Artist Statement: “Confronted by Truth”

I am a visual artist who has a fascination with myth, nature, the human figure, and use of symbols in my art to create a narrative with the viewer.  I approach the archetypes in my art as mythological actors interacting with a mortal figure while exploring contemporary topics in our society.

In the series “Confronted by Truth” I am exploring the range of emotions one might have in being confronted by or discovering a Truth.  Throughout our lives we are taught to pursue or welcome the Truth on a superficial level.  But we often do not speak of the internal, emotional process we personally go through when we are confronted with Truth.

Below the surface the acceptance of Truth is a complicated and somewhat messy matter.  It acknowledges a lie.  Implicates a person or society of misrepresentation.  It wounds our trust, our soul and sometimes our heart.  Sometimes we reflect upon it, ignore it, fight against it, or come to terms with it.

While the pursuit of Truth is as old as humankind, in the last few years the concept of Truth or what is Truth has become a contentious topic.  Common truths that have in the past bound societies together are fraying.  Jodi Picoult (an American author) had written, “there is not one truth.”  There is only what happened, based on how you perceive it.”  Truth may include fact, but it can also include belief.  And Truth is the aim of belief.  It seems today more than ever, perception has become reality.  The truth becomes variable, and in many cases, tends to be different for everyone.   Individualism rises above community and relationships with Truth becomes increasingly fragmented.

Truth is an important aspect of society and an important part of our personal identities.  We are all viscerally connected to the Truth on a fundamental, physical, and spiritual level.  It is a part of who we are.  It helps create social bonds and increases our ability to grow and mature.  I am inviting the viewer to pause for a moment and reflect on their own experiences with Truth and become a participant by adding another layer of meaning to the art.

The symbology of the "actors" in the artwork:

The Raven as Messenger

In many mythologies the raven is regarded as the bringer of light (knowledge) to this world.   It is also associated as the Gods messenger in the mortal world such as Odin’s Ravens.   In other cultures, the Crow or Raven is regarded as a trickster- your view on this depends on your relationship with the messenger.  Often our response to a Truth is also a response to the messenger, friend or foe? 

Moths

Moths are regarded as symbols of the soul’s desire to seek light and enlightenment.   

The adult moth’s impulse to seek light is very much symbolic of the soul that is drawn to knowledge and ultimate truth or divine truth. 

Caterpillars and Cocoons

The lifecycle of the moth shows us that there must be death for rebirth and growth to occur, such as giving up old beliefs for new truths.  Caterpillars represent potential.  Cocoons represent transformation, how our thoughts undergo a metamorphosis in our growth.

Vegetation

What would you see if you could see someone’s thoughts? 

Here they are represented as growing branches in various stages of bloom or decay. 

The Roses symbolize innocence- as many of our thoughts start out.  But dead roses as they are sometimes portrayed here are a representation of the end of something & letting go of old ways.  

The Thorns represent hostility or a sacrifice.

The Moon

The Moon represents our subconscious. 

The Truths we tell ourselves can be the most difficult to protect as well as to transform.