The theme of this series is acknowledging and venerating the spaces encircling the words in verbal exchanges. Just as musical rests are important to give the notes their full meaning, silences surrounding words give voice to the full connotation in and throughout conversations. The resting areas knit together the order and meaning of all the bits of dialogue information. They allow for different levels of thought, different levels of hearing, different levels of understanding. The series includes both wall pieces and book sculptures. 

honoring the silence     

that surrounds words

the edge                      

between quiet and talk

stillness

in the soundless spaces

allowing thoughts                          

to float

unspoken tales   

in breathable quiet

giving credence

to the edges of words

Bonnie Stahlecker 2015