Weight Against Our Shoulders, 2020

D. Kirby

Acrylic on canvas

I wanted my artwork to seem like a visual representation of how my family and I are woven very tightly together, and how we strive to support one another through thick and thin.

I created an arch-like shape with several different connecting supports that appear to be holding a large, red mass. The mass is great enough to crush any one of the supports if they were to stand alone, but together they are able to distribute the weight properly and lend one another their strength.

To go along with the theme of home, and how we give one another strength and a sense of stability, I primarily tried to work with organic shapes in this piece, because they come across as friendlier and more approachable, something that is essential when trying to convey a feeling of comfort and home.