Consumed

As iron is eaten away by rust, so the envious are consumed by their own passion.

Antisthenes

Created for the Word of the Day challenge: Consume

When I first saw the challenge, I thought of this illustration that I’ve been wanting to try. And consume is an interesting word. One definition, and the one that I thought of, is “to destroy by or as if by fire.” It’s probably hard to see what’s going on in the image since – although it’s a depiction of someone who is consumed – I didn’t want it to be too dreary. Ha-Ha!

The being here is consumed with a craving for power, which is seen in the headwear that resembles a crown. He is also consumed with jealousy… notice the eye that is green with envy? He is also consumed with anger, his rosy cheek a result of his fury. And last but not least, he is consumed with sadness, as one of his eyes is raining tears.

I think the idea that he looks so artificial is also a clue to his current state. It’s as if he is wearing a mask that was formed through all of his desires or “wants.” And perhaps the nose is wrapped in a gauze bandage because of some form of violence (that was an afterthought).

The other definition that I saw was “to eat or drink up.” It paints a slightly different picture than what I was thinking about, but if you think about it, it makes sense. In a way, this being isn’t eating something… rather, something is eating him up. Inside. Maybe that’s why he wears the mask, to hide his shame. Just a thought.

This is a little different from my norm… but I was inspired by an artist’s work on Pinterest and I’ve been in my “try new things” mode lately, so there you have it. I think it was the lips that drew me to the original work. I think they are so cute! Perhaps he is consumed with lust as well? And the sun behind him signifies light. Where there is darkness, there is always light… waiting to shine.

Anyway, it’s late and it’s time to retire. As always, thanks for reading or viewing!
-Janet