The two miles between my home and the lake was more challenging than I expected. Shoulders burning... Shoes betraying every step... Constantly switch arms to give the other a break. Tonight was the night I took custody of Aaron and I was compelled to capture him.
Aaron, Chandra Garsson's first sculpture,
is more than just a piece heavy with symbols,
but a symbol of heaviness.
A baby stroller, coated in dust and paint, carrying a myriad of baby limbs. Sitting in the center, the handsome head of an adult man. Its handle is anointed with a crown of crayons. Dangling at the top of this haunting piece is an infant's garment: delicate and dirty. I thought, "At one point, I was small enough to fit into this shirt." The two miles between my home and the lake was more challenging than I expected. Four wheels evolved beyond their purpose to roll. Seven lifeless arms reminds me that mine aren't any different. Shifting and expressive eyes giving this sculpture soul. More reason to find this piece haunting.
Lugging him to the park at 2 o'clock in the morning, I had the idea to shoot him at night. Leaving my wallet and cell phone at home, the spirit of caution weighed heavily on the atmosphere. My camera was the loudest thing happening. If it weren't for the distant streetlights, I'd be totally blind. Police cars continually crept passed as I carried this baby carriage around the dark lake.
Risk is fertile ground for brilliance.
The two miles between my home and the lake was more challenging than I expected. The more inconvenient Aaron became, the more I realized what he symbolized. I realized that he wasn't the first child I've had to lug around. I believe Aaron represents the burdensome blessing of an artist. Novels collecting dust. Recordings stuck in my fucking head. Forgotten images that will never see the light of day. These children haunt my ever waking moment. Walking with Aaron in my fatigued arms opened my eyes to my own weightless burdens.
I, too, am disturbed by dense dreams.
However, I keep marching towards my dreams of density.
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| Sculpture by Chandra Garsson/ Photographer: Forbidden Light |
1 comment:
You do me and my work--- all that happened--- justice, Forbidden Light. This, your outpouring of creativity sparked by the art that I had no choice but to give away---my life's work---is cause for celebration. I feel vindicated in taking the decision to do what I felt I had to do, given the state of greed rampant in our world, which created a climate of uncaring attitude and the common eviction of artists who meet all of their responsibilities, and much, much more.
Your photography and words are astoundingly beautiful. The collaboration is a profound mutual expression of angst and joy in creativity.
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