Most of Love is Lost

2023

Acrylic Ink on Wood Assemblage

22” x 13”

“Between what is said and not meant, and what is meant and not said, most of love is lost.” - Khalil Gibran

This piece was initially inspired by the Lovers of Valdaro, a 6,000 year old couple whose grave was unearthed in SanGiorgio, Italy. The couple was found buried facing each other in a seemingly loving embrace. Since then, many ancient graves have been found with similar couples in similar positions all over from Russia to China. However, the plot thickens since archaeologists are slowly learning of the cultural meanings behind these graves, and they are not always loving or romantic. In fact, it is believed that in some of these ancient tribes, the female was buried alive, or killed then buried, with her husband in his untimely passing.

It got me to thinking about what these couples relationships had truly been like: Were they in love? An abusive relationship? Basically strangers? The barriers of death and the unknown made me think of the barriers we put up against each other. Where communications break down, those we love may not in fact feel loved. Or past resentments build until the death of the relationship is imminent or even overdue.

The couple here may be dead or alive, but they are locked in their own worlds, unable to truly see one another. Roots have grown and made a barrier between them, and although they are lying in a seemingly lush and beautiful scene, much is lost and buried under the surface, and death remains imminent.