Sophia Soup M. Bon

A close relationship with the world is widely assumed to be communicable to others most effectively through words, but each of our interactions day after day speak so glaringly about what we need, want, and value as individual thinkers. People's connections and perceptions with and of the world are so drastically different from one another, and so unapologetically so. By the necessity of our independent filtering of everything we observe through a lifelong collection of secrets and all else, we end up performing actions that we think are the right thing to do; largely a varying decision for all of us. It’s a rather queer way of going about things, to end up making your own considerate rules of life, and love by its nature. People are full of ideas, and talk is valuable, but talk can be cheap. This work is interested in visually exploring what a connection can look like, and how the feeling brought on by it can be communicated without the language barriers which so often get in our way. Without any barriers, ideally, and although avoidant of language, I hope for people to reflect on their feelings and relationships in whatever way feels most peaceful and true when this work is observed. It can be difficult to feel free in a linguistic category, and hard to break out of the box that a labeling word can create. To transcend the words we know, whatever language is yours or most comfortable to you, and allow yourself definition by feeling begs the question: “What is the function of this label? What do I like about it? And why?” These questions can be helpful for examining various aspects of life and relationships. Consider the labels you carry (by your choice or someone else's). Think of them in relation to yourself. Think of your relationship with them. Does that relationship serve you? Do you have the space to explore the whole world within it? Do you leave all the space you need for yourself for those around you? Thinking critically does not need to be negative. Seeing our place in contrast (but not comparison) with that of others can help to create an environment where we have open minds and ears that are not only willing but excited to be in touch with the world unfolding around them.

Careful, That’ll Burn… 2021 Oil on Canvas 24" × 30"