Sophia Beall
These works are inspired by an excerpt of the poem “Before Artistophanes,” in which Carrie labeled each of the poem’s stanzas with a number. I was particularly intrigued by “Eight,” which discussed counting and the sense of immortality that comes when panic subsides and time slows down. Specifically, I was reminded of the therapeutic technique of counting to escape an anxiety attack, and the concept of “counting to ten” to ground oneself. In my images, I wanted to capture the calming nature of numbers, and the peace that can be brought through the practice of counting. Like the organization of the poem suggests, I too find beauty in counting simply for the purpose of appreciating the inherent order that numbers provide. In embracing that order and taking the time to relish in its absolution, we are freed from the uncertainty of the present, thus allowing numbers the opportunity to transform our state of mind and transport us to a place of serenity and simplicity, away from this chaotic world. This space of peace and enlightenment that we enter by way of numerical thought is what I intended to embody in my contribution to this project.
The images that resulted from this poem were created using a variety of techniques ranging from photography, to digital editing, to painting with ink. I chose to make the photos black and white to capture that elegant simplicity, and used gold ink to highlight the precious nature of that life-affirming breath. As an artist whose work usually leans toward more visually chaotic tendencies, trying to emulate the tranquility of the poem proved to be quite the artistic challenge; however, it was one that I was honored to accept and privileged to take on.
