While navigating the ups and downs of a soul-draining job and struggling to connect with my Gen Z staff, I found solace and inspiration in the transformational journey of my partner, McCarty. While I remained tethered to the confines of corporate life, McCarty was embracing a newfound freedom in the sun-kissed shores of St. Croix USVI. Abandoning the trappings of Wall Street and Savile Row suits, he embraced a simpler existence, trading in his tailored attire for the comfort of cargo shorts.
In a gesture of generosity, McCarty gifted me his cherished collection of vintage silk ties, an offering that became the raw material for this emotional baggage cart. These ties, once symbols of corporate conformity, now serve as the building blocks for a visual testament to liberation and self-discovery.
“The Great Resignation” stands as a tribute to all those who have dared to prioritize their own well-being over the toxic demands of their work environments. It is a celebration of courage, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of authenticity. Each element, from the vintage silk ties to the repurposed leather belts I tooled as a teen, speaks to the transformative power of letting go and embracing new beginnings.
Utilizing a diverse array of materials, including paracord, zip ties, ribbon, LED strip lights, and commercial fishing net, I sought to encapsulate the complexity of the emotional baggage carried by individuals on their journey to liberation. The juxtaposition of the opulent silk ties with the utilitarian elements serves as a visual metaphor for the intersection of personal growth and societal expectations.
The recovered shopping cart substrate, adorned with a layer of gold spray paint, serves as a poignant symbol of the consumerist culture that often fuels the relentless pursuit of professional success at the expense of personal fulfillment. By repurposing this symbol of capitalism, I aim to challenge conventional notions of value and redefine the meaning of prosperity in terms of inner fulfillment rather than material wealth.
Ultimately, “The Great Resignation Emotional Baggage Cart” is more than just an art installation—it is a call to action. It invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship with work, success, and self-worth, and to consider the possibility of forging a path guided by authenticity and self-love. It is my hope that this piece will serve as a beacon of inspiration for all those who dare to dream of a life lived on their own terms.
Vintage silk ties and leather belts, paracord, black zip ties & ribbon, LED strip lights, mesh on recycled commercial fishing net and gold spray paint on recovered shopping cart