We Are Georgetown

Fish

We stand as witness to his coming, conjoined to life, stealing a glimpse into the realm that he inhabits in waiting. 

From an oil slicked puddle that dots the pavement outside a liquor store’s neon glow he rises, taking his place alongside a life. 

Entering this realm of living human experience we exist not as a singularity, but instead as twins. The living embodiment that we call self, and the embodiment of death. 

A companion bonded to us, beyond the veil actively experienced the waking world through us.

We are Georgetown witnesses the birth of the duality, my silent boon companion. 

Since childhood, I have been keenly aware of the presence of something lying just beyond my ability to perceive it wholly — shadowy and creeping, existing right past my periphery. A dark cloud waling alongside me in ominous silence.  As an adult, it was the sudden death of my father that forced me to confront the separation between myself and this ever-looming entity. Through this confrontation, I recognized this presence as Death — the witness to my life, my silent twin. We as humans arrogantly assume that Death is simply the absence of essential life functions, or the hooded figure laying waste to life like chaffs of wheat in a field.  However, Death serves as a constant companion to life, not merely as an opposing force. Instead, life walks alongside Death more as a mirror — each reflecting the presence of the other yet separated for a time by the veil of the human ego. Over the last two decades, I have entered a quiet, lingering conversation with Death. It is in these exchanges that I find connection to his existence, as he gives insight into both the nature of the bond between Life and Death, as well, his own unique experiences and predilections.  

It is a uniquely human pursuit to create what nature already provides for itself. Birds possess the skillset to create unique, purposeful spaces that fit their individual needs; yet we as humans in our own arrogance build literal houses for them. This stems from the desire to dominate our own surroundings, constructing conditions that reinforces the belief in the supremacy of our own intellect. It is out of fear that we seek to exert control over the natural world.  

This fear leads us to the creation of frameworks, belief systems, and structures that help us understand and vainly attempt to govern what is beyond our perception. It is within the vessels of these belief systems that we feel safe enough to pour our fears of the unknown, and unanswerable questions.  To both control and bring us closer to these beliefs, we erect structures that attempt to contain that which is uncontainable. The birdhouse is one of these constructs: a home, a place of safety, a refuge; yet a manufactured construction, a desire to rule over. What is contained within the birdhouse is our ultimate unknown: Death.  

 Death is something I still fear to the degree that all humans do. The inevitable end of the consciousness we know and exist in is terrifying; yet a familiarity and a comfort has come through the bond I share with my Death and our conversations. When I pass from this plane of existence, it is him that I will see — no longer a separate presence from me, but as a singularity. A divided pair finally connected, and I will greet him as a friend. 

 Rules for Georgetown: 

  • Please remove shoes 

  • Enter one soul at a time 

  • No flash photography 

  • Linger as long as your reflection deems necessary for communion 

Minimalist 3D sculpture installation in Georgetown: A reflective birdhouse or 'home' featuring a mirror surface, juxtaposed with neon elements. The piece addresses themes of sanctuary and death.
Minimalist 3D sculpture installation in Georgetown: A reflective birdhouse or 'home' featuring a mirror surface, juxtaposed with neon elements. The piece addresses themes of sanctuary and death.

Contact me

littleblackchurch@gmail.com

Instagram: @fish_tattoos