charmed Existence (2023) Sculpture by Arlene Knowlton

Charmed Existence
Gather ‘round, ladies and gentlemen, art aficionados and casual wanderers alike! Welcome to the extraordinary realm of "Charmed Existence," a sculpture that is less of an art piece and more of a delightful treasure trove, an exuberant celebration of the hilarity and charm found in the most unexpected places! Imagine, if you will, a world where the mundane becomes magical, a place where a simple jar and a reflective bear can spark joy, laughter, and perhaps a small existential crisis or two.

At the very core of "Charmed Existence" lies a recycled jar—an unassuming glass vessel that once held a concoction whose origin story is likely as colorful as a clown at a birthday party. Perhaps it was a jar of jam made from the finest berries of a distant land, or maybe it was the remnants of Aunt Mildred's infamous pickled herring, the kind that could clear a room faster than a fire alarm. Regardless of its past, this jar is no longer confined to your grandmother’s pantry; it has been transformed into a beacon of creativity, a symbol of rebirth that whispers, “Hey, I’m not just a jar; I’m a portal to the extraordinary!”

Picture this jar, adorned with fanciful designs, glittering like it just won the lottery. It stands proudly at the base of the sculpture, its lid transformed into a whimsical garden, complete with miniature flowers that look suspiciously like they might have been plucked from a fairy's tea party. It invites you to look closer, nudging you to consider the beauty of second chances, much like when your best friend tries to convince you that the "interesting" haircut they gave themselves is actually avant-garde.

And now, behold the star of our show—a meticulously preserved bear, rendered in soy-based resin, a creature that seems to contemplate life’s great mysteries with the kind of intensity usually reserved for philosophers and that one friend who always asks, “But, like, what if we’re all just living in a simulation?” This is no ordinary bear; it’s a majestic guardian of whimsy, sparkling with fluorite that makes it look like it’s just stepped out of a disco from the ’70s, ready to bust a move and outshine even the most seasoned dancers. One glance at this bear, and you can’t help but smile, as if it’s sharing a private joke about the absurdity of existence—like why someone would ever think putting pineapple on pizza is a good idea!

Surrounding our bear is an eclectic ensemble of recycled treasures, each one more delightful than the last. There are turquoise bits that shimmer like ocean waves on a sunny day, glass marbles that seem to giggle as they catch the light, and faux foliage that looks so realistic you might expect it to start doing yoga poses at any moment. It’s as if a raccoon with an eye for interior design raided a thrift store and decided to throw the most fabulous garden party the forest has ever seen. Every element in this sculpture tells a story, each piece a playful reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, like the time you discovered that your sock drawer was a portal to a universe of mismatched socks and lost hopes.

And let’s not forget the glimmering trinkets of silver and copper that adorn this artistic masterpiece. They twinkle like stars in a night sky, each one a tiny ode to whimsy. We’ve got music notes that seem to dance to an unheard melody, glass beads that sparkle like the laughter of children, and gemstones like rose quartz and garnet that add a touch of elegance, as if they’re dressing for a gala where the theme is “Be as fabulous as you can possibly be!” These components pull you into their enchanting embrace, making you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret garden where every corner reveals a new delight, much like when you find a forgotten stash of cookies at the bottom of the pantry.

The vibrant hand-painted acrylics that cover the sculpture are a riot of colors, each hue more exuberant than the last. Imagine a parade of colors throwing a confetti party that spills out of the canvas and into your heart, inviting you to dance along with them. Bright yellows, luscious greens, and passionate pinks collide in a joyous celebration, reminiscent of a carnival where the rides are laughter, the games are joy, and the prizes are moments of pure, unfiltered happiness. You can almost hear the colors giggling, whispering secrets about the wonders of life, and encouraging you to embrace your inner child—because who doesn’t want to jump into a pile of autumn leaves wearing a superhero cape, shouting, “I am invincible!”?

But wait, there’s a twist! The sculpture possesses a magical quality, thanks to its UV-reactive components that allow it to transform under different lighting conditions. One moment, it’s basking in the warm glow of the sun, radiating cheer like a golden retriever chasing after a frisbee, and the next, it’s a dazzling spectacle of hidden beauty emerging from the shadows, like a superhero revealing their true powers. This transformation serves as a metaphor for life’s unexpected surprises, where the most extraordinary moments often hide in plain sight, waiting for just the right light to reveal their brilliance.

"Charmed Existence" is more than just a sculpture; it’s an invitation to reflect on our interconnectedness with the world around us. It nudges us to consider the stories behind every object we encounter, reminding us that even the smallest things can hold immense beauty and significance. It’s a gentle poke in the ribs that encourages us to embrace the absurdity of life, to laugh at our missteps, and to celebrate our journeys, no matter how tangled or quirky they may be.

So come closer, dear viewer, and let’s embark on this whimsical journey together! Bring your curiosity, your laughter, and maybe a snack or two for the road. After all, who knew that embracing sustainability could be such a fabulous adventure? As we explore "Charmed Existence," let’s revel in the delightful absurdities of life—because in this grand narrative we call existence, we’re all part of this wild, wacky, and wonderfully interconnected tapestry, each thread adding its own unique flair to the masterpiece of life. Now, who’s ready for a dance party in the enchanted garden?