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Sunday, November 22, 2009

Everybody Dance Now

Everybody Dance Now



I painted this for Illustration Friday's music prompt and for Michelle's crusade at GPP Street Team "What's Your Sign." These were Michelle's instructions: "The signs I'm talking about are images or things that make you think of a loved one. The thing that happens when seemingly out of nowhere you see something and it makes you think of someone." Whenever I see an image of someone dancing, I think of my oldest son Andrew, a free spirit if ever there was one. Developmentally, Andrew met every baby milestone early; he could roll the length of a room before he could even crawl. He is freaklishly coordinated and has a sense of rhythm, that, when combined with his innate hyperactivity, transforms him into a one-man drum line. He can raise one eyebrow, wiggle one ear, and roll his belly like a reptile. We've always joked that Andrew is an extra-terrestrial lifeform with appendages that function in superhuman ways. My husband often quotes Hunter Thompson when referring to our son and says, that Andrew is “One of God's own prototypes. Some kind of high powered mutant never even considered for mass production." He juggles; he backflips; he hula-hoops without even moving. He apparently emits a force that can make any inanimate object spin. We're not entirely sure that Andrew can not fly. Because he was too busy with sports, he never took any dance lessons, but girls still vied over who would get to be his partner in junior high school Cotillion dance contests. And, in high school, when he went with his theater friends to audition for acting scholarships at a fine arts college, he was offered a dance scholarship. Andrew always says that dancing gives him a feeling like nothing else, and I know exactly what he means because it does the same for me.

Figures dancing freely, joyfully, and without inhibition, are often pictured in my paintings, and journal pages because they remind me of that feeling and and they always make me think of Andrew. So, Andrew, sweetheart, this one's for you!

24 comments:

Sandy said...

Oh wow this is so sexy.
Fantastic piece of art. Looks great.

Burt said...

Now I have this song stuck in my head! NOOOOOO!!!

Indigene said...

Great concept!

Nettie Edwards said...

Wow! You rock girl! WHAT magazines do you read???

Cindy McMath said...

Wow, this is a stunning piece Alberta - the black and white image against your vibrant background is a real eye popper. Now - where do I get one of those outfits? LOL

Cindy :)

Creatively Lisa said...

Hi! I just found your blog through IF and I want to say that I love your journal pages. This are so bright and colorful!

Unknown said...

Fantastic Pop-artish work here Alberta! I like the grungy feel to it. This is where Grunge meets Pop :)

Kim Mailhot said...

Thanks for the Monday am boogie !
Have agreat week !

*jean* said...

wooo hooo!! dance on, sister!! (insert disco whoop whoop here)

Rosie said...

Gorgeous page and a wondrous post Alberta! Andrew sounds like a true original - how lucky you are! xo

michelle ward said...

Alberta - super fun page! Love all the raging color and reading that it is about dancing, and the sign for your son. What a cool thing to say about him - a free spirit....that may even be able to fly. Thanks for sharing with the street team!

BlueRidgeLady said...

Aww I love your free spirit dancing girl Alberta, and the sweet sweet story about Andrew! How lucky to be born with such talents that seem to come natural to him!! Sounds like quite a charmer to me, and what a lovely tribute! Enjoy your Thanksgiving my sweet BFFF, and thank you for stopping by my blog to see me!! Hugs!!!

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous piece and lovely tribute! I absolutely love the way the background came out! And how intriguing about your son! I do believe there are special souls among us, to remind us of our Divine connections. Just being around them, they make you forget that certain things are supposed to be "impossible" by the laws of physics.

I've been meaning to ask you if you received my email thanking you profusely for being so kind and caring. I'd hate to think that it went into your spam folder (like I've had happen to me with people's emails quite a few times) and you might be thinking I never responded (I sure hope not!!). I really want you to know how much I appreciate your being there for me. XOXOXO Serena

Marit said...

What a beautiful piece of art and what a beautiul, heartfeld post about your boy! (I thought I saw him flying by my window just now!)

DMG said...

It sounds some of you already know Andrew. Why am I not surprised???!!!

lunardancer said...

Love the intense colors you used in your artwork! Your Andrew was born with a natural grace and physical rhythm.

teri said...

Such a great way to think of your son!

Taluula said...

Oh this is 'hot', 'hot', 'hot' Miss Alberta and shouts how much you love to dance. Absolutely stunning.

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a powerful page. And I love the way you talk about your son. Lovely :-)

goudenregen said...

I really like your page. The joy of dancing! And your son is so into it, that is fantastic.

Aimeslee Winans said...

That page is just smokin'! Love how she's suspended on the background, and how it almost looks like her clothing constricts her movement but doesn't. Very Cool. xoxo, Aimeslee

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