Ometti Collection
If you have already read the artist statement for this series, you have a good understanding of how this series came to be. However, I want to provide a more in-depth explanation of what inspired this collection.
“Ometti” is a spin-off from a previous evolving collection that I am currently working on, but both bodies of works derived from the same core emotions and inspiration - anxiety, fear, and memory. The rocks have always been fascinating since I was a child, however, as I became older, the way I look at these rocks has evolved. They are not just minerals from the earth; these rocks hold symbolism. The symbolism for me stems from my faith, from their physical traits, and their potential use. Rocks can be seen as blocks, weapons, or even a sturdy reliable foundation on which to build. For my previous series, these rocks represent blockages set by oneself or by external forces that can hold you back from achieving one’s own best potential. Some of this sentiment has carried over into the “Ometti” collection but not completely.
In the Ometti collection, the stacked rocks present a more hopeful positive outlook. Even though the rocks are precariously balanced, they do not succumb to gravity; which is also wrapped in symbolism. Gravity represents the external forces that attempt to derail you from your goals, yet these rocks prevent that from happening. They remain focused and calmly resist even though there is tension. The cairns guide us and remind us to keep going, cast aside the negativity, and find ways to push through. This is easier said than done at times, but I am hoping that these pieces will provide the viewer encouragement which is something we need.
There’s something else we all need a little more of and that is nature. If you live in an urban setting, this may ring true for you especially if you’re a nature lover. For all those who search for the perfect trail to hike, having nature is important to you. I know it is important for me. There’s nothing like walking in the middle of the forest breathing in fresh pine or listening to a choir of birds chirping. Even if you do not hike, spending time next to a lake watching the water gently lap against the shore is calming, or perhaps soaking in the sun at the beach is something you enjoy. Whichever you prefer, nature is important to us all and we seek it out especially when we want to clear our heads. Some go jogging outside while others go for a walk, but we always walk through nature to help us sort things out, don’t we? We need it. We seek it out. It pulls us. We need to be outdoors more than indoors. The last year and a half proved this to be so true.
The purpose of this collection is to bring a little bit of hope, calm, and nature into people’s homes. Our natural setting is slowly becoming more modern and concrete. Modernity does have its benefits, but to what end? How much nature are we losing? We deserve to create a personal oasis that shuts out the busy hectic stressful day. We deserve to come home to a cozy space that reminds us of nature until our next outdoor adventure.
The Ometti collection is comprised of cairns that act as guides encouraging us to move forward and towards a more serene existance. To keep going one step at a time and to remain hopeful. I hope you enjoy looking at them.