“Shadow Self”

I had intended to print a nautilus facing the same direction from both sides, only to discover that the images were facing opposing directions.  As I pondered the interface of the two nautiluses, it occurred to me that this was the more accurate concept I was working with—the yin and yang of the inner self, the light and dark, and most importantly, the intersection that brings wholeness to being. We all have many parts that make up our whole, formed from a lifetime of accumulating experience…  I chose to sew on glass beads at this delicate, yet strong, juncture, highlighting and honoring the light summoned to the bridge that is made between these two seemingly contrasting sides— all parts of us are sacred and carry many qualities, all of which can change, heal, and be celebrated.

“Shadow Self” was created by printing photography on textile, layering with multiple layers of wax, cutting to shape, hand-carving, pigmenting both sides of the images, sculpting to shape, sewing, and beading.