Description
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Piece Details for “Look Within”
Measurements: 12 1/4″ x 7 1/2″ x 7/8″
Weight: 1.6 lbs.
Hanging Style: Hemp Rope
Additional Materials: Natural Polished Hemp Rope
Wood Type: Live-Edge Russian Olive
Description of “Look Within”
I’ve seen many different artists represent this same scenario with a mirror. The domestic cat is looking into a mirror and the reflection is sees is a fierce and free lion. I was obviously inspired by them, but the one thing I didn’t like was that it represented the physical side of the belief. “Look Within” represents the mental side. There is no mirror or body of water. The board piece of art is literally stitched back together after being broken in half. That’s the representation that matters most. How we heal ourselves after trauma is, to many, an insurmountable feat. However, I believe that anyone can mend themselves and grow into who they see themselves as if they follow their instincts and simply “Look Within”.
This piece of Russian Olive was originally on the bottom of “Enchanted Deer”. When the slab was given to me, the crack was split wide open and my mind immediately went to thinking about how I could heal it. That train of thought is what led me to the inspiration of mental healing. So, I cut off well above where the crack split and initially thought of “sewing” it back together on the bottom section where the split was and leaving the top still intact. Alas, my mind clearly changed.
“Naturally” Splitting the Board in Half
I wanted a more aggressive impact on the mental wounds that we all have residing inside our heads. In order for me to impart that message, I needed the board to break the board into two or more pieces. Breaking the foot-long section was harder than expected, but I wanted the board to break as “naturally” as possible. Using the weight and muscles of a friend, I achieved my goal. With no tools used, the section finally broke into not-quite-half halves.
Trying to represent mental anguish in my art has always been difficult for me, but it’s also the main message I try to get across. If you are having a tough time, you are not alone. No one has experienced the same thing you are going through in the same way you went through it. That feeling of “you don’t understand what I’m going through” is acutely valid. But that doesn’t mean that you are alone in the emotions you are sorting through. Talking isn’t for everyone and that’s where art can swoop in and help.
The Lengthy Process of Stitching Yourself Back Together
I created “Look Within” for someone who needs that help. Each of the three sections are equally important to recognize and embrace. It represents how one moment you are strong, carefree and wild, secure in who you are (the lion), yet, in the next moment you were broken down and have been reduced to a small, almost helpless version of who you were that’s full of fear and anxiety (the domestic kitten).
Yet, when something breaks, it can always be pieced together. It may not fit as flawlessly or as smoothly as before, but it can still be healed. Even if the result has a gap between the broken pieces. Gaps can be filled with memories, laughter, and over time, happiness. The single piece of cord literally stitching the two halves securely back together is that process of healing and acceptance; acceptance only happens in the mind. Whereas healing comes and goes and often gets knotted or twisted up before being able to continue. But, in the end you are reaching for one goal, one step at a time and each knot or twist you run into can become a small ledge to brace your feet on as you climb up that mountain of healing acceptance.
“Look Within” yourself and find that acceptance. Don’t limit who you want to be just because you see the broken version of yourself. Open your soul and mind and reach for that person you want to be.
Schaedings Pieces Are One of a Kind
As you can tell with each piece in The Shop, Schaedings pieces are one of a kind. No piece produced by Schaedings will be replicated. With your purchase of a Schaedings piece of art, you will also receive a Certificate of Authenticity, a personalized info/note card, and, of course, a Schaedings sticker! We want you to be proud of your purchase, knowing you have a one of a kind, authentic piece of work!
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