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Comfort Zones. He>she is entering his>hers. I was challenged to expand mine.  Probably good for both of us.  

I imagine that Richy’s journey to becoming Jasmine is long and arduous.  And, in viewing the model, the actual first step is recent.  Yesterday, I was taken aback when artist model Richy entered the room with his hair down, hairless arms and legs, and extreme facial makeup. He/she said “I am now Jasmine and am transgender.” My previous portrait of him was entitled Mannerly, which represented both his strong masculinity and gentlemanliness.  

As Jasmine sat on the model chair contemplating whatever models contemplate, I was challenged to contemplate the subject matter.  I knew this was my task and I would have to banish thoughts about this transgender encounter and postpone dealing with my discomfort. So, I began to paint. I did the background (what was in his past?) then the shadows (there must be a dark side) then the mid-tones (she has declared herself, but there’s a long way to go) and finally the lights (maybe I’m beginning to understand).  

In this case, my discomfort was short-lived. What was most interesting was thinking about my own comfort zone.  It’s almost…actually it is…a cliché “to go out of your comfort zone.”  I realized I rarely do.  My inaugural blog posting, nearly three years ago, was an uncharacteristic act of bravery. However, most things I do are not daring.  No bungee jumps, no solo drives into far away unknown parts, no letters to the editor, no volunteering for unfamiliar tasks.  These activities are easy to avoid, so I do function without appearing limited.  However, recently I have had no artistic breakthroughs. I do think that is due to fear of expanding the zone. 

Ironically, while thinking about the link between my small comfort zone and my artistic stalemate, I had an ah hah moment. (When I look at this, it’s laughable.) My first courageous act today was to pull out a rarely used canvas format. I will see where it takes me.  I will just do it, regardless of what others might think.  Just like Jasmine.