2021
Digital work
worth one’s salt; phrase
“ancient Roman soldiers were provided with a salt allowance, the salarium, from which our word salary derives. So too we say a person is “worth his salt.”
The Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism (ARAS). (2010). The book of symbols. Reflections on archetypal images. Köln: TACHEN
“follow suit” phrase of follow
1. (in bridge, whist, and other card games) to play a card of the suit led.
2. conform to another’s actions.
vessel; noun
1. a ship or a large boat.
2. a hollow container, especially one used to hold liquid
“The empty vessel makes the greatest sound.”
Shakespeare, William. Henry V, act 4 scene 4
tongue-tied; adjective
1. unable or disinclined to speak freely (as from shyness)
2. affected with tongue-tie
“Finding ourselves “tongue-tied”, our embarrassment renders us speechless, a condition made permanent by the still extant practice of cutting out a criminal’s tongue”
The Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism (ARAS). (2010). The book of symbols. Reflections on archetypal images. Köln: TACHEN
raven; noun
a large heavily built crow with mainly black plumage, feeding chiefly on carrion.
“The alchemical stage of nigredo, after all, was known to the artifex as the ”raven” or “raven’s/ crow’s head”
(In alchemy, nigredo, or blackness, means putrefaction or decomposition.)
The Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism (ARAS). (2010). The book of symbols. Reflections on archetypal images. Köln: TACHEN
spirit; noun
1. the non-physical part of a person which is the seat of emotions and character; the soul.
2. the prevailing or typical quality, mood, or attitude of a person, group, or period of time.
“A solar eclipse was experienced as the abandonment of the earth by the “ommission” of it’s emblem of creation, life warmth, light and conciousness. Out of time, darkness reigns however briefly, associating eclipse with ominous possibilities-plague, eathquake, apocalypse, the death of a ruler or savior.”
The Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism (ARAS). (2010). The book of symbols. Reflections on archetypal images. Köln: TACHEN
fan; noun
2. a handheld device, tipically folding and shaped like a segment of a circle when spread out, that is waved so as to cool the person holding it.
“His shimmering tail is an emblem of the sun’s expansive, fiery descent, and it’s radiance fanning out of darkness at dawn. Bird of immortality, the peacock enthrones the immortals, his multiple “eyes” suggesting their surpassing vision, and the all-seing eternal.
The Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism (ARAS). (2010). The book of symbols. Reflections on archetypal images. Köln: TACHEN
watch; noun
1. a small timepiece worn typically on a strap on one’s wrist.
2. an act or instance of carefully observing someone or something over a period of time.
“Hinduism has found in the ant an emblem of the smallness of a unit of time – the endless succession of universes, ambitions, countless rebirths, Indras and Brahmas, saviors and gods.”
The Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism (ARAS). (2010). The book of symbols. Reflections on archetypal images. Köln: TACHEN
Pressure; noun
1. continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it.
2. the use of persuasion or intimidation to make someone do something.
“Courage is grace under pressure.”
Ernest Hemingway
This series was born from my desire to push my creative boundaries and establish a regular artistic practice. Taking inspiration from social media prompts, specifically my first Inktober challenge, I tried to challenge myself firstly in creating regularly and secondly, having some sort of theme, a set ob boundaries to create within, a very important and many times overlooked aspect of the creative practise.
The initial phase of the challenge proved to be overwhelming, as I ambitiously sought to dive deep into the essence of each metaphor, creating intricate visuals with detailed backgrounds. However, the demands of daily production soon revealed the need for a more sustainable approach.
Adapting to the circumstances, I decided to simplify my process and adopt a “lighter” version. While still exploring the depths of sayings, metaphors, and words that mean something more than their own name, I struck a balance that allowed me to continue the creative journey without sacrificing quality or my well-being.
The theme of language has always captivated me, and this series became an avenue to integrate it into my creative process. Through this exploration, I not only honed my artistic skills but also deepened my understanding of the nuanced world of communication.
“Words and Images” stands as a testament to the importance of setting boundaries and finding sustainable ways to create. It reminds us that artistry is a continuous evolution, and adaptability is key to maintaining a fruitful creative practice.
