THE THREE FACES OF EVE ~ November 23, 2011 by Dolores Ayotte

MEMORY LANE

Over fifteen years ago, due to a job change by my husband, we decided to move to a small town. It had a population of about 900 people and was situated about a two-hour drive from the large city which had been our home for most of our life. At this time, our three daughters were not yet married, although one was already on her own.  The other two, nineteen year old twins, were full-time university students still living at home. I was working full-time at a major financial institution. From my point of view, this was what I considered to be a major life style change. We found an apartment for the girls, sold our house, quit our jobs and moved to this quaint little town. We lived there for six years. 

On looking back, I don’t know how we did it. It had a huge impact on all of us. Our girls found their independence after the usual trials and tribulations. My husband settled into his job and I did the best I could to fill the void in my life. This was the first time in several years that I didn’t work outside the home. I became involved in a variety of volunteer projects in order to amuse myself and fill my now long days. 

One of the things I decided to do, was take a few painting classes. I did not have an artistic bone in my body up to this point, and I had no idea what to expect. I bought my supplies and proceeded to try to learn how to be an artist. I didn’t go to many classes, but I still persisted in painting on my own. During the six-year period in this small town, I painted numerous pictures. Once we moved back to the big city just over ten years ago, I never painted again. 

When living in Pine Falls, my husband used to tease me and say that I was one of the most prolific painters he had ever seen. During this six-year period, I probably painted thirty-five pictures.  I never sold one painting, although, a few people were gracious enough to accept the odd gift.  Most paintings were “the pits” even from my own standards but there are a few that I cherish. These are three of them. 

This first painting symbolizes a “sorrowful child”. 

 

 

 

The second  one, a “shy youth”.

 

 

The third painting of, “a wiser older woman” is what I consider myself to be today.

It has taken many years and many personal trials and tribulations to arrive at this point in my life.

I call these portraits, “The Three Faces Of Eve” because they show the distinct facets and faces of my personality and the stages I have gone through to become who I am today.  Each of us has many different facets to our personalities. I am not alone. These three distinct faces demonstrate my own personal growth. They are actually an x-ray view of me.  I have used a unique and creative way to paint a self-portrait. I have chosen to paint myself from the inside out to demonstrate my maturation process. 

We all have hidden talents. It took me a long time to realize what some of mine might be. Have you had a good look at yourself lately? Are you tapping into your creative abilities? What does your x-ray look like?  Our outside image or persona may be very different from our x-ray view. True growth is discovering whom we really are and having both the courage and the freedom to express it. This experience has been very liberating for me and one I  have learned to truly appreciate.