"The Third Body"
Choose options
Prints: Limited edition of 50
About The Artwork:
"The Third Body" is a deeply symbolic black and white art piece that explores the mysterious space that exists between individuals in a relationship. At the center is a basket star, its intricate tendrils curling in all directions, containing fragments and symbols from earlier illustrations.
Basket stars, a lesser-known relative of the sea star, are nocturnal, delicate, and endlessly branching. With their fractal-like arms and organic symmetry, they embody complexity, mystery, and subtle intelligence. Found in deep, dark waters, they thrive in hidden places and move slowly, almost imperceptibly. In symbolic terms, they represent unseen bonds, resilience in silence, and the quiet ability to adapt and grow in complex relational networks. In "The Third Body," the basket star becomes a metaphor for the evolving and entangled web that forms in long-term emotional or spiritual partnerships.
The concept of The Third Body—a term made popular by poet Robert Bly and explored further by writers like Connie Zweig—refers to the soul of a relationship itself. Rather than viewing a connection as merely the sum of two individuals, this idea honors the emergence of a third presence: the shared emotional and energetic field that arises between them. When nurtured, this third body becomes a sacred space for growth, creativity, and mutual transformation. If neglected, it withers, leaving only the tension between separate selves. In "The Third Body," this space is made visible—delicate, organic, filled with layers of shared meaning, and utterly dependent on mutual attention.
Together, these elements weave a narrative about the unseen architecture of love, trust, and vulnerability. The branching limbs of the basket star suggest how two lives become entangled in rich and unpredictable ways. The symbols within hint at past experiences, shared dreams, and the stories couples build together. "The Third Body" invites viewers to pause and consider the living presence between themselves and another—the invisible but real energy that asks not for perfection, but for care. This black and white art piece is a visual love letter to the quiet labor of connection and the beauty of cultivating something greater than the self.
"The tapestry moves in silence
Living the quiet life of a dream
Sitting on the lap of Love
Her favorite child
Her beloved treasure
Passersby will murmur
“They don’t write stories like that any more”
As they stroll through the courtyard
In awe" ― Karien Bredenkamp
Illustration Size:
5 x 7 inches (portrait)
7 x 5 inches (landscape)
Mat Board Size:
- Original Artwork: Mat board will fit an 11 x 14 inch frame.
- Limited Edition Print: Mat board will fit an 8 x 10 inch frame.
- Both limited edition prints & original artwork are protected by a double layered, high quality, acid-free Crescent® brand mat board (4-ply, approximately .050 inch thick, with a beveled cut window opening). The mat board has a white top layer with a visible black layer underneath. For added protection artwork gets shipped with a standard white backing board, enclosed in a clear protective bag. Frame shown in product images not included.
Medium:
- Original Artwork: Pigment archival ink on cold press acid free 300gsm paper.
- Limited Edition Print: Superior quality digital print on 100% fine art cotton, acid free paper.
Authenticity:
- Original Artwork: Signed, dated & certificate of authenticity included.
- Limited Edition Print: Signed, dated, edition number & certificate of authenticity included.
All Policies: