Can You Break the Ties That Bind?

Pan Pastels, Charcoal and Graphite drawing of live model. 11 x 17 inches. 2017

The ties that are binding this man may be interpreted in many different ways. For me, these ties are symbolic of  bad memories that keep us imprisoned and unable to move forward with our lives. . . the pain over unfair losses, mistreatment, resentments and sorrows, bitterness and inability to forgive as well as things we ourselves did and failed to do that harmed others.  The list of things that torture us can seem endless.  

These ties blind us and make us unable to speak. They trap us and seem impossible to break. And yet, in truth, they are flimsy and easily broken and removed once we become aware of the truth of our condition and ask for help from a Power greater than ourselves.

For me, that One is God.