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Embrace – The Spider and the Fly – Original

When the spider spins its web, it transposes itself into the center of its own universe and creates numerous paths to a world of new discoveries. While it is intentionally either protecting itself or hunting for prey, it leaves a visible mark wherever it goes.

The spider never meets good company, for whichever insect dares to enter its home, it never comes out alive.

Eventually the spider’s soul may become the prey of its own cunning mind, desperately feeding on itself in a miserable cycle of loneliness and self destruction, reacting like a helpless fly about to become dinner.

Who is the fly and who is the spider in this scenario?

The one who tells the story has the power to spin the tale.

In a reversal of roles, the fly comforts the spider amidst the chilling sounds of its predator’s inconsolable wail: “I don’t mean to prey. You don’t understand me. You don’t know what it’s like to be me.”

“You’re right, I never have,” the fly thinks.

It then holds the spider to its heart until all the wails are exhaled.

“I vow to listen, to be present, to offer light, and love, however many times you need it, I will give you love,” said the fly to the spider in a motherly embrace.

Categories: Home and Living, Original Art, Original Mixed Media, Original Sculptures

Description

Inspiration Behind The Work

Quite a few people who are dear to my life have been battling symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or dementia.

To me, the connection between the fly and the spider represents a metaphor of my relationship with the ones I love who are suffering from mental health issues. It also extends to the battle within one’s mind when it becomes unaligned with its own body and soul.

The spider is the great power, the great creator. It’s the invincible one, the seeker, the lone adventurer. It’s the one that spins a gorgeous web that looks harmless to the naked eye, but it is fatal to any insect that lands on it. In order for it to survive, it has to trap.

The fly can’t help but to be woven into the trance of the spider’s alluring world. It’s a powerful one that’s hard to resist for such a helpless creature. Once in its web, it can no longer fly, the same as if someone’s soul is trying to resist the spells from its own troubled mind. This metaphor is wrapped up in dichotomies: good and bad, right and wrong, powerfulness and hopelessness, light and dark.

In this piece I reveal the impossible scenario where the fly becomes the nurturer, the provider, the caring mother. The spider is then reduced to the role of a child, exhausted after long hours of tantrums and crying. Its body is still fragile, but its soul is finally at peace.

I want this piece to open conversation, to bring to light what we experience in many of our homes but behave as if it’s not present. I leave you to ponder upon some of the deepest questions that have been troubling my sleep: Are we able to control our minds or are we its helpless slaves? Can the one who suffers from mental health struggles be truly helped? Are we just trying to find ways to fit ourselves into societal norms no matter the costs? Is our love and care simply enough? Can the fly ever embrace the spider?

Details:

Materials: paper mache & mixed media

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