Surrender to the Flow: An Acrylic Illustration Open to Interpretation



Please note: English is not my first language, and I'm writing this post with the help of AI. Please excuse any unnatural phrasing.

Hello dear readers! Today I'm sharing another acrylic piece from my past, created somewhere between 2002 and 2007. The title is 『身を任せる』 (Mi o Makaseru), which translates to something like "Surrender," "Trust," or "Go with the Flow." Interestingly, I must confess I don't clearly remember the specific thoughts or feelings I had when painting this one! But perhaps that makes it even more special – it leaves the door wide open for interpretation, allowing the image to speak for itself and for each viewer to find their own meaning within it.

Acrylic illustration 'Surrender' showing a figure with wild yellow hair in a vibrant red, blue, and yellow patterned cloak. A small bird sits nearby, with yellow circles floating around. Evokes trust and flowing with life.

Let's look closely at the illustration itself. We see a central figure with wonderfully wild, sunny yellow hair and a gentle, almost serene smile. They are wrapped in a strikingly patterned cloak or cloth – a bold red adorned with large, teardrop-like shapes in vibrant blue and yellow. It feels quite rich and perhaps even a little exotic. Behind the figure rests a curious black, swirling structure, and perched upon it is a small, colourful bird, observing the scene. Floating around the figure are bright yellow circles, like coins, bubbles, or drops of pure light.

Given the title "Surrender," what might this scene suggest? Perhaps it speaks to the feeling of letting go and trusting the currents of life. The figure seems calm and accepting, despite the perhaps unknown journey represented by the swirling black shape. The vibrant colours in the cloak could symbolise the richness and variety of experiences life brings when we allow ourselves to flow with it. The little bird might represent companionship, intuition, or a message from the universe. And the floating yellow circles? Maybe they signify abundance, opportunities, or moments of joy that appear when we release control and simply trust. The figure isn't actively doing anything, but rather being – embodying a state of acceptance and peaceful presence amidst the colourful flow.

What I find most fascinating now, looking back without remembering the initial spark, is how the elements came together. The combination of the grounded yet flowing figure, the whimsical bird, the bold patterns, and the floating lights creates a unique energy – both vibrant and peaceful at the same time.

A Gentle Invitation for Your Reflection:

Since the artist (me!) doesn't hold the original key, your interpretation is just as valid as any!

What feelings or thoughts does this image evoke in you?


What story do you see unfolding here? Where might this figure be headed?


What do the bird and the floating yellow circles represent to you?

Art can be a wonderful mirror, reflecting back our own inner landscapes. Thank you for taking a moment to ponder this piece with me. Sometimes, the most beautiful discoveries are made when we simply surrender to the experience.

Wishing you a day filled with trust and flow,


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The art and comics featured on this blog are created by Pon (ke-ma). You can also find them on my official website, https://pon-poo.com/en-top, where they are presented in a different context. I'm hosting them here as well, hoping they will remain available through Blogger's services, even in the event of unforeseen circumstances.