Hernandez, Jaclyn

  For my stencil, I chose a bird that is formed by the letters that spell out “peace”. Anything affiliated with nature immediately catches my attention. At first, I viewed the animal as being a representation for freedom amongst all living things. Then that idea segmented into what I believe is the highlight of this course; the need for equality and peace between the interpretations of visual expressions, different cultures, and just of one another in general. We may share similarities, but what makes us who we are is the difference, which should be respected (again, peacefully).

     Once I started to think more deeply about what this symbol truly meant to me and why I knew I had to have it on my cover, was when I realized that this bird was not just an ordinary bird; to me, it is a dove. As you all know, I was raised Catholic. Doves symbolized the Holy Spirit. Even though I’m not as religious as I was before, I still associate doves with positive connotations such as this one. 

     It even makes me think of my favorite movie: The Notebook. I know it’s a sappy movie, don’t judge. But in all seriousness, Ryan Gosling tells Rachel McAdams, “…if you’re a bird, then I’m a bird…” For those who don’t know the movie, the couple aren’t supported by McAdams’s parents in the storyline, so they struggle due to this. Thus, this “peace” aspect plays a part with my favorite movie (between her parents and the lovebirds...pun totally intended), too! How cool is that?