Symbolic meaning of elements used in Artwork 2

Dream catcher

Dream catchers have a very deep significant meaning in a lot of cultures. It is not just a trend to follow but is rather a sacred item that should be handled and used with respect. The traditional dream catcher symbolizes the circle of life. It is a metaphor for the journey of the sun and the moon physically as well as spiritually.

I have decided to use the basic structure of a dreamcatcher but attach my own meaning and symbolism to the artwork. This artwork symbolizes family to me and how we are interconnected in a variety of different ways. Family does not only mean those who are connected to you by blood, but also those who have made a significant impact in your life and on your journey. They are there to inspire and encourage you to follow your dreams as well as to protect you from things and people who wish to cause you harm.

Doily

This doily was crocheted by my grandmother (the one who passed away). The brooch in the middle of the doily belongs to my other grandmother (still living).

This starched doily is placed at the center of this artwork because my family is the center of my world. I have starched the doily o create a dome shape. This is symbolic of the protective nature of my family. They encompass me.

Chicken wire

Traditionally the inside of the dream catcher would be created out of a string or thin strips of leather. They would tie these strings in the pattern of a spider web to be able to catch dreams as a spider would catch their prey.

Since I am South African and my family has been know to farm over the years, I thought it would be fitting to replace the string with chicken wire. The effect remains the same but it adds a bit of my South African heritage to the artwork. Th chicken wire is also a lot more sturdy than the string would be for the purpose of its artwork.

Sugar skulls

The sugar skulls directly following the doily are not part of the traditional Indian American heritage. Rather it can be found in the Mexican culture.

These sugar skulls are prominent in the Day of the Dead celebrations on 1st and 2nd November. This celebration is also referred to as Dias de los Muertos. This celebration is held in remembrance of those who have passed away. It is a very lively and colourful event where people dress up in extravagant costumes and paint their faces to resemble skulls.

I have decided to incorporate these skulls in my artwork to celebrate those who have passed away this year. May their stories never be forgotten. May we celebrate those who lived a full life and cherish those who have been taken too soon. Death is not an ending, but merely a journey we must all go on.

Flowers with tiny skulls

Keeping to this tradition of celebrating those who have passed, I have incorporated flowers in my artwork as well. Traditionally marigold flowers would be placed in the homes of the loved ones as well as in cemeteries and around the alters. These flowers are placed there as a guide for wandering souls.

I tried to spend as little money as possible during this project and therefore I decided to use these flowers that I had at home instead of buying marigolds. These flowers represent life, and how easy it is to take life for granted. I hope they also serve as a guide to those who have passed to find peace where ever it may be.

Tear drop

Another symbolic motif used in the Day of the Dead celebrations is the teardrop motif. It symbolizes the sorrow for those who have passed. it is traditionally used in face painting as well as in food. Despite the fact that this is an occasion for celebration, we do mourn for those who are no longer there with us. We miss them and we wish we could spend time with them, even if it could just be for a few hours.

Feathers

Back to the dream catchers, the feathers are used in the traditional sense that they represent a pathway for good intentions and positive vibes.

Gold string

As stated in artwork 1, gold represents hope for me. I have laced a very fine thin golden string throughout this artwork. this symbolizes the hope that I have to see those who have passed away again. Be that in heaven, the afterlife, or reincarnated in another life. It is the hope that they have found peace and that they are proud of what I am doing with my life and the path that I have chosen.

Small drawings

As stated previously, I have made these smalls drawings throughout the year whenever I was experiencing a particularly difficult or stressful event. on the back of these drawings, I wrote the date and time as well as a short description of what happened that day.

These drawings serve as reminders that although life is difficult, I made it through those events. It is also a small token of appreciation to those who I have lost this year. It has not been easy and I feel that this project is full of death and sorrow. But looking at the colors I was able to use i am proud of myself for not giving to the darkness.