Come So Far (Still So Far to Go)

Alternate title: I am finished with the printing, but I need to finish my artist statement and installation preparation. That felt too long for a title, though.

My trajectory for the rest of this week is clear. All I need to do is make final adjustments to my last piece, mount all of the paper to mat board, attach velcro, and make templates so I know where things are going to hang on the wall when I finally install on Friday and Saturday. It all seems simple enough, but I am finding myself stressing about it, regardless.

Also, the last piece now looks like this:

The artist statement has also been a source of distress. I have written several drafts, the latest of which I am going to post here, and any feedback anyone is willing to give me would be greatly appreciated.

Artist Statement

In my experience, no two humans understand or synthesize information in exactly the same way. I propose that fictional narrative has the ability to tell us about ourselves, and that it provides meaning where hard scientific or historical facts fall short. My studio practice is in turn an investigation of this proposition, the goal of which is a heightened sensitivity to the human experience. (my own method of understanding and dealing with heavier concepts)

Much of my work is derived from an analysis of pop cultural, narrative landscapes—Gallifrey, Hogwarts, Middle Earth, Narnia—those with established languages, geography, or other distinguishable iconography. This interest in maps, writing systems, and symbols as related to invented realities has inspired the development of my own fictional civilization.

In my recent work, I explore a society that never developed a linear concept of time.. Moreover, I seek to reflect this society’s interest in an abstract sense of space and light through different types of ink surfaces, as well as the dimensionality created between wood and paper. The structures on display have specific cultural functions; i.e. a clock, a calendar, and a compass. Ultimately, these offered artifacts are an attempt to convey the strength and purpose of imagination.

 As I think about it, I do not believe I am trying to convey or communicate that fiction tells us about ourselves to viewers, necessarily. I am trying to communicate that to myself, because lately I have found myself questioning my own belief system. So this process is deeply personal. It is me trying to convince myself that my belief in fiction and its inherent ability to tell us about ourselves is still valid. I want it to be valid. I don’t know how to function otherwise. But I am not trying to convince viewers of this, because fiction reflecting reality is not a new concept. People have been thinking this for a while. It’s why fiction exists. I am trying to convince myself at this point. But I don’t know how to say that without alienating viewers. But also I want viewers to know that this process was very, very personal, and then think about my work however they flipping want. 

Am I overthinking? I think I am overthinking.