Nights consumed by thoughts… pendulous between hesitation and hope… Questioning. In the face of darkness and uncertainty, how do we choose to step into the light? The isolating experience of a global pandemic upended my relationship with space, time, and community. Feelings of isolation evolved into solitary sanctuary – a residence of self-exploration and reflection. Then, in the midst of variants and opposing viewpoints, being told to lay down my masks and reveal myself to the outside world as we all step into the revised normal. Regulations intended to guide and protect us have highlighted the significant moral and political divisions that cut through our social worlds — how do we heal? The ever-evolving reactivity and adjustments to our daily life and the trepidation of shifting towards the new were the inspirations and catalysts for this body of work entitled By A Thread. By a Thread is a response uncertainty and transition, deconstructing the feelings that arise in with the tightening and loosening of rules. It reflects on humanities need for order in the face of disorder, and the sense of trepidation as one navigates those conflicting impulses within oneself and our society. Oft-maligned, moths evoke a sense or rebirth and regeneration, with an innate pull towards. After such a prolonged period of blackout, we too are called to leave the haven of our cocooned worlds behind as we are drawn instinctively to the dawn and hope it brings, promise that until now been just beyond reach.

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About
Photography has always been the antidote for Shira Gold’s unquiet mind - a visual expression of subjects that often defy verbal articulation and a lens in which she can see the world through new eyes. Her sizeable bodies of work are steeped in personal visual narratives and observations, exploring subjects of grief, identity, change and wonder. Shira utilizes still life and landscape as metaphors for themes common to us all and often left unspoken. Stillness, negative space and minimalism are consistent characters that have become hallmarks in Shira’s work, providing visual respite and a means to focus on intention and simplicity. “My art is alert to the discomfort we all face in our daily lives,” she explains, “and I want to turn pain and angst on its side to discover the beauty that accompanies our struggles.” Shira’s work has garnered her recognition through various international awards, including The Fine Art Photo Awards, Lens Culture Art Photography Awards and International Photo Awards, among others. She has been published internationally in noted publications including The Guardian and The Times newspapers, The British Journal of Photography, Dohdo, PhotoEd Magazine, and more. Shira’s art has been exhibited in public spaces and galleries throughout North America and in Spain, Greece and France. She currently lives and works in Vancouver, Canada.