Validation - complete

 The second work completed for Vessel is this group of three works collectively titled 'Validation'.

Acknowledging our feelings is one thing. Knowing what to do with them and where to put them is another. Validation I-III are vessels which offer a safe place to put our lingering concerns about the pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine, the overturning of Roe v Wade, housing instability, surging food prices, electricity threats, climate breakdown and facing an uncertain future.

The first in the trio is Isolated.  So many of us felt that way during lockdowns  and even as we emerged from these, it still wasn't/isn't necessarily easy for us to return back fully connected. Some folk still work from home and miss the regular engagement; some folk remain at risk if they were get to ill and have to remain at home and inside for months.  Borders might open and we might be allowed to get out and about, but some of that feeling can remain. 

The second piece is Tentative. It seems me that many of us are still tentative about a bunch of things. We might be hesitant to travel on public transport; to go to large events; to gather with a number of people; to travel overseas again. We might be tentative about making plans and commitments and arrangements.

The final piece in the trio is Weary.  So weary. Trying to keep your head above water is exhausting. Worrying is tiring. Scanning scanning and scanning,  trying to keep safe and well and anticipate everything is also weary-making. We are weary.

Part of me thinks that a lot  of us are still a little bit overawed, overwhelmed by it all. There is so much going on out there; so much for us be concerned about.  This work simply attempts to say - these feelings are valid.