Presenting on Louise Bourgeois’, Spider, 1997 was an emotional moment for me and others. Sharing the intensity that she had for/in her work was difficult when you relate to her emotions. It was particularly emotional for me after the presentation seeing others react to the piece. I was the little girl on the playground who would cry when others got hurt. The Spider is such an evocative sculpture instillation that when others reacted to their feelings, I was overwhelmed. I had to get out of there. I admire those who could have an emotional release when viewing an art piece. I myself ran from my emotions. I felt something but couldn’t confront it. This trip had been baby steps for me in allowing myself to have these emotional releases in public. Eventually I hope/know I will see a work of art that I will either 1. Feel comfortable crying in public or 2. Will be overcome and won’t be able to help but cry in public.
-Celeste