18 Comments
User's avatar
Abbey Wade's avatar

I love this so much. The whole idea that we really are never alone, and that life is a delicious collaboration.

The flow of this piece had such an amazing structure to it, too❤️

Duane Toops's avatar

“a delicious collaboration” - damn it that’s good! That’s it exactly!

Vanessa's avatar

That is the ultimate goal, isn’t it? Connection; to self, to others -as you said so poignantly - As the makers we are always only ever collaborators in the conversation of an experience -brilliant

Duane Toops's avatar

yes! Connection to everything! Thanks so much Vanessa!

Manuela Thames's avatar

I love that last collage in particular!!

Duane Toops's avatar

Thank you so much! So glad you like it!

The Sea in Me's avatar

'It’s a vulnerable surrender. The recognition that the work never belonged to us to begin with'

These interweaves, the audience as receptacle, finisher of the work. Love it!

Duane Toops's avatar

Yes! The finisher of the work! Thank you!

Carrie Delgadillo's avatar

Precisely this❣️

Duane Toops's avatar

Precisely 😉

Mr.Collagesky's avatar

Another fantastic reflection from Master Duane Toops.

With your permission, I'll go a little further. I believe that the moment we place a work before the public eye, it ceases to be ours and becomes property of whoever contemplates it.

It's total detachment, after such a particular process for two. Us and the piece.

Duane Toops's avatar

Oh yes!! Exactly! When the work ceases to be yours completely and is welcomed home by another!

Kay's avatar

I love this on art works only becoming complete and then coming to life when viewed by the right person - through their thoughts, emotions and feelings entering and engaging with the work.

And I love the idea of the hollow of our work becoming a shelter for others to be welcomed in.

Thank you, Duane.

Duane Toops's avatar

Thanks so much Kay! I’m so happy this resonates with you!

Pastor Danny Toops's avatar

That embraces the whole concept of me and mom are doing only a complete unrelated field. Refusing silo. But to encompass. Great writing. Thanks for sharing

Duane Toops's avatar

Much appreciated!

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Love you, too, Duane!

Duane Toops's avatar

Love you too Paul!