LORI DUNN SCRATCHBOARD ART
promoting conservation through artistic efforts
Liminality
18 x 14
AVAILABLE
Liminality was a term coined by anthropologists and psychologists derived from the Latin word “Limen” meaning “threshold”. It relates to the transitional stage, and subsequent state of mind, between rites of passage or distinct phases of one’s life. The liminal state is often fraught with feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Traumatic life events can often lead to a liminal state prior to acceptance of the situation. This phase is considered critical in reconciliation and moving forward. I tend to think artists have something akin to mini liminal states during creative phases also. At times we work too much to meet deadlines, show commitments etc. and can suffer burn out. By contrast, if we are forced away from our work due to sudden situations that take priority, we can suffer anxiety at not being able to create. Artists tend to ride these waves between creatively active stages as part of the process, but they can be mentally challenging, often to the point of extremes. On a personal note, I seem to be not only riding those artistic waves but also the transition between life stages. The waters feel choppy at times. I’ve imagined dealing with it like a swan effortlessly and gracefully bobbing on the water, moving from one place to the next by simply just being. Head held high like it hasn’t a care in the world. It’s not easy. I’m no swan. Most days I feel more like a seagull trapped in a fish net, flapping my wings and squawking to no end haha! Here’s hoping for calmer waters to come.
