Another Thomas Mann pin, and one that might be in my all-time top five. I'm wearing it today to symbolize the eternal conflict of work. On the one hand, work (or my work, anyway) allows me to indulge a passion for innovation, symbolized here by the heart with wings. On the other hand, all work (not just mine) comes with constraints to be fought, symbolized here by the chains lashing the black heart to the winged heart.Some people argue that creativity works best when constrained, because the terror of the "blank sheet" is eliminated. But I've never believed that, to be honest. I'd rather wrestle with the blank sheet than fight (often arbitrary) constraints; or impose my own boundaries if the blank sheet's winning. It's that dualism that makes work challenging, I suppose, even worth getting out of bed for. Most of the time.
The Heart In Chains wings are silver, the framing heart is brass, the free-floating black heart is glass, and is held in place by steel chains. I love everything about this pin: concept, materials, proportions, execution. Mann's made many more heart pins, but none as good as this one.
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3 comments:
hmmm, generally I would think a heart would symbolize love or relationship, interesting you would equate it with work. I could see my husband taking your viewpoint :)
The winged heart symbolizes passion, not work. The chained heart symbolizes how that passion is constrained.
Work with me on this, Steph, work with me!
This is my favorite "badge" yet. I think you should just give it to me. I know you'll say no but it never hurts to ask, eh?
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