather spent that part of your life with, and that you both were immeasurably enriched by each other. Bless you and hope you find some peace and resolution, soon!
zoren
I've alaways loved a warm fireplace, this feels like a healing one...
novelist
Thanks guys. Yeah! Prairie fires are the most healing places in the world. : ) Here's a link I found for those who want to learn more: http://www.campsilos.org/mod1/students/index.shtml
e-brink
Prairie burn... I see hearts and flowers.
Burpee
Excellent! Looks like Rome burning.
stevey3d
So sorry for your loss. This is a superb image and a wonderful tribute.
ledwolorz
Fantastic work.
meico
My sincere condolences for your loss ... the image seems here to be most appropriate. Mike
NekhbetSun
Ohhhh I'm SO sorry to hear about your loss....BIG HUGZZZZ! ....and I adopted a dog from the shelter, have taken in numerous stray cats and love to garden, so I think I'm alright in that department :o) ....wonderful tribute here to your ex and I'm sending you lotsa healing thoughts.... More hugzzz
Anjour
I'm so sorry for your loss, beautiful image and a wonderful tribute...bravo!!!
Platin
I think fire is a symbol for ransformation and the spirit who never died. Very emotional and wonderful work!
RBlue
54! Wo! My age. Good thing I'm healthy. (Go to the gym every other day. And keep busy with work and art.) If you have Photoshop (or Gimp [freeware]) you could add the glass distortion filter. That would give your fire fractal a wavy heated air look. Keep well and keep uploading!
tofi
This is a most lovely, and touching tribute to a special person who has touched your life, and left a lasting impression. I think your method of dealing with the grief is a very positive one; as well as a constructive healing process. This is such a warm, and beautiful image... passionate and radiant all at the same time. An exceptional blend of colours, exuding with great meaning and value...big hugs!
Vanadis11
Beautiful design, excellent done!
ragouc
Great...
Jollyself Online Now!
excellent title... very original in the composition
atsoram
Simply sensational....love it!
Zazou
So sorry for your loss... Art is such a blessing thing, helping us to express what hurts so deep inside...
three_grrr
The image is awesome. You were indeed lucky to have this man in your life, and to have been able to stay friends through the transitions your relationship took. Art is awesome therapy. And one more thing I need to know, what became of his dog? And, all three of my grrrs are adoptees. Maybe I'm the one that was adopted by them. We've planted trees here at home as well as out at the Hollow. Flower too, the spill over from home moves out to the Hollow and grows along the edges of the creek, or up in the meadow.
anahata.c
I wanted to comment on this when I first saw it, and now I finally will. (And I'll comment on the next two soon.) Cathy, this is beautiful both in word & image. The image is a kind of prarie conflagration, yet it also feels like a fire of the soul; and your fractal elements are used like bits of your ex's spirit dancing as they fly into the light. I say 'light' even though it's dark...the light is inside, deeper, beyond the veil of darkness. You have a wonderful green canopy, which actually reminds me of the water that's used to stop fires, and it feels healing here. And you have dark flares above and to the side, like whispers of the soul moving into the cosmos. I don't know if you could've captured a synthesis of an actual prairie burn with the ascension of a deep soul better than this. It feels like both. Your words are very touching, and I agree with some comments that you were lucky to have such a relationship with someone who became an 'ex' (a term that only has temporal meaning, far less that the connection of the heart); and having lost some dear souls in my life—though not ex spouses—I can appreciate what this must mean to you. A beautiful work & tribute, and I'll remember the date too. I'll see the rest of the series soon. Beautiful work Cathy, in every way.
KarmaSong
I like the fascinating glow in this fractal work, the effect is unexpected and gorgeous ! It's excellent fractal work!...(I'll definitely have to get initiated to these arcane fractals!)