The Practice of Reflection

Reflection as the practice…for just a moment or two.

Take Over

I had several of my Thesis works returned to me this last week that were being shown in a year long exhibition at Mercedes Benz Financial Services called Experiencing Perspectives (link).  I had not seen Stretch or Take Over live in a full year and it was really surreal to be seeing them again (let alone back in my new studio at home!). More importantly however it helped to mark a distinct feeling I’ve been walking around with for a little while now that goes hand in hand with the anniversary of the end of my undergraduate studies, Thesis and so many other moments that inevitably get left behind in the sea of change. Maybe it’s just the stretch of a year that I’m feeling, how much has happened, how much is also just around the corner for us all. It’s so exciting but there is also the feeling of necessity to yield to all this change, be it both wonderful and terrifying. It’s this feeling that I’ve finally been able to name with the return of my much loved sculptures and photographs.

There is also the sense that it’s been long overdue to take some time to sit back and just think about how far we have come, how much has been done before we need to jump into what is next. I think this must be the case for both my fellow Woman Kings as well as me. That being said, even in this time of pausing to change and reflect, it’s amazing how yielding to momentum seems just as inescapable. Just a few weeks ago the girls and I met for a meeting where we were just going to talk about a show offer that found its way to our inbox and before you know it we had come up with a game plan for the next year and beyond. It was wonderful! Working in a team has its benefits, a major one being you find yourself constantly being motivated, inspired and lifted up by those who stand beside you. Just when I think I’m on hiatus indefinitely I find myself scribbling in my sketchbook, making notes and sharing my ideas with my fellow makers.  

I also find it amazing that even after finding yourself faced with the thought that  “I must be burnt out after all this…” you find yourself back in the studio, still working, still making (after a little time off of course). Because in the end there really is no other choice, if you make things… you make things. In every moment of every day you whole self is committed to that beautiful and sometimes ugly purpose. It’s important to not forget that as we soldier on.

Now back to work!

xo

Megan