“Human beings in their resistance to truth, erect fortresses and some of these fortresses can only be demolished by the dynamic power of the symbol, which reaches the emotions directly.” Anaïs Nin.
Archetypal symbols are the life blood of conceptual work; facilitating the connection between the artist and viewer.
I was inspired to create this piece ‘Blue Vigil’ after exploring a new location a couple of months back. It’s quite poignant to think about that - now we’re in lockdown. But back then, before pandemic (b.p) as I was driving around some backroads I came across an immaculately kept grotto featuring herself.
Even though none of the shots from the grotto ended up in this final image, my discovery did inspire this piece. I could explain how but I’ll let you figure that out (tiny clue: symbolic use of colour, posing etc).
I hope to read back over this after pandemic (a.p) and strain to remember what it was like - unable to leave your house except for essentials, scrupulously washing hands, home-schooling the children and worrying about loved ones.
But while we’re in its midst’s, we’ll hold a vigil for the hero’s.
How do you use symbols in your work?
Or even better, if you’re an art appreciator; what symbols are you drawn to? Have you noticed a pattern?