Scratchboard updates

Just a quick update. I worked a bit more on this fellow. I'm working on getting the iridescence in, but there is more scratching and coloring to do.

I also worked on the hippo, but he looks like I'm just repeating over and over again, altho I can see some progress. It is difficult to get the inks smoothed out without streaks.

Out of the Mire

Says Coyote, "Continue on the journey of the art. Give a hint of the sadness which has filled a life, let it be known that great sadness can lead to great depth of feeling. That is enough."
So Crow continues the story of the woman...

The woman sank deep into her despair, nearly drowning in it. But there came a time when she grew strength. In that strength she gathered herself and became determined to find her life again. She did not know how, but she did know if she were to once again be whole she must continue her artistic journey. She must take back her artistic soul. It was who she was. Once again she took up the search for more knowledge, more ability to express herself, and once begun her world became clearer and brighter. There would always be a cloud, it would perhaps never be quite as bright, but in that shadow was the ability to not be blinded by the brightness and to feel more deeply than ever before.
To feel what another might feel in an experience not personally known, because of what her life had taught her. She had more depth to her soul. Gradually her world became a happier place and she could look back upon that darkness with an inner pride. She had not been overcome by the despair, but instead it had enriched her being!

The Quandry

"I am in a quandry," said Crow to Coyote (if my spirit guide isn't a crow, I'm sure it would be coyote! Another favorite of mine.)
"What do I tell of this life explosion? How much do I reveal? This is about the journey of art. It is not about betrayal and despair. But all of life's experiences make up what each being is and how he sees the world. What do I tell of this time? I need council, oh sly one."
Said Coyote, "I will think on it..."