We might never know

We might never know (2023). Handmade papers, dyes, pen, ink prints of bark lace, acrylic paint. 8.6 x 6.5 x 1” closed, 13.3” wide open. One of a kind. Cynthia Sears collection, BIMA.

Inspired by the fact that textiles disintegrate fastest when buried but their imprints remain on objects that survive, like clay pots.

We might never know

Early in the excavation
we found a pot.

Elated for days
but then traces kept appearing

elusive

yet undeniable.

Back into the morass
Layers of brushing
digging
searching

to find a
bit here
and
a bit there

You’d imagine a crescendo to revelation

But even a big chunk

simply creates more mystery