Precious Scars Statement
Pigment print on kozo rice paper, embroidery thread, encaustic; 16" x 16"; Unique
Precious Scars
To cope with these turbulent times, I returned to a series of images I had taken in Kyoto, Japan, seeking to re-experience the solace and tranquility I encountered in the ancient city. During my visit, I was inspired by the practice of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is put back together with a metallic lacquer so that the damage is highlighted rather than hidden. I was moved by the acceptance of damage as part of the object’s life rather than the end of it, and by the idea that we must compassionately grapple with our wounds in order to heal.
I applied this practice to photographs printed on rice paper, which I tore to create new spaces. I then put them back together, mending them with thread and fragments from other torn prints. The repaired photographs were dipped in encaustic wax, creating a translucent skin-like texture and enhancing the areas of repair.