Do you see her?

Seated Woman
©2021 Ruth Borges
4”x6” India ink and white gesso sketch 

“Seated Woman” is one of my all-time favorite monochromatic sketches. Nope, I did not set out to paint her. She appeared after experimenting with India ink and white gesso. Loose, intuitive brushstrokes formed her inside a penciled rectangle, sat her on a comfortable chair, her back toward the viewer. The moment I realized she was there, I stood still, in awe, wondering how she appeared. I couldn’t trace my steps back from this sketch or reverse engineer the image to save my life. I could never imagine even trying to paint a seated figure like this. It’s like she hitched a ride on a loaded paintbrush, unnoticed, spotted the blank page, and landed on my sketchbook. I see her shoulders highlighted in white as her head pensively leans toward the left. I love how the tonal range creates a mysterious and intriguing mood. I was fascinated. Was she looking far away or were her eyes closed? What was she thinking? I bet fiction writers everywhere could have a field day coming up with all sorts of possible ideas for a story.

I posted the sketch on Instagram asking “Do you see her?” All who commented on the post said yes, some shared their interpretation on the seated woman. My take was that she was resting on a comfortable chair outside, on a cool night after a long, busy day. I didn't think much about it after that. But while reviewing the sketch recently, an unexpected scenario began to unfold in my mind. Then my fingers started tapping on the keyboard: “Loose brushstrokes will soon be gathering on a sheet of white paper. Black Ink and White Gesso were having a conversation about a very interesting woman they met separately on different occasions. But as much as they tried, they just couldn’t describe her accurately. They decided the best way to do so was by collaborating. Together they would be able to fill in the grey areas they couldn’t render on their own. Nearby, Brush overheard their conversation and graciously offered to help. Eager to solve their dilemma, Black Ink and White Gesso gratefully accepted. The three patiently waited by the sketchbook's blank page, planning their strategy. They must have prayed for one more helper to join them in their efforts to see what this woman they’ve been talking about would actually look like on paper. Along came the resident creative, we'll call her Ruth, ready for a paint session. She employed Brush, Black Ink and White Gesso, and after who knows how many brushstrokes, just like that, the woman appeared. Apparently, she just wanted to sit quietly and chill undisturbed to clear her head as she rested comfortably on her chair. All Brush’s dizzying twists, turns, and swipes must have left her a bit shaken after hurriedly sliding off the brush onto the blank sheet of paper. Black Ink, White Gesso, Brush, and Ruth were amazed and glad to see her, but intrigued they wondered... who is she?”

I can’t tell you how many sketches and compositions have ended up on the mystery pile. I find them interesting, intriguing, but months, maybe years will go by before I understand what they’re about. I’m in no rush because it’s worth the wait. So, I keep creating and expecting the unexpected. It keeps my mind open to ideas that have been incubating behind the scenes where creativity quietly hovers until released through art making. Engaging in that process takes faith. Waiting for layers of meaning to surface also takes faith. It’s exciting when those layers become evident soon after the painting is completed. But when weeks, months, or years go by, and I just can’t figure it out, it’s best to wait, especially when I ask the Lord about it and He’s silent. Oh yeah, cue the crickets. It’s okay. Again, it’s worth the wait.

If God makes Himself known through what He creates, can He make Himself known through what we create? Well, truth be told, He can use anything to make Himself known to us. Nothing is too difficult for Him, nothing is impossible. The mystery of the Seated Woman may be uncovered someday. God may use it to reveal something about Himself and/or us. When? I’ll leave that up to His perfect timing. For now, I’ll check in with Black Ink, White Gesso and Brush for some more art making and new mysteries.