turning Bridges into symbols of hope

The Story of the Bridge Project is a journey that mirrors the artist’s healing path and the profound symbolism of bridges and suicide. Inspired by the Chakaruna or 'Bridge Builder,' this project is a visionary quest to weave our stories into an energetic tapestry of connection, transformation, and hope. This is more than an art installation; it is a testament to the power of collective action, transforming tragedy into healing. 

Feedback quickly revealed the ways bridges could trigger fear and anxiety for some, particularly those impacted by suicide. 

This realization became our first triumph: a chance to embrace and transform this trigger into an opportunity for healing. 

Rather than avoid the image of a bridge, we leaned into its symbolism, recognizing its power in connecting lives, stories, and emotions. 

In today’s culture of division and profound isolation, we are choosing to honor the bridge as a sacred mirror that reflects both the triggers and triumphs as courageous connection and potential personal healing. 

Through this lens, two iconic bridges emerged as guiding symbols for our project. 

The Golden Gate Bridge, with its dual legacy of beauty and tragedy, became our North American inspiration—a reminder of the resilience born from transformation. Meanwhile, the Q’eswachaka Bridge in Peru, handwoven by communities each year, became our communal model

—a testament to the power of collective effort and cultural preservation.

The energy of these two bridges will be woven throughout the year, reminding us that triggers, when faced with intention and love, 

can become triumphs. 

Together, we'll weave our 'stories of triumph' into threads of hope, collectively building a visual representation of a bridge from illness and isolation to wellness and connection within ourselves and our communities. 

As a suicide attempt survivor, bridges were a terrifying symbol for the artist for many years. Her photography and healing journey often lead her to face those fears, as we'll discover towards the end of this quest as her story unfolds. The artist's mission is to turn the trigger of the bridge into a symbol of hope. When we heal ourselves, we can the world!