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# N O B L A N K B R A I N S
Artist Statement
Sparks is about the way we hold on to the pieces of our loved ones who
suffer from dementia. As it strips away memory and voice, you watch the
illness progress, and sometimes you wonder if the person you love is still
there. And then… there's a spark. A brief moment when their eyes light up,
or they squeeze your hand back or maybe they even look right at you
and say something like, "You are so funny." Each time it happens, it's like a
glowing treasure. You collect those sparks and hold them close, keeping
them at the ready when you need to find comfort.
Rather than focusing on the negatives of Alzheimer's and
dementia, I wanted to create a brain that gives a virtual
hug to all the caregivers out there. My brain sculpture is
wrapped in a quilt and visually I was trying to say, 'I know
exactly what you're going through and you're not alone.
Hold on to the good things and those sparks of recognition.'
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