It is part of Western culture to consider the “shadow” as something dark, evil, dangerous or threatening. Jung saw it as is the portal to the Self. To pass through that doorway is to become who we really are. The shadow, when understood, is a source of renewal, revealing qualities unavailable to us through the ego alone.

It’s a concept that has resurfaced many times in my work and throughout my life. A numerologist once identified me as an eight. As such, I presumably have an ability to see and understand both sides of things. That ability served me well during my career as an art director where I had to see things through the eyes of the viewer. That perspective continues through painting and sculpture as well.

So when the shadow finds its way into a sketch, I usually welcome the opportunity to explore the point and counterpoint of the shadow and ego. I also find working with two figures more exciting than only one. It offers more special prospects and complexity to the composition.

In “Breakthrough” the shadow’s arms are the portal through which the ego passes. Each is dependent on the other to make this transition possible. The evolution of this piece from sketch to final sculpture was an adventure. Finding the relationship and creating the complimentary gestures were interesting challenges.

I have explored this relationship through several of my most recent pieces as well as a couple of other significant pieces of the past 3 years. I am sure I will return to this theme again.