Monday, December 23, 2019

Artistic Interpretations - Over Loved and Stuffed with Toril Fisher

Lamby
Welcome to the final Artistic Interpretations!  With sincere gratitude, I thank all my dear Toads and fellow poets who have made these past few years an utter joy!  Comfort and security were very important to me when I first started writing and I found it here.   I still, at times, become sensitive sharing my poetry as I'm afraid... of what I don't know!  I feel insecurity through to my fingertips as I quietly mutter the words "I write poetry..."

My earliest memory of "security" (other than my mother) is a flat, rather plain teddy bear, aka Teddy.  He had a soft brown eye (his left glass eye was missing) and a very flat body - probably a hand-me-down.  Middle school came and I put him in the closet and my Mom eventually got rid of him.  I looked for him one day ... and he was gone!  I was so upset.

This prompt is a bit wide open. You may take inspiration from these paintings by my dearest friend, Toril Fisher.  Her website is a JOY to look at - HERE.  Do yourself a huge favor and click on the link.  She has animals, nature, (ocean, woodlands, seaside, etc) florals, boats, Ball jars, and she doesn't shy away from the political.  She can also be found on Facebook HERE and Instagram HERE.

The images we may contemplate are offered here (not her website).  The first is "Lamby" - MY daughter's dear loved one.  I am having Toril paint all six of my children's favorite stuffed animals or dolls.  The set will have a place of honor above my bed until a time I decide to gift them.

The theme to contemplate is "comfort".  Do you remember a childhood toy that gave you comfort or your own children's sweet companions - a toy,  a blanket?  A certain memory surrounding comfort?  You may venture into the adult world if you like - is there a certain song, scent, or activity that brings you comfort.  I know how the creative bug is, so let it take you where it takes you.

If you use one of these paintings, please give Toril Fisher credit for the paintings and link her website if you can.  Thank you.  Linky is below and you know what to do.  Please come back and visit the poets that will link later than you.   I look forward to your artistic interpretation!


Bear

Lion

Rabbit

Yellow Bear



16 comments:

Kerry O'Connor said...

Thank you so much for this, and all your wonderful artistic prompts over the years, Margaret. It seems fitting to end with Toril's work, since she has often been featured at Real Toads. My thanks also go to her for her generosity in allowing us to be inspired by her work.

brudberg said...

I do love these huggable little toys... I still have my own teddy that was gifted to me on my first Christmas. It's a large yellow one that was actually larger than me when he came. He has been with me ever since...

Helen said...

Her website is amazing, thanks for leading me there .....

Marian said...

This is so wonderful, Margaret!! I'll be back around to join in.

Fireblossom said...

Please someone delete my first link. The second one is correct.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Margaret, what a lovely prompt. The illustrations are adorable. I remember my kids' favourite stuffies and wish they were still around. I love the idea of the six paintings in a place of honour. Thank you for all of your prompts, always so wonderful.

Jim said...

The Best Ever! Bravo !
Thank you, Margaret for this lovely post. Right away a special toy, my Adi Beagle Dog's, cane to mind.
Thank you too for all your gifts to us, the work you've done in finding an art piece or more which you hope has inspired us all to further write. It was sooo joyful being able to work up something for you here. I consider you as one of my favorite writing teachers.
And I hope soon to find you writing similar prompts for us some where else.
..

Margaret said...

I will hopefully visit all tomorrow. Had my eyes dilated and more by ophthalmologist today and all bright light is painful. Sitting in dark room listening to Audible books! Thank you so much for writing to my prompt!

Vivian Zems said...

Thanks for this prompt, Margaret! It’s always a pleasure finish new artists.

Vivian Zems said...

* to find new artists

Marian said...

Thanks again, Margaret. I have a couple very busy days ahead but will be around to read everyone's poems. Happy holidays to all!!! xoxxo

Margaret said...

My eye is still bad even with eye patch. Will visit when I can. May have to go back to urgent care Opthomology.

said...

Poor thing. :( I hope you find healing and relief soon. Eye pain and irritation is so miserable and scary.

Merry Christmas. <3

Kerry O'Connor said...

Apologies for my entry being rather late, Margaret, and for not selecting a particular one of Toril's paintings. It has been a very busy time with a family Christmas, but I have been considering your theme of 'comfort' and my ideas coalesced with a few other poems I have been working on. I did not want to miss out on your final prompt. Thank you so much for all you have done to keep our imaginations alive in the garden.

Bekkie Sanchez said...

So sorry to hear you are going away but I understand why. Thank you for all the years of fun, good prompts, and friendship. I love what you did with the place it looks good. I know I'll see most of you at the other writing sites or on Facebook. I wish you all the best! I'm very sad I was gone at the end but it's all good. Looking forward to 2020.

Hugs and kisses, Bekkie

Margaret said...

My eye is still so sensitive to light - the computer screen just kills me. I hope to respond in a few days!!!