As we step into Week 1 of my Burn, Remint, Repeat reintroduction project, I’m revisiting themes of love and how the threads of fate intersect with the inevitable flow of time—both its conceptual construct and its linear, unstoppable passage.
Because at first glance, fate appears to be this pre-packaged inevitability, but with the influence of time and human will—what with our decisions and indecisions—it becomes clear that fate isn’t something guaranteed. It becomes more like a possibility, a deep connection to something that is cosmically engraved on our fingertips, yet our ability to actually grasp it (and hold onto it) remains uncertain.
The artwork for Remint #1 was created in 2022 during a time when I was navigating a lot of emotions and decisions about choosing new paths and grappling with the difference between what we hope for that isn’t meant for us and what we hope for that is. Letting go of something I had once hoped was fated for me—only to realize it wasn’t, or at least not in the context I’d imagined—left me feeling pulled toward something else. This new pull felt deeply connected to me, almost as if it were tied to me in a past-life connection sort of way.
But fate gets complicated and even messy, especially when those threads of fate are tied to another person. Hesitation and fear have the ability to overpower hope.
This piece became quite meaningful for me not only because of the narrative it represented but also because it marked a moment in time when I allowed myself to become more emotionally vulnerable with the canvas. After spending years creating an emotional distance between myself and my design and illustration work—which typically required more structured and analytical approaches—this was a significant shift.
In the time since its creation, this piece has been featured in several exhibitions, including a virtual show, on-screen in a London gallery, and as a framed print at a juried gallery show in Eugene, Oregon.
Because of both its meaning and the recognition it has received, I’ve chosen to reintroduce this piece as my Remint #1 in my Burn, Remint, Repeat project.
The remint will drop this Friday on OBJKT with 20 limited editions available. (In the coming months, open edition physical prints will also be available once I launch my print shop.)
I’ll announce the drop on Friday here in this newsletter along with the title, artwork re-reveal, and an additional explanation about the piece and its symbolism. Stay tuned and follow me on socials for the countdown!
Current Show:
2024 Visual Arts Student Show
May 20, 2024 - October 10, 2024
Roger Hall Gallery, Lane Community College, 4000 E. 30th Ave. Bldg 11, Eugene, OR
Two of my pieces are included in this juried show, one of which will be part of my Burn, Remint, Repeat project, while the other is a newer piece that will be minted after the reintroduction project is completed. Over the summer, the show traveled to the art gallery at Springfield City Hall in Springfield, Oregon, but it is now back at the Roger Hall Gallery on the LCC campus in Eugene. The show closes on October 10th, so if you’re in town, please stop by to check out my work—I'm the only digital artist included—along with the incredible work of other talented artists.
Last week marked the beginning of the fall term at OSU, and this week I’m hoping to settle into a routine with my classes. The fall weather is slowly creeping in, and I’m eagerly looking forward to ushering in the season of sweaters, soup, and pumpkin patches. I hope this new week treats you gently.
- SJ