The River of Life and the Bridge of Choices. A Journey of Re (2024) Schilderij door Elena Kotliarker

Life often resembles the flow of a river, a continuous movement that carries us through moments of calm, turbulence, and everything in between. This metaphor offers profound insights into the human condition, portraying life as a path defined by contrasts, transitions, and choices. Like a river with two distinct banks, our journey unfolds between opposing states - tranquility and chaos, comfort and challenge, familiarity and the unknown. These elements shape not only who we are but also the decisions we make.

Two Banks of the River

On one side of this metaphorical river lies a peaceful bank, brimming with serenity and warmth. It is a haven of stability where flowering gardens paint the landscape in gentle hues, and soft melodies soothe the senses. Here, one feels enveloped by a sense of contentment, safety, and harmony. This bank is not just a geographical space in the metaphor; it represents a phase of life where everything feels secure and predictable.
On the opposite side, however, lies a bank marked by sharp tones, thorns, and obstacles. The atmosphere is colder, the environment harsher, and the air filled with hints of disorder and impending upheaval. This is the realm of challenges and uncertainty, where life's trials test our strength and resilience. The contrast between these two banks is stark, yet they are deeply interconnected.
It is human nature to yearn for the safety and comfort of the serene bank, particularly when life’s currents throw us onto the tumultuous shore. This longing to escape the chaos and return to calm is often subconscious—a deep-seated desire to restore balance and peace. Yet, paradoxically, there are moments when even the comfort of the serene bank becomes stifling. In these times, we consciously seek the thrill and danger of the opposite shore, drawn by an urge to grow, explore, and embrace the unknown.
Crossing the River: Effort and Determination
Regardless of which shore beckons us, the act of crossing the river requires immense effort. Once we plunge into the water, we are propelled by the determination to reach the other side. There is no room for hesitation or second-guessing, as the river’s powerful currents threaten to pull us under if we falter. This journey across the river symbolizes life’s pivotal moments—those times when we commit fully to a decision or a path, knowing there is no turning back.
Yet life, with its inherent complexity, does not always demand such definitive leaps. Sometimes, it offers us a bridge—a structure that allows us to pause, reflect, and reconsider. Unlike the relentless currents of the river, the bridge provides a stable middle ground, a place where we can take stock of our choices and evaluate our path forward.

The Golden Bridge: A Symbol of Choice

In my latest painting, I have depicted a golden bridge that spans the river, connecting the two opposing banks. This bridge becomes a powerful symbol of the choices we make in life. At first glance, the faint figures on the bridge may appear to be a bride and groom, but they represent something much deeper: a person and their alter ego. These two facets of the self meet in the middle of the bridge to engage in a dialogue—a negotiation about which shore to choose or whether to part ways altogether.
The golden bridge serves as a metaphorical "meeting point," where the internal world of a person—represented by their dreams, desires, and fears—intersects with external realities and aspirations. It is here, on the bridge, that the most profound and challenging conversations take place. The outcome of these dialogues determines not only which shore we ultimately choose but also how we navigate the journey ahead.


Every step on the bridge is an act of balance. As we traverse this space, we are constantly weighing our inner desires against external demands. This process requires deep introspection and courage, as it often involves confronting difficult truths about ourselves and our circumstances. The figures on the golden bridge are locked in such a moment of reflection, poised between two worlds.
This reflection is not always easy. One part of us may crave the stability and security of the serene bank, while another yearns for the freedom and excitement of the tumultuous shore. The golden bridge, therefore, becomes a space of tension—a place where opposing forces within us clash and negotiate. Yet it is also a space of possibility, where we can discover new insights and perspectives.
A Turning Point in Life
The decision made on the bridge represents a turning point in our journey. Whether we choose to remain in our comfort zone or venture into the unknown, this moment of choice shapes the course of our life. It is important to remember that no decision is without risk or uncertainty. Even the choice to stay in familiar territory carries the potential for stagnation, while the leap into the unknown may lead to growth or unforeseen challenges.
The golden bridge, however, is not just a place of uncertainty; it is also a symbol of hope. It reminds us that we are not bound by the currents of the river, nor by the limitations of either shore. The bridge connects these two worlds, allowing us to explore both while retaining the freedom to choose our path.
The Universal Significance of the Bridge
The metaphor of the golden bridge resonates deeply with the human experience. We all encounter moments in life when we must pause, reflect, and make a choice. These moments often arise during times of transition—when we are faced with new opportunities, challenges, or shifts in our understanding of ourselves and the world. The bridge serves as a reminder that we are not alone in these experiences; it is a shared aspect of the human journey.
Moreover, the bridge symbolizes the potential for unity and reconciliation. The figures on the bridge, representing a person and their alter ego, highlight the importance of inner harmony. By engaging in dialogue and seeking balance, we can integrate the different aspects of ourselves and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
The Bridge as a Source of Inspiration
As an artist, I am inspired by the universal themes embodied by the golden bridge. It speaks to the struggles and triumphs that define our lives, offering a visual representation of the choices we face and the courage required to navigate them. My hope is that viewers of this painting will see themselves in the figures on the bridge and find inspiration in their journey.
The golden bridge invites us to reflect on our own lives and the choices that have brought us to where we are today. It challenges us to consider where we are headed and whether our current path aligns with our true aspirations. Most importantly, it reminds us that the power to choose remains within us, no matter how turbulent the river may seem.

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