Saturday, December 20, 2008

Voices


Singing was one of the ways to get the voices out of his head.
Remembering those who struggle every single day with depression,
anger, mental illness, low self esteem, and emotional pain.
This was me at one time, but I am free. Free to sing, dance,create and praise!
Free to love and be loved. Free from voices that shame and blame.
Free to be me! Merry Christmas to all and may the Lord of heaven
bless and keep you through out the new year!
at

70 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 20, 2008 at 2:58 AM

    Okay, this is fabulous! What are you doing up? lol! I guess it's those voices that tell us to keep working...lol! Happy holidays, luv!

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  2. BeatriceDecember 20, 2008 at 3:15 AM

    Cool illustration, very striking. You have a great blog!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, happy holidays!

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  3. GalleryJuanaDecember 20, 2008 at 5:47 AM

    Singing is an incredible release of emotion and stress. Powerful illustration.

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  4. elegraphDecember 20, 2008 at 9:01 AM

    Lots to be grateful for. Have a blessed Christmas!

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  5. Lynn AlpertDecember 20, 2008 at 9:04 AM

    Wow! I love this! Not only is the illustration great, the design - (the cropping, the type) is wonderful!

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  6. jazzlambDecember 20, 2008 at 9:18 AM

    I like the colours.Very very strikingly powerful.

    P.S.- I wanna sing now.

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  7. Amy CDecember 20, 2008 at 9:28 AM

    what a cool and funky dude - I do of course love the pink background too.
    I am so glad I discovered your blog too, Happy Holidays and all the very best for 2009!

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  8. AnonymousDecember 20, 2008 at 9:42 AM

    thank you for this post. the artwork is fabulous and the message is fabulous-er!

    ♥ mystele...merry christmas!!!

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  9. ArtSparkerDecember 20, 2008 at 11:50 AM

    Vanessa, this is one of my favorites. I love the composition, and the white teeth are a very effective accebt. Is this what Jung would call you "animus" figure?

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  10. JuanDecember 20, 2008 at 11:51 AM

    Great piece Vanessa!
    Happy holidays!

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  11. Peter BreeseDecember 20, 2008 at 1:05 PM

    Freakin fantastic my friend! That fella is all Shaft and Dolomite, he's screaming the 70's. Love it.

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  12. lucreziaDecember 20, 2008 at 1:31 PM

    Really like this!

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  13. LauraDecember 20, 2008 at 2:05 PM

    What a powerful image & post Vanessa, bless you for sharing it with us all.

    May you & yours have the happiest of holidays!

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  14. isay December 20, 2008 at 4:01 PM

    what a beautiful illustration

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  15. yoon seeDecember 20, 2008 at 9:15 PM

    Great idea and coceot. Loving the colour composition and style here. Just so beautiful!
    Merry Christmas to you too!

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  16. UnknownDecember 20, 2008 at 9:37 PM

    this is fabbo!!! I love it....wonderful work as always

    Have a wonderful weekend!!!

    Hugs
    Diana

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  17. aimeeDecember 21, 2008 at 12:57 AM

    your drawings are stunning, vanessa. this one really blew me away!

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  18. Kathleen RietzDecember 21, 2008 at 1:48 AM

    Beautiful Vanessa! What a joyful and powerful post! You are awesome, my friend.

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  19. Tomás SerranoDecember 21, 2008 at 4:05 AM

    Vanessa, I hope hear your voice in the chorus you sing. Perhaps in the new year? Upload a video...

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  20. SabbioDecember 21, 2008 at 6:00 AM

    I love your interpretation of the subject and you are SOOO right! Such a freedom to sing, let those emotions come out!

    Have a merry christmas with all your loved ones :)

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  21. AsjaDecember 21, 2008 at 6:58 AM

    This is just brilliant! You are so incredibly talented!
    Happy holidays!

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  22. Candace Trew CamlingDecember 21, 2008 at 8:00 AM

    this is wonderful! I love your style!!

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  23. KateDecember 21, 2008 at 8:20 AM

    I LOVE this illo!!!!!
    Powerful, joyful, great colours.
    So beautiful.

    It certainly conveys what you wrote.

    You are very talented and you have the gift. Enjoy and use it.

    Happy Holidays!!!!!
    Kate

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  24. nella gaticaDecember 21, 2008 at 8:34 AM

    Thanks for your comment in my blog! and happy new yearrrrrrrrrr!!!;)

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  25. KellyDecember 21, 2008 at 11:07 AM

    This is just wonderful! LOVE it!!!
    SO inspiring!!!

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  26. get zappedDecember 21, 2008 at 3:27 PM

    Sensational! Beautiful and real. I'm touched deeply. Thank you. We all deserve to find the voice that sets us free.

    Happy Winter Solstice!

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  27. jane and the happy crowDecember 21, 2008 at 6:04 PM

    You are the sweetest thing, Are you planning a trip to England? I only sing when I am VERY alone as I think my voice is awful or I just sing in my head but maybe I should just sing out loud! have a lovely christmas and happy new year.

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  28. AnonymousDecember 21, 2008 at 6:28 PM

    I love the lines you have used to draw his facial hair - it is so effective & cheerful and very 60s.

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  29. RobertaDecember 21, 2008 at 6:47 PM

    Love it..and the colors!

    I am so glad that you're free to be who you are Vanessa. You bring joy and light to all that you come in contact with.

    TX isn't too far from NJ to do lunch is it? LOL!
    Happy Holdays!

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  30. GwendoulashDecember 22, 2008 at 2:19 AM

    WoW I love this guy !!!

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  31. AnonymousDecember 22, 2008 at 2:38 AM

    Oh man...what can I say that hasn't been said? I truly love your art, you have an incredible gift!!! It really speaks directly to my heart!

    I had a printer malfunction so I'm not sending out many Christmas cards, so I will just say "Merry Christmas" on your blog! I just adore you and hope you have a beautiful holiday!

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  32. ELLA ELVIANADecember 22, 2008 at 7:17 AM

    he he funny image, i like it. nice message too vanessa!

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  33. darrahDecember 22, 2008 at 8:44 AM

    love this!

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  34. AnonymousDecember 22, 2008 at 8:59 AM

    I really love this illustration. You've really captured expression well. I'm glad to hear that your battle with mental illness did not hurt you or your passion for art. I work in a mental health facility, and it's difficult to see so many hurting. Especially the children here. Have a Merry Christmas!

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  35. Eric BarclayDecember 22, 2008 at 9:38 AM

    What an awesome illustration-- this made my day. I am so thankful for you and hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.

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  36. MichelleDecember 22, 2008 at 12:09 PM

    Wonderful work! Merry Christmas to you! I will sing your praises... You are a beautiful person inside and out!

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  37. MarcoDecember 22, 2008 at 12:26 PM

    Very special but this very beautiful work! Merry Christmas and Happy holidays!

    bonaska

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  38. MônicaDecember 22, 2008 at 12:30 PM

    Beautiful and powerful, Vanessa. I want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year too.

    I thank YOU for all your wonderful and encouraging comments and generous spirit. You are such a terrific and talented illustrator -- I feel like such a beginner, but I always get tons of encouragement from you! Many thanks, my friend!

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  39. Sylvie Van HulleDecember 22, 2008 at 12:41 PM

    Indeed, singing and all creative activities are healing. Very strong illustration! I like it a lot.
    Merry Xmas!

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  40. Anish DaolagupuDecember 22, 2008 at 1:49 PM

    very nice image... love the way you've drawn the hair, something i have a lot of trouble with...

    i totally agree with you about singing... its such a nice way to forget things... incidentally, when jasjyot (jazzlamb) was making his entry for voices i was singing Lucy in the sky with diamonds behind him... REALLY LOUD!!! no relation to anything... was just feeling happy and letting off steam... don't think he enjoyed it though.. :O

    i like pissing him off... :P

    Have a great week and a happy holiday... :)

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  41. jenniferDecember 22, 2008 at 1:52 PM

    You can't hear me, but I'm clapping. Another fantastic illustration.
    I haven't been doing much blogging lately (busy with deadlines and such), but I always love seeing your latest creations.

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  42. Christy/Tiddly Inks DigitalsDecember 22, 2008 at 2:37 PM

    Gorgeous and perfect...everything!

    I sing "Oh, Christmas Tree" (any time of year) to block out those voices. LOL

    Here is to being free and enjoying life. It is too short as it is, I try to enjoy every day. :)

    Peace and joy to you and yours this holiday,
    Christy

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  43. Bella SinclairDecember 22, 2008 at 2:52 PM

    Darling, you make ME sing! This is pure emotion, baby. I'm really loving it.

    How was your concert with your sister? Oh, I so wish I could have heard you. It must have been glorious, and I am giving you a standing O right now. I'm also glad to read that you've overcome a darker period of your life. You've climbed out of it and have inspired so many people with your art and your dolls and your heartfelt words. You keep so many of us going.

    Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family!

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  44. Meridth McKean GimbelDecember 22, 2008 at 3:15 PM

    Love this! You always have the most delicious color palette. I have to say that I have really really enjoyed our blog friendship and it seems to me that you are most definitely the gem of the blog world. I hope you have a Happy Christmas and just know that I think you are fan-freaking-tastic!!!

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  45. Sylvie Van HulleDecember 22, 2008 at 5:06 PM

    Thanks for your very sweet comment! It really means a lot to me, you can't imagine. I'm so full of doubt.
    Happy holidays :-))

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  46. Lisa M GriffinDecember 23, 2008 at 8:58 AM

    Happy Holidays! There is an award for you on my blog.

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  47. Andrew W. MoirDecember 23, 2008 at 10:04 AM

    I like his hair with that crazy inky linework, plus the composition. :) Great work as always.

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  48. Kendra@Creative AmbitionsDecember 23, 2008 at 5:32 PM

    Cool Dude!! Love Him!! :) Merry Christmas Vanessa!

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  49. krisztina marosDecember 23, 2008 at 5:37 PM

    so fine work, it's very expressive!

    Vanessa, i wish you a merry christmas and a really happy new year! have a nice holidays! with love, Kriszti

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  50. AnonymousDecember 23, 2008 at 8:51 PM

    Absolute gorgeous and powerful!!! My spirit is soaring looking at this wonderful piece.

    You and our family have a joyous, wonderful Christmas, Vanessa!!

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  51. FannieDecember 24, 2008 at 8:25 AM

    Merry Christmas, Vanessa!

    Love your post and illustration. Brilliant! Especially love your "freedom" phrases--"Free from voices that shame and blame." I can relate.

    Enjoy your time with your family and friends.

    You are loved,
    ~Fannie

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  52. Sandra_peintureDecember 24, 2008 at 9:23 AM

    I wish you a merry christmas !!!

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  53. Eric BarclayDecember 24, 2008 at 10:25 AM

    Hey Vanessa, just wanted to thank you so much for all of the kind words and encouragement you've given me this past year. I really value your friendship.

    Your blog and your illustrations are so inspiring, and this is such a fun place to visit. You are such a gifted artist.

    I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas, and that 2009 is full of blessings.

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  54. Paola Zakimi December 24, 2008 at 10:29 AM

    Great!
    merry xmas Ooh La La !!!!

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  55. NaturaDecember 24, 2008 at 10:38 AM

    Excellent, strong image.

    Happy Holidays! :)

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  56. SarallDecember 24, 2008 at 10:46 AM

    The retro style of the line is fantastic!

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  57. AnonymousDecember 24, 2008 at 11:21 AM

    this illo is soooo reminiscent of the pink panther cartoons. sooo fabulous.

    merry christmas from the philippine islands!

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  58. soulbrushDecember 24, 2008 at 1:05 PM

    what a fabulous image, will try to do something for this week still if i can. blessed xmas and new year to you and yours. hugs.

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  59. kim holtDecember 24, 2008 at 5:54 PM

    Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful... I can totally relate. Awesome work and great spirit. Merry Christmas. Love the styling and colors and composition.

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  60. oximoronDecember 24, 2008 at 6:00 PM

    With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
    :)

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  61. HeatherDecember 24, 2008 at 7:37 PM

    Excellent design and very powerful statement. And based on the comments you really struck a chord.

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  62. KimmiDecember 25, 2008 at 12:10 AM

    My type of Man! Sing it baby (lol)

    Kimberly

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  63. parisa mahmoudiDecember 26, 2008 at 3:32 AM

    Merry Christmas and happy new year!!
    Hope you have a brilliant holidays with your family!
    I wish you heath and happiness in 2009!!! :)
    Parisa

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  64. MomoDecember 26, 2008 at 9:08 AM

    Loving your style not just in this illustration but the rest that I can see on your blog. Wonderful work!

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  65. Michael G. O’ConnellDecember 26, 2008 at 9:59 AM

    a belated happy christmas to you…

    and what a wonderful illo… he seems so joyous and happy to be alive as should we all…

    god bless…

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  66. AnonymousDecember 26, 2008 at 1:20 PM

    Lovely illustration! Hope u have a wonderful holiday!

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  67. Tara BorgerDecember 27, 2008 at 4:06 PM

    this is beautiful, as usual! i love love love it!! happy christmas and a very merry new year to you as well!

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  68. ScooterDecember 30, 2008 at 7:48 AM

    WOW- both "voices" and "Clandestine" illos rock! I love the design of this one. Awesome drawing and you got some God in there- you go on with yo bad self:) Pink eye huh??? Every time my oldest son gets it, he gives it to me. When I get it, it's not pink eye, it's ALARMING angry red eye:) Laters sister...

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  69. SimonetteDecember 31, 2008 at 5:16 PM

    Fantastical image, as always!

    Happy Holidays to you!

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  70. e wainscottJanuary 6, 2009 at 11:05 AM

    such an awesome illustration...very striking!

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