Bernadette Rides The Moon
Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 7:26PM 
Bernadette Rides The Moon © October 17, 2009 (New Moon in Libra) by Donna L. Faber. All rights reserved. The original is approximately 8" x 8", on Strathmore Bristol Smooth, done with pen & ink and Prismacolor markers. Then, it was cut out and digitally enhanced.
This piece was done for a client who has achieved a new plateau of self-empowerment and wishes to commemorate it with a tattoo.
She was drawn to the image of a woman riding the moon, but wanted something more personal to put on her shoulder permanently. This image reflects that client's desire (her name is Bernadette or Bernie to her friends), and has similar physical characteristics, as well, right down to the long red nails. She is riding a moon that looks just enough like a biker to be cool, not to mention personally appropriate. Also, while purple is Bernie's favorite color (which is why the moon is purple), I wanted the woman to truly *pop* from the picture. I believe the juxtaposition between heavy purples and flesh tone achieves that.
Categorically, commissioned art can be a challenge because it puts a fence around my creative expression when typically I let it run free range. It was my task to attain the *essense* of what Bernadette wants to convey with this tattoo, understand where her head is at, and really get a feel for her as a woman at this point in her life. I achieved this with a couple of email messages, a few pictures, and one 15 minute phone call. Bernie is a great communicator, so I got a lot out of our conversation.
Those of you who know me, know that I have a personal relationship with the moon, and believe the Goddess resides there. When a woman comes into her own in any way, shape or form, she is, in fact, acknowledging and honoring the goddess within her. This image, the woman on the moon, is a more visual presentation of calling down the moon, acknowledging the goddess, or realizing our power within.
It was a joy doing this piece. Capturing someone else's vision was a challenge, but it brought me to task, and taught me a lot about myself.
Testimonial:
Donna, I love her! Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me about how important she is to me. I will send you a picture when Brian is done with my tattoo. Best wishes and much luck.
Bernadette (aka) Bernie
This original art is available for purchase. Please contact the artist directly for pricing and information.
Reader Comments (1)
the great workThanks for making such a cool post which is really very well written.