Resonance

Artist Statement

Resonance is inspired by the "Om Shanti" Mantra which is chanted to invoke peace, tranquility, and enlightenment into one's soul. A visual exploration into the complex layers of our individualities, Resonance seeks to challenge the viewer to see these complexities both within themselves and within others. By understanding our "selves" and recognizing how we are shaped by our individual experiences, cultural influences, and biases, we gain ownership of our thoughts and actions. We become more active in our lives and less reactive. And this creates space for compassion.

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The show is hanging at the Lexington Public Library Eastside Branch Jan 2 - Feb 29. The paintings were done in pairs with each pair having a distinct message of their own.

Amanda K. Bridges, "origins I / origins II", (c) 2023

origins I/II speaks to our primal instincts. There are seven basic human instincts; the oldest and most primitive and base is fear. In humanity's early days, fear of the unknown and unfamiliar was a useful trait for basic survival. Unknown things could be dangerous. We still "tap into" this part of our brain when confronted with things that are unfamiliar and/or not understood by us. It is what causes us to feel uneasy at certain times. This can arise in situations of danger as well as those that are more benign. It is important to discern the difference. 

Amanda K. Bridges, "dna I / dna II", (c) 2023

dna I/II represents the distinct visual separation of who we are from everyone else around us. We use this distinction to categorize and label others, based on particular sets of criteria. These categories/criteria are usually given to us by the accepted societal and cultural norms of our personal ecosphere and are blended with our individual experiences. The criteria are rarely challenged by ourselves, as the brain is hardwired to resist change and to desire the comfort of the known. We are all the result of the randomness of our birth. No one chooses where or to whom they are born. However, dna science confirms that any two indiscriminately selected humans are 99.9% identical.

Amanda K. Bridges, "language I / language II", (c) 2023

language I/II references not only the language we speak, but the words we choose with which to do so. Hearing someone speak words that we do not understand or like separates "us" from "them." It can make us anxious because we may not understand what is being said. The words that are spoken, while maybe understood, may be words that we don't approve of, words we don't wish to hear. Our primal brains views may this as a possible threat is because we cannot determine intention. Thus, kicking off our "fight or flight" response. Individuals that wish to control and dominate, will seek to manipulate that fear and anxiety and use it to separate us from one another. Understanding how and why we "think" the way we do helps grant us ownership of our thoughts and actions.

Amanda K. Bridges, "om shanti I / om shanti II", (c) 2023

om shanti I/II is a call for peace. Chanting "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti" is an invocation for peace and enlightenment. To be enlightened, we must be cognitively aware of our selves and how our views and thoughts have been shaped. Recognizing and accepting our flawed selves grants us enlightenment. Not to be perfect, or in a perpetual state of tranquility, but to realize we don't have to let the darker parts of us play an active role in our lives.