The Why of it All

When you get clear on the why of what you do, it serves as a compass offering clarity and direction.

Catch and Release (detail)
wire, pulp, encaustic, collage
©2013NanciHersh
Photo by Amy Tucker Photography

Unpacking my work last week to get ready to install my window at Gallery 37 in Milford, DE, a woman stopped in and looked at my nets with curiosity, and then promptly stated, "they look rotten." A few minutes later, when I didn't respond, she repeated her comment. (Did she think I didn't hear her?)

I could've taken it a number of ways and granted, they do look aged or like artifacts. That is intentional.

And then, I thought about my why, which is to connect, inspire, and transform.

Netting 2 (detail)
wire, pulp, encaustic, collage
©2013NanciHersh
Photo by Amy Tucker Photography

Connect experiences to materials, the intangible thoughts and feelings to process and materials, connect to nature, to a higher power, and to each other. So, I smiled at this woman and shared with her the intention behind the creation of this series called Catch and Release.

Orchid (detail)
wire, pulp, encaustic, collage
©2013NanciHersh
Photo by Amy Tucker Photography

This body of work is about time passing, aging, trying to hold on, learning to let go, and finding the beauty and transcendence in the fragility of life. Somewhere (ok a lot of places- is my experience with cancer- and my sons' injuries)

Conduit (detail)
wire, pulp, encaustic, collage
©2013NanciHersh
photo by Jessica Czerwin

When I got to the Opening Reception on Saturday there was another artist standing by my window installation. Betsey told me that she loved my window installation. Marcia Reed, the owner of Gallery 37 and an artist herself had explained my work to her. With an open mind, an open heart and learning more about the work,  Betsey told me that she felt incredibly moved by what she saw, she experienced. She used the word Powerful.

wire, pulp, encaustic, collage
©2013NanciHersh
photo by Jessica Czerwin

I could've hugged her. In fact, I did.

There's my connection, my inspiration, and the power to transform from rotten to powerful.