Tea Time With A Dear Friend | A Mixed Media Art Project

For my current mixed media art project, I wanted to examine the theme "best friends". I have encountered individuals who are drawn to others that, from the outsider looking on, appear to be the most unlikely people to spend any quality time with. However, I've come to realize that common interests between two or more individuals don't require approval from others to function successfully.

Along those lines a short, relatable story came to mind I'd like to share.

"Tea Time With A Dear Friend"

She didn't necessarily love the location of their meetups, but she wasn't afraid of the neighborhood. In fact, she knew she'd be protected by her good friend, Demetriox. Of that she was assured.

Juliana scoured her closet until she located his favorite outfit. Pulling the sleek -fitting backless, crimson one-piece dress over her shoulders, she hurriedly accessorized in the same color. At the last moment, she grabbed her most fashionable hat she'd recently purchased, also red.

Applying makeup and, of course, ruby lipstick, she pursed her lips and posed before the mirror.

Glancing at her watch, she rushed from the apartment and hailed a taxi. An hour's ride before she would exit the cab, then walk the short distance down the shady path to the rear of the secluded park.

Demetriox's mansion was situated high on a hill behind the park. And twilight was near.

But she wasn't afraid. In fact, this evening was a special occasion. She had agreed to an interview for a popular social magazine as part of her freelance position. The topic she'd always wanted to explore, "The Psychology Behind Friendships", weighed heavily on her mind for the past few years.

The local restaurant nearby afforded the reporter time to conduct the interview before meeting Demetriox. She chose a location on the farthest edge of the park within view of the mansion.

Demetriox was fashionably late as usual. He'd no concept of human's need to operate by a timepiece.

Juliana watched as the reporter slid comfortably into his chair. They ordered tea, then began the interview. She occasionally glanced at her watch, hoping Demetriox would keep to his routine of being late. Unsure of his effect on the reporter, she responded as quickly and precisely as she could.

She froze as warm breath rushed over her shoulders. The reporter jumped to his feet, tumbling his chair. Her heart sank. Of all days, her friend was early.

Introductions were nervously made. She wasn't ashamed of Demetriox, just anxious. His temperament together with his harsh exterior didn't mesh with sensitive souls.

However, the reporter's jaw dropped. Standing in front of him was a massive being well over seven foot tall. Dark complexion as though overly tanned. Large ears jutting from the sides of a huge head. Piercing large rounded eyes with pupils that felt as if they'd swallowed your soul. He jerked his head away as Demetriox removed his hat. His husky voice instilled fear.

The reporter initially stepped back. He gathered himself, hesitated, then extended his slightly shaky hand.

Noticing the uneasiness rising, Juliana rushed to intervene.

"He's all bark. However, you really don't want to get on his bad side. He's got a fierce temper. But my quaint tea for two parties have calmed him and taken the edge off somewhat. Chamomile with a touch of lemon does the trick every time."

"What drew you two to strike up in what some would say is a truly remarkable friendship?"

"Well, we all have our demons dwelling inside bursting at the seams to be recognized and accepted. Some of us only show our stage face. I truly detest fakeness in all its shades of color. So does Demetriox. You see, I knew upfront what I was dealing with. I accepted him for what he is. He does the same. I don't attempt to change him. And he certainly knows I won't even venture into his realm. We meet on neutral ground. A bit safer that way. He has some detestable friends he grew up with. But you can't judge a person by the company he keeps. Sometimes." She stirred in two sugars, then tapped the spoon and took a sip.

Juliana frowned, then laughed. "That was an odd statement, wasn't it? I certainly hope others don't judge me by the company I keep."

"I certainly won't. At least not in front of Demetriox." The interviewer shook off a nervous laugh as he inched closer to her side of the table.

"No worries. He's busy playing with butterflies at the moment. Besides, so much ill will, backstabbing, crime, and negativity in both worlds, he hardly gets time to relax and enjoy himself."

The reporter's eyes widened. He started, then paused as his lips trembled.

Juliana turned toward Demetriox and waved. A troubling thought flashed before her face. She'd need his assistance later with a stubborn situation she couldn't resolve peacefully. She needed to ponder on this before handing over to her dear friend.

The reporter grabbed his notebook and recorder, then hastily bid her farewell, thanking her for an excellent interview.

Juliana smiled coyly. An excellent interview. Can't wait to read the column, she mused and took another sip of tea before it cooled.

All was good that day.

To complete my mixed media art project, my first thought was to present two contrasting personalities. You can accomplish this with outward appearances since this is more readily identifiable.

I was able to retrieve two stable diffusion images for the monster and the horror background from StarryAI, a stable diffusion program.

Below are my steps:

^{Woman-red-dress-sitting-down Source
Abstract background Source
Red art splash of water Source}