CZ
As a child in a pale dress, Calina climbs the white staircase toward the arch where a violinist plays.

Perspective, No. 1 · Phase 1 of 4

I

Mama, I want to learn the violin.

← All four phases

ZeusWhen I first invited you to join Perspective, what I wanted to see was how time shapes an artist.

CalinaWhen I was six, I said to my mother, “I want to learn the violin.” I said it three times. The third time, she finally said yes.

ZeusShe had you record those words, didn’t she?

CalinaYes. The recording is still there, on her old Nokia. Listening now, the voice is a little blurred, but it is still warm.

Objects I. It kept more than a voice. It kept the first note of a life beginning its conversation with the world.
Plate 1 · Objects IIt kept more than a voice. It kept the first note of a life beginning its conversation with the world.

ZeusWhat did it feel like, the first time you held a violin?

CalinaMy hands were shaking. Not from fear. I just wanted so badly to hold on.

ZeusDo you still remember that feeling?

CalinaLike holding the whole world.

Portraits I. She holds it close, eyes closed, tracing the shape of her future in her heart.
Plate 2 · Portraits IShe holds it close, eyes closed, tracing the shape of her future in her heart.

ZeusDo you still have that violin?

CalinaI do. Look. I decorated it to be sweet, like the little girl I was.

ZeusIt still looks new, as if you left your childhood self on it.

The Violin I. Covered in flower stickers, it was always meant to bloom, just like her.
Plate 3 · The Violin ICovered in flower stickers, it was always meant to bloom, just like her.
All four phases Phase II →The violin seemed to trap me.