Title: Life
Fandom: Donald Strachey Mysteries
Pairing: Donald Strachey/Timothy Callahan
Rating: G
Media: Mixed-media collage
Notes: The project represents just a few of the many stages in a loving, supportive relationship. This post is picture-heavy, so everything is behind the cut.




The collage:



The background is made of cardboard covered in burlap and tea-dyed muslin. The burlap represents the difficult times all relationships experience, and the muslin, of course, represents the good times. I used screencaps from all four movies, watercolor paint and paper for the picture backgrounds, free-use digital images for the martini and the clock, metal craft gears and jewelry that needed a new purpose. I'm sorry about the homemade watermark on the main picture, but more and more of my friends are telling me sad stories about seeing their work reposted without permission or credit. While I'm under no illusion that this is a great piece of art, I'd like people to know who created it.

A little explanation:

On any given day, one partner might be called on to express affirmation, compassion, reassurance or devotion — maybe all at once. Such care and tenderness nurture a relationship, allowing it to move to the next level and beyond.

For my project, I chose one pivotal moment from each of the four movies, moments that any couple might experience.

Stage 1: "Third Man Out"



Stage 2: "Shock to the System"



Stage 3: "On the Other Hand, Death"



Stage 4: "Ice Blues"



Detail shots:



The cross is for the faith Tim has in Don, while the key represents Donald's trust. The pearl says their love is real and natural and is to be cherished. The chain attests to the link between them, but its fragility reminds them that life is tenuous.



These lines are spoken during an important exchange in "On the Other Hand, Death." The clock reminds them to make the most of every day, the gears indicate the work needed to maintain a relationship, and the compass ensures they both travel in the same direction.