An homage to honor the marriage of my friend Kersen Witkin, and his beautiful wife Kiyo Taga.
It is kind of strange speaking about why the making of this piece has been so special, because I don’t normally have one specific reason behind why any of my collage art ‘exists’ – So, it might not be very easy to express going so ‘very out of my usual way’ to create an art piece with two people specifically in mind during the creation process. But, here goes anyway…
Kersen is someone I met over 15 years ago. Meeting him has been a wonderful experience in and of itself. He is someone who is incredibly inspiring to me. Someone who is fiercely loyal to those whom he loves. Someone who has always kept an open mind with regards to our friendship. And, most importantly, a true friend who has never judged me for being who I am.
Beginnings?
I first met him while he was a teaching assistant at the Montessori school where my two children were attending school.
Everyday, after classes ended, when I would show up to fetch my daughter Sofia, and son Joshua – Kersen would be there watching over this bubbling schoolyard of children. With all these busy bee kideroonies buzzing around our feet, we would strike up conversations about the randomness of this and that. At some point the question eventually turned to, “So, what do you do outside of being a mom? Why are you always dressed up?” – To which I returned the curiosity, “So, are you planning on becoming a teacher? What are your future plans?”
hehehe :)
From that point forward, our conversations moved on through many different subjects spanning the years. We have both relocated from NM. He now lives in NY, and I in CA – Opposite ends of the coast, but just as close.
Despite any distances, we continue to keep in touch like we are still standing out on that playground.
Recently, Kersen married his beloved, Kiyo Taga.
Now, because I have known him for so long, I know some details about his personal encounters with previous girlfriends, (not ALL, but some!) And, not unlike any of us, there have been some misfires which inevitably paved way into our chatter. We always spoke unceremoniously of our current relationships, and of past experiences in contrast.
Regarding Kiyo?
Well, Kiyo was different from day one. When he spoke about her, I knew he was telling me about his future wife. And, in hindsight, I believe that he knew it too. To elaborate: It was overtly simple to understand, and embrace who she was becoming to him, through his descriptions of her – And, who they were becoming as a couple was even clearer. So, none could be more pleased than I over this perfectly matched outcome, ( except for their families, of course! )
“It is without question, extremely apparent that these two people belong together: Absolutely.”
Alright then…
One of the most heartfelt projects I have taken on to date: A piece enveloping everything that is sacred, and subjective about love and friendship. A piece for my friend, with whom I have traveled quite a distance – A piece specifically dedicated to him and his lovely wife for the sharing of their lives together. A visual journey spanning years, and with more to come in the future. A piece to display and commemorate my complete respects for their union: The Beloved: Kersen and Kiyo
Take care till next time, everyone~
http://kersenwitkin.wordpress.com
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3988279837_1b2c8f7ea4_o.jpg
