I am interested in the edges of things—the tension where different ideas and knowledges pull against one another or blend and blur together. I am inspired by the characters in folklore that stand at the boundaries between our world and the fantastic, especially those who test the mortals who seek entrance to places forbidden to us, like Baba Yaga. This piece draws upon stories from cultures across Europe and Asia as a way to highlight themes that transcend any single culture.
Windows are liminal sites within a home, places where others may glimpse inside, but also a place where we may present a vision from within. This particular window problematizes the idea of outside and in. I incorporated symbols such as the eyes at the bottom to ward off the evil eye, and a motif from Slavic cross-stitch across the top to bring luck.
The waxing moon speaks to leaving behind lean times. The objects entwined with the moon evoke the edge of winter, when stores are running low and the nights are long. Yet in those moments we also know light and abundance are on their way if we can just hold on. There are still a few nuts and fruits left to sustain us, and the candles still push against the darkness, helping the moon illuminate the night. The bat is at home gathering in the dark, and it breaks free of the canvas into the night.
Above the moon are the stars. I have highlighted the Ptolemaic constellations of Perseus, Cassiopeia, Cepheus and Andromeda. While I focus on the Greek myth of Andromeda in this piece, I was influenced by the fact that these stars also feature in Chinese, Arabian, and Hindu astronomy. Andromeda may also be tied to Ancient Sanskrit stories of Antarmada, which became present-day Hindu legends. These stories belong to us all.
In Greek mythology, Andromeda was chained to a rock to be eaten by a sea serpent as punishment for her mother’s boasting about her. The hero Perseus frees her and takes her as his wife. Some scholars hold Andromeda to be the archetypal damsel in distress that all others stem from. I wanted to make Andromeda the hero of her own story, not someone whose life is defined by the actions of others. She is embodied above her constellation, breaking her chains herself.
As a whole, the piece attempts to bolster the viewer through hard times, reminding them that they have control over their life’s story, and that the only way out is through. When times are tough and light seems to be in short supply, we need to keep pressing onwards towards the dawn.