Burden_ Sterling Silver, Glass, Rose, Stems, Paper_
Center: 4"X2.5"X2.5"_Chain: 23ft. _July 2019
Following the unpleasant end of my first long term relationship, I was left in a state of utter despair. It was only after a long period of reflection that I had eventually come to terms with what had transpired. I gained a new understanding of who I was and what role the relationship had upon my life. From this sense of clarity, I began to create a piece that would explore how I found myself in that difficult situation and my perspective during that time.
The relationship began with a cliché symbol of love. I’d received a rose, accompanied by a small letter, and noted it as the spark that began the relationship. At first I’d kept this gift as a fond memento, but after the relationship, I saw a new significance behind it. Like the relationship, the rose was once vibrant and alive, but over time it withered and died, leaving behind a sad reminder of what it once was.
Keeping the rose out of reach is a barrier of denial. Through the glass you are able to see that the rose has long since wilted, but you’re prevented from grasping this truth. The fragile nature of the glass shows how delicate this mental delusion is. Therefore, it is tasked to the wearer to hold and protect it. Their motivation to keep up this charade is to preserve this memento and the love it once held.
From this glass casket emerges a restraining chain of abuse. As the relationship progresses, the tangle of thorns grows ever larger, further binding the wearer. Once you’re in its grasp, attempts to resist or free yourself will only cause you more harm. By becoming complacent and still, you’re able to minimize this pain, however you are never truly free from it.
Securing the chain to the wearer is a term whose meaning was long forgotten. The word love first appeared in the small letter and its influence had altered the context of the rose. In the beginning the word was used with a sublime significance. But as the relationship decayed, it became nothing more than a hollow sentiment. Now cut out and preserved in the clasp, the belief in this word betrays the wearer as it holds together the binds that entrap them.
Wearing this piece is a painful burden, one born out of a diminished love. The wearer is conscious of the harm it inflicts, but they cannot escape its grasp. They’ve chosen to carry this weight for the belief that it will ultimately return happiness to them. But what had began as a spark of passion, has grown into a tangled web of torment. As difficult as it may be, it is up to the wearer to escape these overbearing restraints and shatter this suppressive illusion. Only then will they be free to find the love they desire.
The relationship began with a cliché symbol of love. I’d received a rose, accompanied by a small letter, and noted it as the spark that began the relationship. At first I’d kept this gift as a fond memento, but after the relationship, I saw a new significance behind it. Like the relationship, the rose was once vibrant and alive, but over time it withered and died, leaving behind a sad reminder of what it once was.
Keeping the rose out of reach is a barrier of denial. Through the glass you are able to see that the rose has long since wilted, but you’re prevented from grasping this truth. The fragile nature of the glass shows how delicate this mental delusion is. Therefore, it is tasked to the wearer to hold and protect it. Their motivation to keep up this charade is to preserve this memento and the love it once held.
From this glass casket emerges a restraining chain of abuse. As the relationship progresses, the tangle of thorns grows ever larger, further binding the wearer. Once you’re in its grasp, attempts to resist or free yourself will only cause you more harm. By becoming complacent and still, you’re able to minimize this pain, however you are never truly free from it.
Securing the chain to the wearer is a term whose meaning was long forgotten. The word love first appeared in the small letter and its influence had altered the context of the rose. In the beginning the word was used with a sublime significance. But as the relationship decayed, it became nothing more than a hollow sentiment. Now cut out and preserved in the clasp, the belief in this word betrays the wearer as it holds together the binds that entrap them.
Wearing this piece is a painful burden, one born out of a diminished love. The wearer is conscious of the harm it inflicts, but they cannot escape its grasp. They’ve chosen to carry this weight for the belief that it will ultimately return happiness to them. But what had began as a spark of passion, has grown into a tangled web of torment. As difficult as it may be, it is up to the wearer to escape these overbearing restraints and shatter this suppressive illusion. Only then will they be free to find the love they desire.
Photos by G. Mark Lewis
gmarkart.polepress.com
gmarkart.polepress.com