Out of the Box Circus-#2

Hi,

Out of the Box Circus-#2 was created in 2020, at a point when the political climate was getting uglier and uglier as the US presidential election swung into high gear. I was also still self-quarantining due to COVID-19 and felt so trapped, isolated, and disappointed with the direction the world was taking.

As I've mention in my artist bio, I'm a very optimistic person by nature. When I find myself slipping into negative thoughts, I often rely on my memories of better times to help shine a light in the darkness. It helps remind me of all the beauty that still exists in the world.

In this case, I recalled a drive I took one summer day after I couldn't stand being inside my house or studio any longer. I stumbled upon this cute little walking bridge in Pecos, NM.

The structural lines and worn look of the bridge, juxtaposed against the vibrant organic forms surrounding it, sparked something in my creative spirit. So I took many photos of that bridge that day.

Once I got home I played around with the photos on my computer, distorting the shapes and patterns until inspiration struck. Then after many hours of effort at the easel I created a mixed media painting called Covered Bridges, a diptych that still brings me much joy.

Inspired by that wonderful memory of freedom, discovery, and beauty, I set about creating a new piece. Only this time, I challenged myself to reimagine this work by incorporating my rekindled passion for the medium of fiber.

So once again I started at my computer, working from the image of my mixed media painting and changing and distorting the original image.

When I was happy with the result, I printed this new image on fabric. Then I proceeded to further evolve my vision for the piece by using my sewing machine, hand embroidery, and needle felting.

The result was an entirely new creation. Something inspired by that same beautiful moment in time, but uniquely a reaction to and rebellion against the world taking shape around me.

It is a snapshot of this broken moment in time and a vision of the world as it should be, one instilled with new meaning and hope.

The dashed lines in the piece represent how fractured and broken we are as a country. They are a harbinger of worse things to come if we continue down this road. They also mark the starting point of our journey.

The bridge is a metaphor, showing us a well-worn path to a better world. One that we can make a reality if we only choose to cross it together.

The sewn parallel lines represent the courage and selfless focus that we so desperately need to renew the institutions that make our democracy strong and truly make our country great.

Finally, the circles symbolize the unity, connection, and inclusion that we need to cross that bridge into a better tomorrow together. Because make no mistake, we either cross together or not at all.

Throughout this journey, the vivid colors in the piece are a beacon of hope shining brightly against the growing darkness. A reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together and a reflection of that part of the human spirit that can get us there.

I hope that this piece rekindles that part of the human spirit in you. That it inspires you to be your better self and reminds you of the world that awaits when we focus on what connects us all on our all too brief and wonderful journey through life 

Regards,

Sara Miller