I live in a gated community so the internal area can seem quite homogenous and manicured with residential plans manufactured and unified by the vision of the architect and builder who designed it. The conscious organization implies a level of order and uniformity. Unsurprisingly, the lines of still cars and parking spaces reinforce the orderliness. It’s an idyllic and quiet place to retreat from the bustle of the city.
Following the directions, I soon found myself venturing past the gates, which introduced added layers of complexity to the suburban area. That isn’t to say it differed drastically so. Certain areas seemed to follow the same aesthetic I was already quite familiar with, but interspersed were buildings that opened to a cultural center, to places of worship, to gas stations, and rows of more homes—many of which were very aesthetically similar. Palm trees were a frequent sighting, often forming lines across busy streets. Canopies of trees would border blocks of residences and decrease from view across heavy commercial intersections where the largest instances of greenery came in the form of timed traffic lights. The whirr of cars gave way to pockets of quiet where the unique architecture of private establishments for the gathering of people arose in open, public spaces. Small parks proliferated, offering a contrast of controlled nature against urbanized sites that housed petrol stations with mobile pay machines.
I enjoyed the long stroll, moving from high-density traffic areas to quiet and peaceful pockets, where, for instance, a small street vendor would sell fruits and smoothies, and people would settle to relax or play or retreat. I don’t think observational faculties can always be trusted to objectively describe a familiar environment because I can only see the world through my lens of experience, and it is unlikely that the worlds we carry in our heads are alike in every respect. Our perspectives give way to a subjective nature of truth—even what we frame in our observations are codified by what we choose to see and describe.
When I was a small child I would look at Picasso’s Don Quixote Sketch and think about what it meant. For some reason your picture had the same effect on me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Here is my analysis.
You are the tree.
The tree is dark, crooked, wounded and alone because of something hidden in your past.
However, the tree represents hope because although it is wounded, the tree is still growing.
You are living in a beautiful gated community, however, it is only an illusion to the onlookers looking in. Beyond the gate of your mind is a darker world preventing you from viewing your worlds complete beauty.
The path from the gated entrance is curved and scribbled, possibly representing an uncertain future.
The church has clear presence as a physical structure, however, the abstracted title means for you it holds no real meaning.
The bus represents hope that your new degree will lead you on a journey to a better life.
The left arrow road sign is pointing the bus in the opposite direction, expressing how forces in your life are telling you to go back to a place you no longer want to be.
The dark and wounded tree is lonely and by itself. However, the tree holds a dream of someday becoming a healthy, vibrant palm tree in a beautiful, peaceful and gateless home.
This is what I see.
Incredible job.
Manuel
I really like the beauty of your freehand sketch. The movement captures the sensibility of the assignment, as does the overlap of the elements.
Thank you, Sarah! I appreciate your thoughtful response.
Cool.