“Leap, and the net will appear.” John Burroughs (author, 1837-1921)
Frenzy, Acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 30″ x 40″, ©NanciHersh
I don’t recall where or when I first heard this quote by the american author John Burroughs, but there was something in that declaration of faith that resonated with me. It’s one of my favorites. Perhaps on some level, that is what led me to the imagery and use of nets in my work, drawn to the idea of something catching us when we are about to leap, or are holding on to a slippery slope.
Aside for the lovely patterns and textures found in netting, for me, it is also a metaphor for honoring the duality of things; what is caught or set free, revealed or hidden. Symbolic of keeping things out, keeping things in, and letting things go. And the reminder that there is joy and freedom, panic and fear, all in taking that leap.
I can’t promise you that if you take a leap that a net will appear, but from experience- it’s a helluva lot more fun!
Happy Leap Year!