Digital Collage Art
by Edwina Peterson Cross © 2004

2004-2009: What's Changed in Five Years?

By Chris Dunmire

In 2004 I wrote the following essay, "Through the Artistic Eyes of Another" inspired by the digital collage (above) that Edwina "Winnie" Peterson Cross made for me purely for fun based on my answers to simple questions about my likes, preferences, and creative dreams.

In January 2009 I revisited this essay and noticed some revealing insights from my earlier answers. Naturally, if I were to answer the same questions again today, five years later, some would be different and others the same. I was surprised, however, at the unintentional pursuit/fulfillment of several creative "dreams" I harbored deep inside.

This exercise has made me realize how valuable writing a "creative dreams list" or a life goal/plan can be for anyone wanting to know where the arrow of their heart's passion and desire currently points. Looking for road signs? Answer some of the same questions I did (below), or better yet, make up some of your own that have particular meaning to you. Meanwhile, enjoy a view into what's changed for me in five years.

Through the Artistic Eyes of Another

© Chris Dunmire, 2004

It doesn't happen often, but when it does, I listen closely. Sometimes I'm embarrassed, and sometimes I'm just deeply flattered. What am I speaking of? The times when a close friend or family member tries to purposely build me up by reminding me of all the good things I bring to the table of life.

Although I don't depend on the warm fuzzy validation of others to function in the world, I do appreciate honest feedback and kind thoughts that reflect well on my personal efforts and self growth. Like anyone else, kudos help raise my esteem and build my confidence.

But it's not just the honey sweet words from another person that interests me. It's the unique opportunity to see myself through their eyes and experience "me" through their collective experiences and unique filtered interpretation of life. It's as if they function as a special soul mirror to allow me to see a reflection of my insides from the outside.

Recently, I had a new opportunity to see myself through the eyes of another. Winnie Cross is an artist (among many other things) and a participant in a creative group I'm also part of. A couple of months ago Winnie put out a questionnaire in our group to collect tidbits about our interests and tastes. In addition, we were to supply a photo of ourselves as children. The answers we gave would be used for a digital painting Winnie would create of the group; capturing our individuality and childlike spirit.

As it turned out, our creative group grew rather quickly and the idea of putting us all together in one composition "without floating heads" went out the window. Instead, Winnie decided to create individual digital collages of each group member.

The end result of my input plus the few things Winnie's picked up from the group about me are expressed in a surrealistic and humorous way in her collage (for instance, the inspiration for the Thesaurus Rex is this Nit Wits cartoon).

I really enjoyed Winnie's composition about me. She's given me a whole new perspective on my essence and provided a tangible reminder to myself of my individuality. I count this image as one of those "purposely building up" things from another. Winnie has a great knack for bringing together loose tidbits of ourselves and making us smile. Thanks, Winnie. •

To help you understand the meaning of the elements in my collage, here's the answers I gave to Winnie in 2004 along with my updated 2009 answers.

1. Favorite Colors:
2004: Blue and black.
2009: To wear: blue and black. To see: all colors.

2. Favorite Animal:
2004: Cat.
2009: Cat (for a pet). Giraffe (for amusement).

3. Favorite Flowers / Trees:
2004: Rose, sunflower / oak, maple, weeping willow.
2009: Same, with a deeper appreciation for all.

4. Favorite Authors / Books:
2004: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and anything by SARK.
2009: Wayne Dyer, Julia Cameron, Eckhart Tolle, SARK, and so many others.

5. Favorite Instruments:
2004: Drums and piano.
2009: Same AND I've also since taken piano lessons.

6. Favorite Song:
2004: Running up that Hill (Deal with God) by Kate Bush.
2009: I can't pin it down to only one.

7. Favorite Singers:
2004: Kate Bush and Natalie Merchant.
2009: Again, I can't pin it down to a few favorites. I'm so grateful for the variety and abundance we have to choose what pleases us at any given time.

8. Favorite Food:
2004: Almost any chicken dish.
2009: Any food that nourishes me.

9. Favorite Thing to Drink:
2004: Coffee or protein shake.
2009: Water, coffee, milk.

10. Favorite Place on the Earth [that I've been]:
2004: Anywhere near large bodies of water.
2009: Arizona desert.

11. When I was the age of my picture, I wanted to grow up to be:
2004: A big kid.
2009: Playful.

12. I have always wanted to:
2004: Write a book
2009: I've written some books, but today a major published book project is not a priority. Writing, however, is a priority.

13. I have always wanted to visit:
2004: A tropical island.
2009: The ocean, the 1800s (time travel).

14. I wish I could:
2004: Create more love in the world.
2009: I have created more love in my life. Today I know that wishes are potentials that can be fulfilled.

15. I love it that I can:
2004: Express myself through my creativity.
2009: Manage my life.

16. The thing I would like to do most in the world is:
2004: Teach children art.
2009: I am teaching children art and inspiring creativity in people of all ages through my work. Today I know that I can pursue and accomplish anything I work towards.

17. Extraordinary talents:
2004: Juggling.
2009: Unfinished projects, raising dust-bunnies, slipping down slippery slopes.

18. Things I can't live without:
2004: Books, music, computer.
2009: Air, food, water, love.

It's funny how we are all the same in some ways, but yet, so different. And it's interesting how we stay the same in some ways, but thankfully, also change. •

© 2004, 2009 Chris Dunmire. All rights reserved.