Tensions

By Kim Craig | December 27, 2020

Archeologists often assemble ancient stones to tell a story of a civilization past. What will they tell of our empire? Will there be anything left to piece together?

I like to think about the rise and fall of ancient societies. What secrets can we learn from the ruins of old cities? In the past, pandemics have enabled people to forge ahead to build a better world. Is this current pandemic a portal to a new world? Can we leave our small mindedness, bigotries and injustices behind when it’s all over?

 

Kim Craig, Ancient Stones at Didyma, Mixed media on birch panel, 24″x24” 2020

 

If an archaeologist of the future were to try to piece together the present times based on art and artifacts, these two journal entries might provide some clues.

 

October 29, 2020. This week, tensions are rising. The people are voting.  Across the US, the start of winter fills us with fear as each day the number of COVID-19 deaths grows. Added to that, the constant battering on our democracy has split America practically in two and social unrest spreads. Are we a nation of small-minded, cruel, racist and self-absorbed citizens? Is there hope for a kinder, united, more inclusive and just America? We decide. We vote.

 

Kim Craig, Tensions, Mixed media on birch panel, 24″x24” 2020

 

December 20.  The winter solstice always comes with the promise that the next day will be brighter, but this year time has taken on a borderless quality. Is it Sunday? Or maybe Monday? Past and present and future collide.

Painting helps me give shape to time, which seems especially important now when the COVID-19 statistics are so grim and the future is so amorphous. Will this virus gallop on and on for many years? And when we finally emerge from it, is there any hope that our democracy will survive? In the end, all that we must know is that this darkest day always brings the promise of returning light.

Kim Craig, A Nation in Tatters, Mixed media on birch panel, 24″x24” 2020

 

Copyright © 2020 Kim Craig
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8 Comments

  1. ML Mazzara on December 28, 2020 at 6:48 pm

    Kim: I have followed your art on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/kimcraigart/) and love ALL of it. I am happy to “hear your voice”, to read your thoughts associated with these interesting and captivating images.

    • Kim Craig on December 28, 2020 at 9:44 pm

      Thanks for following ML!

  2. Betty Peter on December 29, 2020 at 10:33 am

    Your work is strong, uncompromising.
    Your reflections, thought provoking.
    Thank you for finding the space to share your sentiments.

    • Kim on January 4, 2021 at 10:49 pm

      Thanks Betty! Let’s hope the new year is brighter!

  3. Ellen Bennett on January 2, 2021 at 8:47 pm

    Your images and statements speak volumes. I hope the answers to your questions will be a solid yes. That we can leave the darkness behind…

    • Kim Craig on January 4, 2021 at 10:51 pm

      Thanks for reading my post Ellen. I love your positive outlook!

  4. George Gamerdinger on January 11, 2021 at 5:28 pm

    love the creative interplay and the energy created through your paintings and their descriptions .

    • Kim Craig on January 11, 2021 at 7:29 pm

      Thanks GG . Your comment means alot!❤️

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