The Space Between Us

This is the final artwork in my series of paintings that explore the loneliness and separation of our overly connected society. The grid pattern represents the digital world and how it infiltrates every aspect of modern life. Through mobile phones, laptops and social media, people are able to "connect" with friends and people around the world, yet these devices seem to create a barrier to authentic relationship with each other.

This painting is called "The Space Between Us". Two women share the same spatial plane but they are each in their own world. Not communicating, not seeing or knowing or understanding. Each fully absorbed in their own life instead of taking this moment in time to connect.

How often do we allow a text to be the way we "reach out" to someone we love instead of spending real time together face to face? How often do we "see" people on social media instead of in real life? How often do we allow the “busyness” of life crowd out making time for other people?

If there is one thing this pandemic changed about my life, it is how much more I value relationships. I am more aware of the incredible worth of talking with people, listening to what they are going through, sharing a meal, laughing and just being together.

I’ve never had more emotional comments on my art, than I have when people have discussed these paintings. I hope this series spoke to you in some way too.

As the famous artist Degas said, "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see".