Proverbs 31:30

Although I enjoy Facebook as a way to keep in touch with friends and family members, I believe along with other media, it can easily lead our youth to vanity.  With digital and phone cameras so easily accessible, you often find them taking pictures of themselves to post on Facebook.  For example, one of my daughters asked if she could have a new dress, because she already had pictures of herself with all of her different dresses on Facebook.  We had a talk, and she did not get a new dress.

This week's theme in Collage Obsession is Reflection, and its multiple meanings such as mirror image and contemplation.  Amongst the suggested pictures they offered, was a library of congress vintage image of a lady looking at her reflection.  The first thing I thought of was vanity and what the bible tells us about it in Proverbs 31:30 - "Charm is deceptive, beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."  (Please note that although it is not expressed in this particular verse, I believe this reflection applies to both men and women.)  With this in mind, I set myself to work on a new entry for my art journal.


I started my collage on one of the vintage ledger print pages in my art journal.  I glued a couple of distressed scraps of vintage style papers and adhered the lady's image with gold photo corners and K&Company tape on them.  Then, I arranged different symbolic elements around the image.  The weathered feather stands for its charm, the clock for the fleeting time, the rose for beauty, the hand mirror for vanity, and the bearded man in the stamp for the wisdom of the Proverb.  I wrote the Proverb with a Sakura black micron pen on a slip from a K&Company Smash pad.  I also used a letter B from a C-Thru Art-C elements pad, which I colored with Bienfang watercolor brush pens and Prismacolor pencils.

I am submitting this project to my friends in Christ at Word Art Wednesday, for Challenge #26.  They are featuring Nahum 1:7, "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble: and he knoweth them that trust in him."  I believe the Bible verse I chose complements theirs.  In addition, they accept any Biblical entries.  I am also submitting it to the Stampendous April Challenge which is asking that readers use recycled, reused or re-purposed items.  I used paper scraps, the rose cut out from a greeting card I received a couple of years ago, and a feather found in my backyard.  I've already entered 2 other projects in this challenge, but as they say, third is a charm.  LOL!  Finally, since my art journal has a shabby chic and distressed feeling, I am also submitting it to The Stamp Man "Shabby Chic or Distressed" challenge.

This was a very meaningful project to me, because I am always trying to instill Christian values in my daughters.  Therefore, I plan to give them each a print of this page.  I hope it's as meaningful to you, and feel led to leave a comment.  As usual, you are cordially invited to follow my blog, so don't be shy.  If you haven't done so, I ask that you please visit the current Paperie Designs Studio Fascinating Fridays, where Noor Nahdi is featuring an interview conducted by Tania Nelson of me.  I would love to hear your comments there as well.  Blessings!


Comments

Arnoldo: This piece is simply beautiful. It has such simple vintage elegance, which I love. As always, it's excited to hear your creative process. Thanks for sharing this in this week's Word Art Wednesday Challenge. I SO appreciate your participation each week, and enjoy the art you share.
Blessings,
Karen L
Word Art Wednesday
Mynn xx said…
This is beautiful! LOVE that large rose image--and your journaling is fantastic! I think that this is a good reminder to all of us! Thanks for sharing your amazing talents with all of us! :)
Tenia Nelson said…
Love this!!! You are such a wonderful artist!! I just love your work dearie!!!
Unknown said…
Hi Arnoldo! I love what you have to say about reflection and in particular, vanity! At times I too have felt 'but they've seen me wear this dress at another wedding because there are photos on Facebook'. Like anything, Facebook can be a good tool, if used properly! Thank you for the reminder about being vain. Your project is beautiful!
Fantastic journal page!
Patrice said…
Love the vintage style of your journal page...I hope you'll join me again at 52 Card Pickup this week!

http://www.oldbackporch.com/2012/05/52-card-pickup-week-18.html
Winnie said…
Such a wonderful and meaningful piece. I think it is a great idea to have prints made for each of your daughters. What a keepsake that will be for them. I love the journaling and the rose and the distressed feel. It is lovely to read about your close and caring relationship with our daughters.
Art Chick said…
Beautiful vintage imagery and elegant touches. Love it!
I agree. We can all be guilty of vanity at one form or another. Blessings!
Wendy Swenne said…
What a great page, Arnoldo. Love all the different things in it and the vintage look on it.

Thanks for playing along with WAW.

Wendy
Kaylene said…
Vintage and elegant, well done