Caitlin Schneider

The Resolution 2
Color Relief Print & Collage
2' x 2'

This work titled The Resolution 2 by Caitlin Schneider is part of a series of works
that deal with Carl Jung's theories on the "shadow," the darker side of the human psyche.
Jung theorized that each of us mustaccept and understand the ugliest parts of our personalities
, as well as the good, in order to develop into a morally "good" person.

To explore these ideas, this print deals with the fine line between pleasure and pain,
and the natural fascination with destruction. Some might find it appalling,
but many individuals always have been fascinated by destruction – whether people or things.
It can be terrifying to witness the destruction of something, but it also can be a confirmation of our own existance.
The emotion associated with this feeling also can be described as guilt.
For example, survivors of catastrophic events may feel sad for those who were hurt,
but also satisfaction or relief that they were able to make it through the event.
And that combination often can lead to guilt.

The piece is an attempt to describe those feelings in order to understand
how two such disparate emotions can come together, given the right circumstances.
I chose to look at myself rather than humanity as a whole.
I have created this piece not only as an exploration of myself, but also as a tool for other people.
I do not celebrate the "shadow" emotions, but believe we must accept them
as part of who we are in order to move on with our lives.
By creating this print, I have tried to create a safe haven to experience these emotions,
reconcile them and perhaps find a little clarity.

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