The Claw
Acrylic on Canvas
30" x 48"
$3,400
Sarah Bing
Artist Statement
"The Claw" is a reflection on the complexities and vulnerabilities of our digital existence. This painting originated during a live spiritual drumming event, where the rhythmic energy inspired the initial strokes. However, after working on the piece for several hours, it sat untouched for almost a month, as I grappled with frustration and dissatisfaction with its progression.
In a moment of clarity, I envisioned a hammerhead shark bat being grasped by a claw, reminiscent of the plush toys found in a children's prize booth. This imagery serves as a metaphor for the experience of navigating the internet—being plucked from reality and drawn into a vortex of information and experiences, much like the fantastical worlds of Doctor Who.
The contrasting colors and swirling forms in "The Claw" evoke a sense of movement and disorientation, inviting the viewer to contemplate the vastness of the online landscape. The emptiness that emerges from these swirls symbolizes the feelings of isolation and uncertainty that can accompany our digital interactions.
Ultimately, "The Claw" embodies the tension between playfulness and unease, capturing the duality of the internet as both a source of wonder and a potential trap. This piece is a testament to the creative journey, illustrating how frustration can lead to unexpected revelations and deeper insights.