Free brings to mind free will. And that's something I'm not sure exists. Of course I act like it exists, moment to moment and expect others to, too.
But is there really such a thing?
Experimentally the evidence is not so good. We may individually think we act freely yet advertising seems to pay...
These are self-portraits one in the mirror and one unreflected.
Inspired by Grey Matter Gruel self-portraits including hands.
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23 comments:
The picture haunting; the words daunting. You can get lost in the concept of free will on so many levels. Thanks for the emotional journey.
That's a power piece. Thought-provoking. Great job!
Hmm, very thought provoking and you have brought it together quite beautifully.
Free will: definitely an idea wrought with contradictions. I like your self-portrait(s). Something there is peeking out at me but I can't identify it. Yet.
Rebekah thanks - I'll try not to get lost for too long, assuming I have a choice!
Tony - thanks. I notice you found free a subject to think about too.
Queen Tut - thanks too, I find posting self-portraits quite daunting so doing a double is especially so!
Andrea - if you spot who or what it is I'll be happy to hear!
LOL, love your thoughts on free will....I wonder...nice self-portrait, I'm a little intimidated by the idea myself
I have often thought the exact same thing about free will...and I console myself with the conviction that I try to do my best (for whatever that's worth). This is a fascinating study...the face on the left is looking directly at us and is more focused whereas the face on the right is less defined and appears to be somewhat distraught. This is really very captivating along with your text!
Hi Lee, thanks - self-portraits are revealing whether or not they are likenesses... but then so it probably most of what I paint... perhaps I'd better stop thinking about that!
Thanks Carla - yes doing one's best is the greatest consolation, so that if it turns out that we did have free will we've used it... thanks for the comment on my text - a true compliement from you, who truly mistress of the word!
And to think I was just trying to obscure my appearance! I'm glad you found inspiration in it -- I like what you've done with it, especially the mirroring.
Thanks! Its what comes of being in (at least) two minds about anything.
Are we biological automations based on spurting enzymes and vibrating bacteria...or are we spirits wrapped in flesh ?
Maybe a lil' compromise and balance isn't such a bad thing.
Your reflecting on freedom is a breath of fresh air, Caroline!
:-)
Bad news ... we have no free will. We are trained from already trained parents when babies; then after brainwashing is completed at school - how we are 'supposed' to behave and think - we end up in asylums if not 'normal' at end. It's nice to get as close to the edge as possible sometimes :)
Your self portrait is wonderful ... stop wondering now and keep creating!!
Very thought provoking, both the portrait(s) and text. As long as I think I have free will, I'll do what I can with it, do my best, as Carla says. Caroline, I am continually amazed at your talent. It's full of variety and surprise. Makes me think, "What's next?"
wonderful work caroline
I am always in conflict with the idea of free will, people seem to think that because we are free to choose, we can do as we please, but we all know that is not the case. We are bound by laws, beliefs, morality, and there is nothing wrong about reflecting upon that. Your pic is great, it communicates the need to think about ourselves once in a while.
Really interesting piece. Well done.
One word describes these two portraits as one image stares right at me - Captivating!
Two identical faces and their differences depending on the angle of vision,
Free will exists. It just gets stronger with exercise. Exercise it today!
I'm going to go off and exercise mine by NOT eating some of the chocolate I've got in the fridge.
Interesting diversity of opinion on free will. I suspect its normal to act as though, in the moment, it does exist, but often in hindsight wonder whether or not it did...
Thank you everyone for the comments on my pictures - I do like to hear what they bring up for you.
Sorry I haven't time for more personal replies today - visitors still...
two wonderful self portraits that reflects your thoughts. sometimes, it comes to my mind, too.
nice take of the topic caroline! i am late with my comments as usual.
Lovely drawing and some thoughtful comments to go with it.
Oh dear I thought I'd try Aunty Marianne's advice and not eat the bar of chocolate that was in my handbag all weekend. But where has it gone???
Thanks for visiting isay - you aren't late at all!
Thanks jaimie.
One of my friends has said I ought not to have posted a self-portrait that looks like I've got "gorilla lips and hands" (thanks friend...)... but the major benefit was this means she obviously thinks I don't really look like a gorilla - which is probably a compliment from her....
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