Windsor Knot
Each animal I work with is symbolic of a different blend of personality traits present in every human being. The buck represents an absolute being—one that the otherss would look up to. He symbolizes strength, confidence, protection, stability, wisdom, tactfulness, and clarity. The dog represents protection, friendship, trust, strength, and intuition. The bird, on the other hand, is viewed in different ways. The bird can comfort those who feel weak or lost, but is dishonest and only helps others for its own personal gain. Based on your perception and situation, the bird can be a friend or foe at any given time.
“Windsor Knot” is about a young dog, Cicero, who is trying to emulate the Buck and strives to be like him in as many ways as possible. Because this bird, Windsor, has betrayed the Buck numerous times, a deep tension built between the two. Cicero has only had good interactions with Windsor so far, but knows of the relationship between him and the Buck. He is stuck between maintaining his own relationship with Windsor or following the Buck’s example of avoidance and disapproval. The piece is about making your own mistakes and how you can grow stronger from obstacles in life.
Made of nails and thread, this 8x8" installation was on display May 1-13, 2011 in the Carlsten Gallery located in UW-Stevens Point's Noel Fine Arts Center.
Today and Yesterday
In Buddhist, Hindu, and Bon religions, Samsara is the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This cycle does not start with life and end in death- but is rather a continuous flow of energy that will hopefully end in the attainment of Nirvana if one has accumulated enough good karma throughout their numerous lives. According to Buddhism, birth, aging, illness and death are all suffering, and therefore life is suffering. The atman, or essential self, is what stays with you through each life, however, memory does not.
In my installation, the the red circle is a constant reminder of Samsara's presence and life's suffering quality. The young fawn looks forward to growing old and experiencing life, but is ignorant to the suffering it will endure throughout it's journey. The doe looks beyond her present life to future hopes of Nirvana. The physical removal of the string represents the transfering of the atman once life has ceased.
Made of nails and thread, this 8x8" installation was on display February 6-20, 2011 in the Schneider Student Gallery located in UW-Stevens Point's Noel Fine Arts Center.
