I finished this piece a while ago, but have still been feeling nonverbal these days. Most artists don’t feel a need to write about their work, but writing has always been part of my process. So it feels weird when I don’t. Like it’s not finished yet.
The question that keeps running through my head though- how do we keep acting like everything is normal right now when nothing is normal. When what we see with our eyes is not what is told. When what is clearly wrong, is help up to be the authority. It’s weird to sit in meetings and make plans for the future when I’m like, what future is ahead of us? But I guess nothing is ever certain. And we humans just carry on as best as we can. I feel very nihilistic right at this very moment. Maybe I should choose to write a blog post when I’m feeling more optimistic. ha!
Anyway.
This piece consists of layers of rusted paper I made with Kathie Vezzani in her amazing studio in Port Orchard, WA. I layered them with each other using encaustic medium and translucent white encaustic paint. The image I paired it with- the treetops and crescent moon was a photo I have long wanted to use. I actually love how you can’t really see the crescent moon. But then you see it! It’s like a little visual surprise. I also stitched onto the rusted paper.
“It’s the moon that moves me. The sunlight makes everything so obvious.”
– Bavo Dhooge
I understand about feeling nonverbal. For me, it’s linked to helplessness. Whatever I do say seems to make no difference at all. I hate this feeling, but all I can do is put it into my art somehow. Blessings to you! We will make it through somehow.
thanks sharmon for sharing your experience as well. I think it’s the same for me. Like what’s the point? Had a rough start in the studio thought this week and hoping my nonverbalness doesn’t leak into my creative practice. Thank you for words, they help.