The philosophy of Kintsugi is a theme often visited in the land of inSPIRAtion.
To accept the broken pieces not as the final episode of a life’s tale but rather as a new chapter.
During the last two years I have reached the evolution of that process…
… Broken pieces, left as they are, intact.
Cracks between them form the negative space,
vital for penetration of new light & darkness.
As I wrote on the frame, before covered in black paint:
” Broken. Bent you did not.
Beyond shattered fragments
Bound by unuttered pain
A new understanding awaits you.”
Gatekeeper was created in a unique way… in other words I placed a great deal upon the wonderful Chaos ruling our universe.
First, I created a rough sculpture of a face.
Then, I broke it having no idea if there would be any pieces workable…
… luckily, Chaos favored me once more.
(Title plate engraved but not delivered by the time of the photo shoot)
\\//
Hand sculpted plaster on wooden frame, 28 x 49 cm.
BTCOWIK
Spira / Nick © September 2024
inSPIRAtion 
A striking composition. The white fragments and the clean lines of the black background and borders create a tension that causes me to wonder about the lost or unseen fragments of its original form. It adds to the mystery and intrigue. The eye (at the top) suggests watchfulness (or introspection). The lips (at the bottom) perhaps symbolising communication or expression. The frame blurs the line between painting and sculpture, merging two-dimensional and three-dimensional.
It is an expression of fragmentation, of memory, and self-perception, of what is and what was.
It is you: It is timeless and yet contemporary.
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Caught the heart & soul of it.
With a closing line that pierced right through time and space.
Thank you , M.
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I love that you created a sculpture and deliberately destroyed it, a part of you, I suspect, knowing there would be something among the fractured pieces redeemable. Gift from chaos, Nick? Perhaps. Surely, no coincidence or randomness to the pieces retrieved from the destruction and that the top panel displays an eye.
You wrote in your intro about broken pieces “Cracks between them form the negative space, vital for penetration of new light & darkness.” How often have we observed greater strength in that which has been broken and reassembled?
Enjoyed your musical backdrop –
“Shine like the sun before time fades away…
Know that I fought so hard and died a warrior’s death”
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The detailing of the three pieces was done after salvaging them… but yeah, destruction and rebirth from the debris.
Hoping (rather than knowing) I would be left with something to work on.
Very true words, Denise.
Time II was delivered recently after 12 years of waiting… Silver leaves is my favorite track.
And (I hoped, no…) I knew this verse would speak to you.
Thank you, Denise.
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A great idea and an impressive result. Yes, destruction, fragments are a much neglected aspect in art. Well done, Nick!
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They are, aren’t they?
You honor me, Friedrich, with your thoughts and impressions.
Thank you.
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You are kind as always, Nick, but it is you who always honours me with your encouraging words.
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Exquisite! So striking and clever. I particularly liked the crisp frame behind the black and white, which makes the vivid sculpture pieces almost glow. Nice one, Nick.
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Thank you, Chris!
I am relieved you approve of the frame, because it was an idea during the progress… and I wasn’t sure about it.
But, truth be told, when I finished it, I knew it was kinda special.
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A striking sculpture and image, Nick! Absolutely beautiful.
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Thank you, Nicole!
I am glad it resonated with you.
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