Mom & Dad: History

 Theme   Media     Healing  



Carnival 4
The Carnival series began in 1997, after Ms. Blinchikoff’s father died. The abstract sculptures were made of brightly-painted closed geometric shapes. To Nannette’s surprise, the artwork took on a whimsical carnival atmosphere. However, after working with the spirals in her next series, Breaking Through she realized the earlier closed geometric components symbolized her inability to heal from her father’s passing.

In the End
The Breaking Through series began in 2003, a year after Nannette's mother died. This time the artist used wire to reinforced the cardboard, enabling her to explore the many possibilities of the medium. When this tightly-wound stem burst into spirals she not only experienced a change in her art but in her personal healing as well. As the new series developed, a comforting feeling of "freedom" came over her. She identified with the openness of the sculptural space.
After finishing In the End, Ms. Blinchikoff realized that the tightly-wound stems and cascading spirals symbolized the bonding of patient and caretaker during a debilitating illness and then the coping after the loved one has died.

  
 Mom & Dad - Together Again
    A Melding of Two Series

Carnival's closed geometric shapes make up the interior of this sculpture, to represent Nannette's Dad, a strong silent man.  The open spiraling tendrils, in the Breaking Through series, form the exterior and embody her Mom's outgoing and vivacious spirit.  Here the two series are intertwined to illustrate Terri & Abe's endless love story.
For Nannette, this piece brings solace knowing her parents are still inspiring her.  She has also gained an aesthetic satisfaction, a future art series to pursue, and a better understanding of the healing process after losing those dear to her.