haloquin | Strength

I am going through a difficult period and have been painting Daisies to stay whole. The Soulcollage group inspired me to make this in response to where I am;

Strength Speaks; I am the one who fights for myself. I protect my own. I am strong and sensitive. I heal. I carve the demons from my flesh and let them dance until they transform, and then I swallow them. I am the Slayer.

(Also linked to this story)

As I built it I found myself drawn to pictures of mothers with children, human and lions. I was reminded of Buffy's modus operandi; to protect the world... i.e. those she loves. The comment on strength and sensitivity is an echo of something said to me, as though strength and sensitivity are strange partners... when this was said I was struck by how odd this idea is and endeavoured to remember it - strength and sensitivity are not irreconcilable. Strength is needed for healing. To a great degree this card reminds me of things I know, things I'm working on now, and suggests a way to move forward.

I made it in GIMP, using images I came across online. I made it the size of an ATC card as I'd like to print this out and they fit nicely in the deck sleeves I have for collectible card games, which'll keep them safe. Plus its a more transportable size that I've recently fallen in love with (they just feel good that small) and making these digitally doesn't limit me to a good size for making collages!

(X-posted to Soulcollaging)