Artist Gina Jrel

	© Artist Gina Jrel, 2005 Opening Old Wounds Medium: Oil, acrylic, thread, needle, razor blades and band-aids on gallery-wrapped canvas Dimensions: 24"w x 30"h Edge Treatment: Gallery-wrapped edges are adorned with red glitter, razor blades, and band-aids. Framing not necessary. Framing: Unframed, gallery-wrapped edges Original available for purchase: Private Collection / Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Available in Giclee: Yes   The idea for "Opening Old Wounds" took shape when I was toying with the idea of rekindling a relationship with my former (most recent) fiancee. This painting is a statement about how we, as humans, try desperately to heal our emotional wounds - especially in severed relationships. But yet, we will intentionally finger the wound, irritate it, and in some cases re-open it, causing the pain to burst free again, to fire up anew. We know it is not good for us, not in our best interest, but we will do it anyway. It is our nature. "Opening Old Wounds" is meant to capture the state of indecision between the two choices or directions. It shows a womans wounded torso, with wounds in varying stages of healing. The two arms, painted in complimentary (opposite) colors symbolize the opposite and conflicting objectives of each. The violet arm holds a needle and thread, and is in the process of stitching up an open wound, proactively making an effort to heal and move on. At the same time, the yellow hand crosses the violet hand. In direct opposition to the efforts of the violet hand, it extends a gentle finger into a gaping wound,denying it the chance to heal, and causing fresh and intense pain.