The concept for this piece commissioned by Magarnan was protection and sacrifice, something I was allowed to interpret openly. I waffled between depicting a more realistic scene and something more conceptual, and landed on something in between. This was an emotionally challenging piece to create, brought up a lot of sorrowful feelings for myself and people viewing the stream while I was painting. It didn't help that I insisted on listening to calm sad music while painting, but listening to appropriate music helps with the process! I love art that makes me feel, and this concept really got me. Thank you Mag, for commissioning this piece.
Please read this wonderful poem Magarnan created to accompany this painting.
Sacrifice
For I’d do it all again, and I’d do it just for you.
Do not heave and do not sigh,
I accept this fate without scorn,
I am not the first for others to die,
And with them my spirit will be borne,
To answer the call of Valhalla’s horn,
And in its halls, receive the warrior’s due,
Though should I ever be reborn,
I’d do it all again, and I’d do it just for you.
As the light now fades from my eye,
Know these wounds are proudly worn,
And while my soul now must fly,
In departing this realm weatherworn,
I go fulfilling all I’ve sworn,
For to my morals I’ve kept true,
Though it’s brought me to death’s thorn,
But I’d do it all again, and I’d do it just for you.
Today, my body must be torn,
And to save you, my life must be shorn,
But there is not another life I’d live or thing I’d do,
For I’d do it all again, and I’d do it just for you.
Link
Cohote
Very nice. Moving.