“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” -Rumi
Like many, the days since Covid have included turbulent times. I would equate my journey to a plane ride. My flight has been multi-faceted, longer than I expected, and has encompassed more than I could have ever imagined possible. Looking back, the turbulence started slowly – almost without notice. The seatbelt sign went on, and I seemed unable to latch the belt. The turbulence worsened and the oxygen mask dropped from the ceiling, but I was fast asleep. When I awoke, I struggled to secure my mask and belt. I needed the help of others.
Clay has been one of my grounding and centering artistic outlets during my flight. I have used clay to process my journey and thoughts both consciously and unconsciously. For example, the triangles rooted from a painting I created at the beginning of my “plane ride”. I divided a large canvas into nine different sections using diagonal lines – representing instability. Within each of the nine sections I painted a swirling vortex denoting the areas of my life that I felt were swirling out of control. When I removed the diagonal tape lines, triangles, a shape of strength and creativity, was inadvertently revealed. I was reminded of the words of Frida Kahlo, “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” We are stronger than we know.
My journey of triangles took a new twist as I embarked on a pottery journey to South Korea in the fall of 2023. I learned many new skills, including how to carve shapes into clay forms. We were taught a smooth, rounded cutting form. However, as I began experimenting with my new knowledge of this technique, I continued to adopt the shape of triangles in my work.
I see the creation of these lights as a reflection of myself: moulded from clay, wounded with triangles of strength, desiring to shine light into the world.
“It is your light that lights the world.” -Rumi
Mary Cameron-Sarani 