40” x 36” x 1.5”
Acrylic, spray paint, poppy seeds, coloured pencil on raw canvas
2023
She filled the entire basket full to the brim.
One scoop at a time, slowly, deliberately, carefully.
A few seeds spilled on the table, she swiped them into the palm of her hand, gently, cautiously, and added them to the pile.
The basket was too heavy.
She could barely lift it.
But she managed to.
She was very strong.
As she lifted the basket, the seeds spilled out.
They slipped through the cracks.
She tried to contain them, put them back in, but they continued to leech out from the sides.
But at least the basket was lighter.
Easier to carry.
Some seeds lodged themselves between the basket weave, forming a tentative barrier.
She took the lighter load and carried on, leaving behind the seeds that she couldn’t hold onto.
Maybe they were never meant to come with her.
She doesn’t need them all anyways.
*Shown in photo alongside It's On You. This listing is for Have You Seen My Poppy Seeds? only.
The Hold collection is inspired by the concept of baskets - vessels that were designed to hold and carry items only of a certain size…not everything was meant to be carried. Grains of sand, water, soil, beads, pebbles, leaves, berries… still slip through the cracks. The baskets are meant to hold onto what truly matters, and release whatever doesn’t. The cracks are there to let whatever shouldn’t be contained slip away. The history of basket making has been lost - the basket couldn’t even hold onto its own story. This collection explores the paradox that exists in the moments of time when letting go is essential in order to be able to carry on with what matters. Not everything or everyone was meant to be kept.
Paintings in this collection were inspired by songs on the playlist Hold Tight.
More info about this product:
This painting was hand-stretched by the artist in her studio on 1.5" gallery frames. It can be hung as an exposed canvas, or framed in a floating wood frame for a more polished look. This painting comes with an artist statement and signature. If you purchase this painting you will be contacted by the artist for more information about pick-up options in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, or delivery/shipping information.
*Decorative frame not included*
Please note that the buyer is responsible for any shipping charges and/or for picking up the painting, but the artist (or gallery) will facilitate the process by obtaining quotes, packaging the product safely, and bringing it to a shipping centre at no extra cost. Reach out to the artist directly through the Contact page for any inquiries regarding this piece.
*This is an original painting by Tania LaCaria, there is only one in the world. Frame not included.*