We’re all searching for rest

18 months in the making… From speaking with researchers to gathering objects in the streets with many volunteers, this undertaking took a village. And rightfully so, this sculpture is meant to embody us all.

First, zoom out: the immensity of the problem. Addiction isn’t some faraway issue - we’re all somehow connected to it. This sculpture shows the magnitude, but also nearness to everyday life. Coffee, screens, sugar, beer, pills, chapstick, Instagram, money, fast food, fast fashion, the news… what aren’t we addicted to?

Let’s slow down. Admit it. We all have an ache inside of us that we cope with. Run from. Numb from. And none of our ever growing number of stimuli and convenient options ever quite remedy it - at least not for long.

My hope is that this sculpture draws empathy and connection where we’re typically too uncomfortable to go. We might as well talk about it - it may even be the first step to recovery (or remaining in recovery)… Inside the sculpture, viewers can enter a quiet place of reflection where they find portraits and stories from people who have vast wisdom of how addiction shapes our lives, minds and families. And what it takes to overcome it.

More elaboration to be found… at Science Gallery. Head over to SciGalleryAtl / HOOKED for exhibit information and enjoy. (Oh and bring a symbolic object with you to contribute…:)

Huge thanks to EVERYONE who helped this come together. The list is long…