Artwork Title: Satellite Comes and Goes
By: Colleen Zimmerman
Dimensions (in inches): 20" x 26"
Media: Graphite, carbon and charcoal on paper
Year: 2020
Artist Statement
Satellite Comes and Goes came out of an upheaval, a loss that took years to diminish. The process of exploring natural cartographies brought a sense of grounding and carved the path to move forward.
The moon, earth’s satellite, comes and goes with no regard for good or bad times. The half-lit moon changes during the orbital journey. We can look up and see the division of night and day on another celestial body. At times, the imperfect sphere will reveal itself during the day. It is a touchstone, a confidant that provides a place for reflection, itself being a type of mirror, reflecting the sun.
Moonlight softens life. Look down, it can be held, though never caught. Time slows and the story of the universe can be traced in the palm of an open hand. Traverse the head, heart, life and fates. The rolling hills and soft valleys. Gentle strength tells of the lessons learned, the vitality of tender touch. Thin skin of the wrist; knowing that is a compliment. Curvature of the thumb leading to ten tiny crescent moons. Tiny crescent moons to carry through the sun lit hours.
The hands are mostly symmetrical, with subtle differences. Line weight shifts, a mottling of reds, a paper cut much more terrific than source foe. The torture of many artists. The elation of unlocking their shape. A check point to find a way forward.
A map in hand illuminated by a spectral hue. Moonbeam absorbing into skin, whispering that as long as Luna can tickle our person, we have purpose.
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