Artwork description:

"Ex voto is a Latin phrase derived from the ellipsis of ex voto suscepto, "according to the promise made", and indicates a formula affixed to objects offered in sanctuaries to thank the recipient of the gift (God, the Madonna, a saint) for having fulfilled a prayer. The extension of the meaning has led to the designation of the object of the offering with the same phrase, also applying it to the votive offerings of the ancient world. A large number of ex-votos are connected to the health sphere and therefore to the body sphere; among the various types of votive objects, anatomical ex voto prevail, which represent in the vast majority the diseased organ, the objects-signs of the disease, for example, medical instruments, orthopedic tools, etc., and the painted tablets, in which it is depicted the event to which the grace received refers."

In this case I wanted to engrave a promise dedicated to myself. The promise is about resilience and the image I made depicts a heart that is completely black in the lower extremity and surrounded by thorns, immersed in water. The heart changes in its upper part, coloring itself and returning to be a living heart. In its extremities, from the heart valves, flowers and leaves are born which represent the desire to stay alive and to "bloom" again.

Materials used:

ink, forex, carving tools, Japanese paper

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