Cassandra Gelbloom Studios

What Is Being Left Unsaid, 2023
Stoneware, Glaze

This is an installation piece that allowed participants to engage and express their thoughts or feelings anonymously. I was inspired by the carrel desks in my Universities library, as they are covered with messages or doodles by students. Some of the messages contain humour, but others are quiet serious pertaining to a persons mental health and well-being. These messages feel like a confessional; a space where a person can be heard, but unknown.

When making these boxes I had the idea to add the ear as the fixture that receives these notes. I made the ear to function like a cap on the box, yet there was a hole through the ear allowing for the notes to fall through. Each box also had a decal transfer that read, “If you feel like no one is listening, let me lend an ear” and a decal transfer of a QR code that connects people to a document listing mental health resources in Thunder Bay and within Canada. Seeing as this interactive piece might invite some serious confessionals; I wanted to ensure that resources were provided. By giving a chance to write what’s on your mind, I am evoking a moment to reflect on those thoughts. In doing so, it feels irresponsible to not offer avenues of support. In addition to the artworks design, I selected a turquoise glaze to represent the topic of Mental Health.

Each box was placed on my universities campus within different buildings and areas where students may frequent. I left them for a few hours during the day before collecting them. This piece was later on display in the Thunder Bay Art Gallery for its Juried Student Exhibition, where more viewers could continue to interact with the piece. By inviting people to leave written notes privately, I am opening a moment and space where people feel more inclined to share thoughts and feelings.