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The Only Way Forward

8/26/2020

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I have been quite busy with building masks since early March, and I find it is taking real effort for me to transition from masks only, back to my artwork, or even to a combination of masks-and-artwork. I have been proud to join so many fellow artists in contributing my time, skills, and supplies to fighting the pandemic, and narrowing the gaps in our national PPE supply. But also, building masks has been soothing to my nerves, in a way that nothing else has been, since everything changed.

I can get lost in building masks, in the same way I can get lost in quilting. There is something unique about sewing that brings me into the present moment, even when the work is frustrating (as it frequently is!). Maybe the act of sewing helps me feel connected to my ancestors. Perhaps working in tandem with thousands of other artists, with the same medium and in the same cause, helps me feel connected to the better side of humanity. And then, there is something about building a garment especially for another person, that creates a unique personal connection, as well.

Maybe connection is what it's all about. In pandemic, in this time of physical distancing and canceled events and, for me, strict self-quarantine; in times like these, it is instinctual to seek out human connection. Homo Sapiens are, after all, pack animals. We are more likely to survive when we work together. The urge to connect is, at its heart, a survival instinct. It is becoming increasingly obvious that, without realizing it, we have become dangerously instinct-injured as a pack: Technology, politics, racism, classism, sexism, hate --These things so divide us,  that we are unable to stand together.

Pandemic is sharpening us up a bit. Well, most of us, anyway. For the rest; please consider that you are part of a community, and your actions directly affect others. Please wash your hands. Wear your masks. Keep your distance. And love your neighbor. Practice compassion. We can beat this virus if we all work together.


The only way forward is together. Together, or not at all.

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Helplessly Hoping

1/6/2020

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My first finished work of 2020!  Commissioned by a collector of my chickens, I have titled this work 'Helplessly Hoping' for the song by Crosby, Stills, and Nash. 

Sometimes I experience something concrete, and I want to express how that makes me feel through lyrics or poetry. Other times, like this time; I experience something lyrical, and I want to express it in concrete terms, like sculpture or paint:

"Helplessly hoping, her harlequin hovers nearby, awaiting a word
Gasping at glimpses of gentle true spirit, he runs, wishing he could fly
Only to trip, at the sound of goodby."
Helplessly Hoping
2.75"H x 4"L x 2.75"W mixed-media assemblage
2020, commissioned

"Love isn't lying, it's loose, in a lady who lingers, saying she is lost
And choking, on hello

They are one person
They are two alone
They are three, together
They are for each other."

A few photos of the work in-progress:  I've had to peer over the tops of my glasses more and more often lately, to do fine details work.  This time, for the first time, I just took them off while I worked.  I've been wearing glasses full-time since the second grade so I find my aging vision rather amusing; being near-sighted for most of my life, I am now both near- and far-sighted.  There is a metaphor in there, somewhere, I'm sure of it. 
If you want to commission a work from me, reach out! Find me at [email protected] or find me on facebook messenger, facebook.com/jenraven

Work was managed by our newest Studio Cat.  Welcome to the Raven's Nest, Zephyr!
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