Double Arrow Print

The narrative that drove this composition is that it is a side view of a woman with a head covering or patchwork shawl, looking to the right. A translucent white orb holds a meditative space in the mind. On the lower left hand side, a set of double arrows provide protection for the figure while suspended in the vulnerable, contemplative state. In addition, the double arrows remind us to also protect our self from our self--to not engage in destructive inner dialog, negativity and reactivity. It references the Buddhist teaching about the double arrow that says, “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” If we can eliminate the tendency to send a second arrow into the already aching heart/mind/body, as humans tend to do in reaction to pain, we might reduce our suffering. Maybe, at least, we can forgive ourselves that we have to go through whatever it is we must endure. On a more scientific note, by becoming an observer of the pain, we might deal with suffering more skillfully and build new neural pathways in the process. The double arrow sits outside the “figure,” establishing a place from which to witness, allow, and perhaps offering nurturing instead of chastisement. This piece is also about the idea of distilling essences --holding remembrances as an elixir in the mind, contained in a delicate bubble or orb that needs to be tended and fed with such things. Like how we can extract truths and intangible gems from books, poetry, art, moments, nature, memories, and so on, and carry them with us. These soul-substances heal us and inform our lens on the world. The arrangement is quite buttoned up and somewhat compressed--because that is what I need a lot of the time. I am stormy on the inside, buttoned up on the outside. I can’t seem to break out of the false sense of control that I gain through painting hard edges and definite shapes--and I am ok with that. It helps keep me sane, held, tethered.

Print:Giclee on Fine Art Paper

Size:8 W x 12 H x 0.1 D in

Size with Frame:13.25 W x 17.25 H x 1.2 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.