I began my fascination with the symbolism of ladders when I viewed a picture of Martin Puryear's sculpture "Ladder for Booker T. Washington" shared by a friend and colleague for a presentation. We then coincidentally saw an exhibition of Puryear's work at the National Gallery of Art, during a workshop we attended in Washington D.C. The 36-foot-long ash and maple sculpture (Puryear's ladder) was riveting.
No, it was earlier; as a child, I really rebelled against the superstition of walking under ladders. I reversed this for myself, believing it was good luck to walk under a ladder (creating my own superstition).
Now I see the symbol as it relates to the "climb" in so many areas of my life. Symbols such as Puryear's sculpture do not represent a "top" or plateau. So what does this mean? For me there's always more; never an end to the journey, until the END, I guess. But then I believe I just start climbing a new ladder. What do you think?
3 comments:
How I loved your post!
And Indeeedddd I would LOVE to see some real VanGogh!
What a wonderful artist.
-Maddie
Maddie,
So glad you related to "ladders." Although I have seen Starry Night by Van Gogh...there's so much more! The thick brush stokes are so rich..some day...
I really like these two works of art! To me the ladder does symbolize our journey through life. I really liked what you had to say about it also. I couldn't agree with you more! See you in class on Thursday! =)
Post a Comment