Soul Weavings: Transcending Through Deconstruction and Renewal

As an artist, I'm fascinated by the act of drawing, finding beauty in the flow of pencil on paper, the spread of charcoal, and the transparency of watercolor. Yet, beyond its surface allure, drawing becomes a journey of self-discovery and transformation. The process of bringing human forms to life on a two-dimensional surface feels almost magical to me, yet beneath this enchantment lies a deeper inquiry into the essence of existence.

In my exploration of self through drawing, I confront the paradox of knowing and not knowing oneself, recognizing the dual nature of identity as both liberating and constraining. Through deconstruction and reconstruction, I seek to transcend the limitations of self-imposed boundaries, finding solace and liberation in the act of breaking down the drawn forms and rebuilding them again.

With each stroke of the needle through drawn skin, I rediscover courage and strength, challenging traditional notions of line and form as they transform into threads and torn edges. These threads serve as conduits, bridging the gap between the physical and the metaphysical, connecting not only with my own being but with the organic world that surrounds me.

Cloth becomes a medium of transformation, offering comfort and healing as it envelops and extends the drawn images. Through this process, I am compelled to extend the fibers of my soul outward, fostering empathy, kindness, and aid in a world that often feels disconnected and fragmented.

Embedded within the drawings are the remnants of nature’s storms, tangible reminders of her resilience and ecological interconnectedness. As I weave these wooden relics into the drawings, I am reminded of the profound beauty and fragility of life, and the universal experience of loss and renewal that binds us all together.

Through this work, I seek to evoke a sense of introspection and transformation in the viewer, inviting them to reconsider their own perceptions of self and the world around them. In embracing the cycle of creation, destruction, and rebirth, I aspire to inspire a vision of renewal and restoration, both within ourselves and within the greater tapestry of existence.

Luba Shapiro Grenader