Image of the Week: The Inner Child
© Durga Yael Bernhard
This acrylic painting from 1990 was done with the use of "frisket", a masking liquid that's applied with a brush and dries rather like rubber cement. It then resists whatever is painted over it. Once the painting is dry, the frisket is easily lifted up with an eraser, revealing clean paper underneath. Rather than just painting around white lines, this technique allows the paint to brush over them in washes. The result resembles a linoleum block print, except that the color is not rolled on as flat, uniform ink.
The technique was perfect for this image that grew out of observing my toddler son in his cocoon of childhood discovery. Becoming a mother had awakened my own inner child, who had slept for years in its own cradle of early memories and influences. I was into Jungian psychology at the time – introduced to me by my adopted spiritual godmother, an octogenarian named Winifred – as well as Taoism, Hinduism, and the I Ching. The dichotomy of "original self" versus "acquired conditioning" was a common theme in the books I read, and concurred with the Hindu concept of the "Atman" – our pure, innermost soul – which resonated for me as well.
The painting conceptualizes the many layers of conditioning the original self acquires, beginning with early childhood. Each layer is intricately patterned, and becomes part of the child's persona. Like ribbons around a maypole, I saw these layers of conditioning weaving themselves around the inner kernel of my son's being. Only the center pole wasn't a tall axis like a maypole, but a little child squatting on the ground, exploring the axis mundi that spirals forth from his own navel.
I don't use masking liquid too often, as it destroys the paint brush – but I'm thinking about using the technique again soon. It won't work with just any painting – I'll have to patiently wait for the right idea to present itself. This is one form of faith that doesn't fail me. It will come when the time is right, in the least expected moment. That's what dear old Winifred taught me, all those years ago. She was right.
The Inner Child is 20" square, and it's for sale. The original has a pale pastel quality that's lost in the photo above. Please inquire if you're interested.
Thanks to all my readers for your interest in my art and writing!
D Yael Bernhard