I received this beautiful message from artist (and martial artist) Emma B., you can find her Facebook artist page here, she wrote to me that she wishes she could support me financially, but instead she offered me this portrait which is absolutely incredible to receive. Below is the dedication she wrote on her Facebook share:
“My tribute to a very brave Muay Thai boxer : Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu – Muay Thail
She didn’t asked for this I did this from the heart. Lately I read her blog and I’ve been so impressed by the story of her life and her power to get up and follow her dreams. Now she’s fighting in Thailand and she very good at it (if you ask me Follow her blog here : www.8limbs.us“
I’ve been drawn by very close friends in my life and something about the trust and intimacy of “sitting” for the process and then looking at the lines and finding (or not finding) yourself in the image is a profound experience. I don’t know Emma B. personally but she has written to me before and placed potential vulnerability in my hands by doing so – I say “potential” because I’ve gotten a distinct impression off of Emma that her soft spots fortify her, rather than weaken her. It’s pretty incredible to think that someone out there has dedicated the time and focus to create such a beautiful depiction of me, one that feels strong when I look at it – beyond the “does it resemble my visage?” point – and I’m very moved by it. Perhaps more than I can say. Thank you, Emma; for seeing me, for trusting in me, and for sharing yourself and your intention.
You can see the time lapse of its illustration here below, which is pretty cool:
A larger image is on Deviant Art.
