OBSIDIA
In New Age Spirituality there is a holistic and esoteric healing practice called "crystal healing". Certain crystals or stones serve for different healing purposes. Obsidian is used in crystal healing to reflect our darker selves, our shadow side, in the hopes to gain a positive perspective of knowing our boundaries and avoiding being that darker self. These three art pieces are an exploration of my healing process.
THE PAST
My past is represented by a towering, free standing structure. These 1x1 foot black boards each contain scars on the sides, evoking the scars one might have over time due to anger and its external and internal damage to the self.
THE PRESENT
My present is coated in viscous isomalt candy. Sugar candies are notoriously bad for your teeth, but one cannot deny the delicious sweetness it provides. For me, the isomalt candy is like anger: it fueled my drive to get things done but at the cost of strain and destruction to others or myself.
THE FUTURE
The future is uncertain. It is a source of some fears. Fear is usually associated with the dark. One must explore the dark in order to gain perspective on the future. This piece is a performance piece where I explore the literal interpretation of seeing the "shadow-self" utilizing a piece of polished obsidian. I don a black Morphsuit and silver reflective mask to effectively communicate the idea when the participant holds the piece of obsidian as I mimic their movements; like a shadow.