Perspective colors every moment of the living experience. The position from which we see the world is dictated by our unique relationship to external objects, beings and structures. The sum of our personal and collective experiences builds the foundation that both shapes and limits our understanding. These constructs empower our perception and meaning, but inherently blind us to other realities that may contradict what we hold to be true. Throughout our history, we’ve strived to create ways to communicate other perspectives, to simulate other meanings or transform our current state into something besides our singular present reality. Language, art, music, literature, theater, dance, film are all windows into another experience, transformative mediums that allow us to both compare our difference and share our commonalities. These art forms are powerful tools for communicating empathy. While a photograph may display an aesthetically pleasing image, it also shows the unique view seen by an individual who chose to capture that precise location in that singular moment in history. Art conveys intent, context and emotion, opening a fissure that has the potential to move us closer to the experiences of others. “Lay Of The Land” is inspired by the distinct perspectives from which we see the world. In the physical plane, we can only see and experience a finite slice of the earth at any given time. As we know from early map-making, our perception and notions of where we are and what lies around us can be skewed. Conceptualizing ourselves as part of larger geographic structures expands our ability to see ourselves in a larger context. When we do have the opportunity to view the earth from afar, our perception is opened. Maps allow us to compare large and small structures in the physical world though this wider perspective, though empowering, this view sacrifices the detail and subtlety that we only get from a narrow focus. In intimacy, we uncover different meanings than we do from afar. In taking a step back to see larger structures, we have the potential to imagine opportunities and directions for the future. In creating art in collaboration with facilitating communication, empathy and discussion, we can work in our local spaces and communities on global issues as a means to improve the paradoxical truths and overarching structures of our intimate and collective experiences. - Chase Jackson