Friendship: a Missing Peace
Personal Work
Inspired by Big Think’s video article, “The Friendship Recession” with Richard Reeves from March 31, 2023. The piece describes the value of friendship, its decline across the U.S. in recent years, and factors that may be leading to this phenomenon.
“A key lesson that we learn is that friendships don't form themselves. Friendship is not a flower that just blooms all on its own.”
— Richard Reeves, The Friendship Recession on Big Think
Work in Progress
After exploring a couple of directions, I fleshed out the idea of what happens when we overlap with one another — the delight of friendship that ensues in our connection with each other.
Friendship is “a relationship of genuine and radical equality... There's no sense of dependency. … It's not a transactional relationship in any way. …there is nothing in it for you other than the relationship.”
— Richard Reeves, The Friendship Recession on Big Think
Work in Progress
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Work in Progress 1
After a portfolio review, receiving feedback that it could be nice to see color in the overlapping sections to further communicate the delight of friendship, I explored constellations as an option.
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Work in Progress 2
To soften the piece and pull in more of the “peace” from “Friendship: a missing peace”, I explored a pastel color palette.
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Work in Progress 3
Exploring another execution: I drew on themes of childhood, chalk drawings, and transparent color to create softness and to remind us of the ease of forming friendships as a child. Natural elements like clouds, plants, flowers, and water communicate an ecosystem, mirroring the ecosystem that is created through friendship and community. Spirited shooting stars and stars hanging down on strings communicate a sense of hope and play.
Final Piece
Friendship offers a kaleidoscopic, delightful universe of exploration, play, and depth.
Portfolio Review: Rick Pinchera via Owen Davey’s Portfolio Chats