The Space Between Us

I. The Space Between Us 

In my minimal line drawings I gain great satisfaction knowing that each of you will interpret the image in a way that you can relate to. I bring each piece to a point where I feel my initial intentions are held whilst leaving enough space for others to take what they need from it. The response they elicit in others generally reflects an emotion they are experiencing internally or subconsciously, conjuring memories, feelings and relationships of past and present. 

One of the first in my series of line drawings is The Space Between Us, it has been interpreted in all sorts of ways. My personal intention at it’s most simple was to depict distance and silence. Here these figures represent loss of communication and understanding between two individuals, though they are physically close they have lost sight of each other. Their posture and distant gaze shows a stubborn will, permanent as the ink on the page, a resolve that shows no sign of fading. What went wrong for them? What was there before? What fills the space between them now if they no longer inhabit it themselves? Hurt? Indifference? Is there any hope in the space between? With backs turned but exposed they are vulnerable to one another. The tragedy of not being able to see vulnerability in another when it is cloaked by a cold shoulder. When someone turns away perhaps it is to hide a great hurt, to protect, to shut in and not shut out. 

So please fill the space with what you need to. Regret, hope, words unsaid, passion, silence, forgiveness, spite, love, indifference, noise, all the words you can’t take back and the time wasted in the Space Between Us. 

II. The Space Between Us

As I mentioned previously, there have been many interpretations of my line drawings. One such interpreter was my namesake, my Mum. Innately empathetic she was quite concerned for the two souls trapped in ‘I. The Space Between Us’; the potential causes for their eternal suffering and heartache abound. After analysing the piece she requested/suggested that I do a follow-up; so I did. However I did not create this piece solely to oblige my mother, it was a great idea to portray the other side of the story but I will leave it up to you if this is the before or after; I am undecided. Facing each other with the same strong resolve they are open to one another.