Becoming Sal da Terra
The work of South American born multi disciplinary artist, designer, and poet Sal da Terra ("salt of the earth") explores the abstraction of hidden meanings, the metaphors and rhythmic fusion of words and imagery of love, loss, and hope. Her voice is rooted in her womanhood. Her philosophy of love. Her past. Her multiculturalism. And, motherhood.
Her words shift between her love for language and imagery. She writes from a place of anticipation, a longing for future experiences not yet here.
Her poetic language comes from her country’s Asian roots. The influences of Chinese and East Indian Cultures while echoing the foundation of her Portuguese mother, and her father’s Zulu Warrior/Amerindian ancestry.
It has taken Sal da Terra a full journey to become the women she is today. She now encapsulates all her rich poetic adventures in a new solid language. She now stands inside the second half of her life. Vulnerable. Looking out towards all the promises tomorrow brings.
She has stepped fully into her becoming. Her creative essence is rooted in the simplicity of all her experiences. In this new age, she comes to terms with her choices. Her past. Her loss. Her hope. Her faith. Her love. Her strength. Her weaknesses.
She has shifted herself out of the years of solitude and persietent suffering, as a wanderer, to now stand on top of a life she begins again. Anew. Side by side with the daughter she cherishes more than living, as well as sharing and growing along with the many friends who support and care for her. Now, Sal da Terra reaches into her becoming.
She sees the beauty of language. The importance of love, loving, and friendships. The importance of letting go of all the old sub-text and narratives that no longer exist in her.
Her goal is to awaken the senses and draw out all her emotional experiences. All the voices inside. Her work is a reflection of her fragility, vulnerability, and courage.
She is always naked inside each and every word. Thought. Poem. Artwork. She lives inside her brave memory, that in birth she was received into this world naked, into the arms of love. In her early years she covered her fragility.
In her current age she once again clings to her childlike dreamy, romantic metaphors. She is just a tenant inside her life experiences; unaware of the expiration date of her life and tenancy.
“It is unknown how long we have for this life we call living. How long we have for loving. Everyone, who means everything to me, must know how deeply they are loved. Now. In this moment. Today. Not tomorrow. There is no place to forget to say. You are loved by me. Forever.”
“I love all of you - you are irreplaceable to my life.”
Sal da Terra