*** Thank you for the Picture of the day on 12/16/06!!!***

Hi All,
I have sadly now posted an edited version of this picture. The original of this picture was removed (by a mod), as well as the wonderful & supporting comments I received.

At this point, I am going to stand on my soapbox and make my comments. I am a paying member of this site. I do know the rules for this site; though I do completely disagree with one particular one. I do not see the problem with tasteful nudity of a human form (male or female). I do believe it is art and should be appreciated as such! The nudity within this picture was needed to get my point across. It DID NOT contain any nipples or details of the lower part of her body! We all have a butt crack and yes there is a little part of this in my picture, it just showed the correct human form; where the back meets the top of the legs, nothing more. On a daily basis we see more butt crack (hairy) from men bending over and their pants coming down than what was in this picture. This picture is a third-quarter view of a woman (me) and Goddess forbid we even hint at a breast.

I realize that this is a family site and children may view this picture. First of all, if you don't want your child to see, don't show them. Secondly, I have five kids (all boys), myself and they have all seen this piece and it is hanging on our wall. They do not oogle it and say 'oooooh a nude woman'; they say 'oooow mom was hurting when she drew this' and move on. They also added suggestions for shading (along with my other nude pictures). So, all of the prudes who have a free site membership here or are just visiting, you need to just move pass this particular picture of mine and then we don't have anything to worry about. Most if not all museums have at least one nude piece of artwork hanging up, this is no different. You look at the ones which interest you or move on. Most all of the great artists of the past, used nudity in some of their works and now people buy them for millions.

To Artwanted, you guys need to add another category for nude artwork for paying members. I know I can't put all of my artwork on here because of the rule and I do have a problem with this. I know there are other artists on this site who are having the same problem. If a subcategory within our portfolio is added for nudes, then artwork with nudity can still be viewed, but who views it can be better controlled. A sub-folder labeled nudity with no picture on the front can be added and then the viewer can make a decision. As it stands, the lack of being able to add nude artwork, is a form of censureship and is just wrong.

To all who have been supportive of my artwork, I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. Goddess bless!

Now, to the description of this picture. This is a picture done during a major lupus flare-up. The big metal nails and ripped open skin represents the burning and sharp pains in my joints and other parts of my body. The nudity represented the feeling of being alone and exposed to the elements of hell. The 'Last Will' represents the wanting to die to be rid of the pain completely. The vines or tenticles and chains represent being pulled into all direction and being held down to avoid escape. The new red cloth represents violence and pain and this is why I left it in color rather than making it b & w to fit the rest of the picture. I wanted it to stand out.

This is not a picture of just torturing a woman, there is meaning, it is me and my life. I hope everyone can on some level relate (as empathy, not actually going through such pain:). I will be building my own website in the near future and the original will be posted.

Thank you for visiting my site and this picture.

Sincerely,
Valarie

P.S. Sorry this is so long and thank you for reading it!Thank you sooo... much for the support!