Universal Ties

"Universal Ties" is a makeshift family portrait.

This piece combines generations of artwork & memories, helping the artist tackle the grief of transitioning from the family that was, to the family & the future that exists in this timeline.

Collaging in sketches of her new family, with artwork & memories of the family she has lost - the artist attempts to align a family portrait in one plain of existence - in one single timeline, with all individuals existing in the same setting.

To create this family portrait, the artist incorporated sketches of her fiance and stepdaughter, alongside stones & glass - loosely wired into the canvas cutout: a heart that is both empty and full.

The stones & glass were pieces the artist bartered for when she scattered the ashes of her mom, uncle, and grandfather.

This piece transforms pain into beauty, as the artist yearns for a family, gone too soon.

The family that supported Lunstra through her youth, never got to meet the artists' soon-to-be-husband, or beautiful stepdaughter, or hear about the mountainside proposal.

As Alex & her fiance plan their wedding, she must address the void in her guest list (and her heart) - aching for guests & family who will never make it.

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A Note from the Artist:

Despite the un-connected timelines, my family will never forget those that I have lost. My daughter will learn her love of art & music, the same way my family taught me.

Generation to generation, we pass on traits, beliefs, even mannerisms, carrying on interests & perspectives into generations we will never meet.

As parents, and humans, we will never know the full impact we will leave behind, but we are all universally tied together, interwoven into each other’s lives - even with those we've never met.

This piece urges the viewer to grab hold of today - and enjoy the beauty in each moment and connection.

Never forget those you've loved, and they will never truly be gone.