Now that my most recent show, “Deconstruct to a New Paradigm” has come down, I’ve had a chance to photograph “Crossing the Breach” properly! So for anyone who couldn’t make it to the show, here it is.
“Crossing the Breach” is about the challenges of resolving conflict. It depicts a quilt that has been ripped apart and is trying to come back together again. Within each of us there are many parts that have conflicting feelings. Getting those feelings resolved enough so they will work together is a balancing act. It is the same in groups – getting people of differing viewpoints to come together is definitely tricky. Much of the time both sides want the same end result but want to go about it in different ways. No way is completely wrong or right. They are all just different. Sometimes we have to let go of the differences and focus on how we can work together.
And yes, if you are wondering there is one tiny thread being held by the lower two figures. This “tug of war” is more of a “tug of resolution”. It’s the only thing actually holding the quilt together at this point.
As you can see, both sides have similar objects that have been arranged in completely different ways. Each side expresses that group’s individual feelings and approach. The approaches are pretty different. Can resolution be found?
As one very clever eight year old visitor to my show said “The one pointing the finger doesn’t want there to be a solution. The one curled up doesn’t think there can be a solution. The ones pulling the thread think it might not be what it was before, but it will better than it was because we worked together to put it together.”
Hopefully each of us can find resolution to the difficult situations we are faced with. As our society gets more divided, it becomes ever more important to recognize that multiple differing viewpoints can be right at the same time. Our diversity as human beings is one of our best qualities. Hammering out compromises is challenging, and usually no one is fully happy with the result, but we can all live with it together. That’s what really matters.
To see more images of “Crossing the Breach” or purchase, click here.
I’ve not had a mind or heart to appreciate abstract until I read your post explaining the significance of the elements of your piece to the human experience. Arguing about how to get to the same end goal is real and can be painful. I’ve never considered the thought that one in an intimate relationship that bothers to show up, may actually not want there to be a solution or even that that person could be me at times. Thanks for the insight Jenny!
Thanks, Nicole! I think it all has to do with how much pain and anger you’re holding onto. If part of you is still angry, it’s very difficult to even want a solution. That part of you just wants to be angry! Letting go of that is the challenge, like a doorway we have to walk through. And man, it is hard! It’s even more confusing when other parts of you are ready for the solution and you think all of you is ready. It’s humbling to realize you’ve been holding up the process all along. Thanks so much for your thoughts, Nicole! I’m so glad you like the work!