The Gallery U- The Mirrored Fears of Pain and Pleasure: Oct 8, 2015
“Mirrored Fears of Pain and Pleasure”
(Ceramic sculpture)
“Did you ever say yes to a pleasure? Oh my friends, then you also say yes to all pain. All things are linked, entwined, in love with one another.”
(– Friedrich Nietzche)
I have always been fascinated with the dual dynamic between seeming opposite forces. With this piece, I sought to explore the curious balance of which we allow ourselves access to pain and pleasure, and fear of either which keep us from both. Fear is a perception of danger, often caused by past experiences of negative consequence or by an observation of fear in others. Fears are learned from those around us but the capacity to fear is an intrinsic part of human nature. While we learn to fear and avoid pain, this causes us to fear pleasure and goodness. To love and to open oneself can be the quintessential human experience but it also leaves us vulnerable and open to the deepest pain one can experience. To fear one is to fear both and keeps us suspended, formless, in between pain and love unable to feel either. I chose to create two white vessels that are interchangeable between being consumed with pain or pleasure for they have been consumed with the fear of either and both.
Find out more about Thomas on:
www.thomasflynnii.com