Antenor Da Silva
Journals
The Bulb
We come across certain encounters during our lives daily, and several of those moments pass by wihtout being impactful. But sometimes, we are faced with circumstances that change our lives forever, and at that moment… at that place… our life is not just ours, alone. Our fear is not just ours, and the healing is not a lonely journey anymore. Las Vegas, October 1st of 2017 was that intersection for many families and our community as a whole. This memorial is a representation and acknowledgement of how much we need each other to walk through difficult times. A drive down a tunnel is not as scary when you see the light shining at the end. You can always hold your breath a little longer when you know the surface of the water is in arms reach. You can face any fear if you know someone is there holding your hand. That is the intent of this memorial. As you walk down this unknown path, with memories of that dark day and triggers that can bring you back to that night, just look around. The water washing over their names will give you a sense of peace and serenity to help you keep going, even though you don’t see what is on the other end. They are that light at the end of the tunnel, they are the hand you are holding, and THEY are going to lead you out of that unfamiliar place into what we know as the other end of the tunnel. The end of this path takes you to a personal space that gives you courage to embrace silence and peace. That’s when you realize you are not alone, and those we lost will always be remembered as the ones that helped you strip down your fears, like you peel away the skins of an onion, just to realize that you always had the in you the light and strength you seek in others.
Artem
The Arts District in Las Vegas has been, for years, a collective effort to renovate, rebuild, and share art through the local lens. The Artem (Latin for ART) symbolizes a drop of hope left behind by YOU, ME and EVERYONE that has made the arts district of Las Vegas what it is today. The explosion of color creates a journey that offers shelter, rest, interaction, and an incredible display of colors. Each stroke of colors soars over you as if a bucket of paint had just been dropped on the floor, flying thought the air creating an arch that offers you the shelter needed from the weather. That same stroke lands on the ground transforming itself into a comfortable resting area. The gathering area was created in the round to promote inclusion and share of space. With every detail carefully thought out, the Artem blends in with the area and the community in a very unique way.