“Drawing makes you see things clearer, and clearer, and clearer still. The image is passing through you in a physiological way, into your brain, into your memory – where it stays – it’s transmitted by your hands.”
― Martin Gayford, A Bigger Message: Conversations with David Hockney
“Daddy’s Hands” 1990 – pencil – Lisa Brunetti
“Solitude has soft, silky hands, but with strong fingers it grasps the heart and makes it ache with sorrow.” …
“You may forget with whom you laughed, but you will never forget with whom you wept. ”
― Khalil Gibran
The pencil drawing captures my father’s love of turkey hunting; a kind and unique man, he was once described by a lifelong friend as an ‘individual of individuals.’ He died in 1994, but his smile and spirit are still very much alive to all who knew him.
Today’s Timeout for Art is dedicated to my sister, Pat, who has been enduring some difficult times. Remember, “Older” Sister, that tears can be a catharsis as they purge the soul.
“Younger” Sister – Z
Zeebra Designs & Destinations 
I recognize those hands.
hey amiga.. i thought you would! those hands help keep us all connected… thanks so much for the comment. lisa/z
That is such a good quote (the first one), Lisa. How the act of drawing helps you to truly see. The drawing of your father’s hands is thus doubly touching.
thanks, tish. yes, when one focuses on minute details, it’s almost as if we become what we’re drawing… when we are finished, we know it well. i often do not like to draw portraits, because it’s like i’m a voyeur in that person’s soul. it’s a bit spooky for me and intrusive as well…
I understand your feelings on this – the sense of intrusion. A difficult one for an artist though.
Hi P-Z
I love art, despite the fact that I simply cannot draw. I think sculpture is my favourite medium. It’s a miracle…
This is a beautiful drawing, offered in a deeply loving spirit.
Thank you.
Anne
i would think that you’d be a natural with a pencil! thanks for your kind comment. z
Z, thanks for sharing these personal vignettes. I hope your sister can weather the storm. I know she is glad to have you on her side. All the best, BTG
Beautiful Lisa and sending strength to your sister! 🙂
thank you.. she will appreciate your kind words. i loved your post about the 911 monument, btw… z
Thanks. The monument is deeply deeply moving. The museum is incredible.
Sometimes, the art you do, is so wonderful that words just fail me. What hasn’t been already said? Thanks for sharing
that is such a kind and genuine comment. thank you so much! z
How wonderful to have this memory of your father to cherish. we’ll keep Pat in our thoughts and prayers. hugs amiga
thank you, and pat, who is offline as much or more than i, will also thank you! z
It took only a nanosecond for your marvelous drawing to remind me of Holly Dunn’s version of “Daddy’s Hands.” Your drawing brought tears to my eyes, and now the song has me bawling like a baby who misses her daddy — which is precisely what we all are, after they’re gone.
Your sister’s lucky to have you, and we’re all lucky to have each other.
i read your comment earlier this morning but the usb modem prevented my reply. i think /hope it’s working better now..
yes, that song pairs well with the post and i considered placing it there for others to enjoy… and then i thought maybe it’s best just to pair the essence with silence, often the best vehicle for reflection….
i am so sorry that this triggered your own tears, but i totally understand, and they are surely tears that connect you to all of those wonderful memories of your doting parents. those who follow your blog are blessed to know that delightful and joyful young girl who grew up to spread sunshine wherever she goes. you are a gift, dear linda. thank you for your caring spirit which you share with so many. z
Tears are nothing to regret. They’re evidence that we’re alive to all that life has to offer. There’s a proverb my grandmother often quoted: “Tears are the rain that softens the heart’s ground.”
that”s a sweet one… i also like, ‘tears are the escape valve of the heart…’
thanks again, dear sweet kind amiga!
What a beautiful tribute to your dad and your sister. Sending hugs and strength to you and your sister.
thanks amiga. i am now home with the dreaded claro internet, so you know i’ll be mostly silent until i’m back in town. the time spent arguing with the modem isn’t worth the little progress i make online.
sending you strong energies…. i’m hopeful if the entire world waves flags of protest regarding the proposed canal, maybe they will reconsider… i am seeing a bit more being written online…. z
I don’t “see” anything until I’ve drawn it. Maybe that’s why I’m such a lousy plein air painter! And yes, the image does stick in the mind and become part of one forever after.
A powerful personal work of art accompanied by an uplifting message is very healing for the heart.
What a lovely post Z – very touching!
thank you!
a great intro, Lisa: ““Drawing makes you see things clearer, and clearer, and clearer still. The image is passing through you in a physiological way, into your brain, into your memory – where it stays – it’s transmitted by your hands.”
― Martin Gayford, A Bigger Message: Conversations with David Hockney
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you are serving a fine motivation, Lisa, to continue my little project to make a sketchbook for my grandchildren – not easy for me, because I am not an artist like you (or Albrecht Dürer)
good work! the horse is funny yet strong and the perspective on the table and board are well done!
The drawing of your father’s hands has such energy to it.
thank you so much. he had a lot of energy as well!
Hands are special. Is it possible we remember the hands of loved ones more than faces, or at least as much as? Do you remember the times when you put your hand against a parent’s hand and said, “Let me see if my hand is as big as yours? ” Your sister is held strongly in your loving hands.
you are right, and hands can be frail or strong, soft or calloused, but they have character and show the history of one’s life. z
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this is such a great project, and the young and old alike will treasure the illustrations/sketches.
hi Lisa, you inspired me to upload a post this morning – with a link to your website of course:
i am so very sorry that it’s taken me so long to respond. thank you so much, though you have.. i’m glad you’re doing this project and sharing it with all of us!
until my internet improves, i continue to hobble along.. thanks again!
lisa/z
What a beautiful time Lisa – nothing more touching than such a personal drawing of symbolism. Speaks of the love you have of your Father. My best to your sister Pat ~
thank you. as you know, it’s easy to get lost in a drawing, and this one was more like i was asleep while my hand and eyes worked on the drawing!
Ah Gibran. I do so love his tidbits of wisdom. Lovely sketch of your dad’s hands. Hope your sis soon climbs out of whatever pit of misery has captured her.
So much love in that beautiful drawing and in your encouraging message Lisa. Wishing your sister well. Hugs 🙂
thank you.. sometimes it’s not work at all, and that particular drawing went really well.
wishing to have your strength and perseverance as well to your sister…
WOW, THANKS SIS!! I am soooooo sorry it has taken so long for me to get this up and running where I could read it. My computer is nearly shot, opens up some things and others it won’t. I have not been able to access your PLAYAMART posts and finally I have been able to do so and am enjoying reading it all. And yes, you KNOW how emotional I am, your post and tribute to me and Daddy was one that made me cry. And Holly Dunn’s song, “DADDY’S HANDS” really hits the spot and fits perfect with your post. Thank you for remembering Daddy and Myself in such a loving way. Love you very much Sis, Pat