Title: SoulTies
Medium: Graphite
Size: 30×22 inches
Artist Statement:
Soul Ties investigates the difficulty inherent in ending a romantic relationship when one has an anxious attachment style. The project proposes the bond between romantic partners functions like an umbilical cord holding them together in a stronger way than outsiders could understand. I refer to this bond as a ‘soul tie’ and
hypothesizes that while breaking the ‘soul tie’ is frightening for those with an anxious attachment style, sometimes it is necessary for self-growth.
Hand Series
Title: Hand Series
Medium: Graphite
Size: 11 x 14 inches each
Artist Statement:
Using graphite I drew two hands holding on to one another. I used my sister and my mother’s hands as reference, and rendered my mother’s hand
to give her some wrinkles. I wanted to capture the present relationship between my grandmother and I through these drawings.
As I get older, I fear the day my grandmother has to leave this Earth. The bond that I have with my grandmother is more than beautiful. From the day I was born, she and I have been inseparable. I find that I take on many of her mannerisms and enjoy the same things she enjoys. I want to hold on to the traditions she passed down to our family. From baking rum cake every Christmas, to baking cheesecakes for every birthday, dressing up for church on a Sunday, to going around the table and expressing what we are thankful for during Thanksgiving. My grandmother always told me, “Always respect your grandparents because they are not going to be here forever”. That quote did not mean much to me as a child, but as a young adult it means the world. I never want to let go of my grandmother’s hand. I wish she could stay with me forever, but inevitably, one day her time will come.
Title: Hand Series
Medium: Graphite Size: 11 x 14 inches each
Jaihan Dean
Instagram: @jn_cd
