Presence within Absence
This body of work was initially inspired by my personal past and concerns with retaining one’s memory. I wanted to create strong links to the values found at home and the importance of human connection. As the work evolved, the work became less about just my personal past and more about the comfort of time.
With time, certain objects become very important in our life. They remind us of past events, which can create a feeling of loss, but that feeling is a bittersweet. It is one that roots us in the past, but helps us continue to make decisions for the future. The objects are therefore timeless symbols of various lessons we have learned.
I want to engage with the viewer and their own memories, in hope to share a feeling of comfort, knowing that the markings of time has helped create who we are and prepare us for the future.
Jennifer A. Halvorson