At the heart of this artwork lies the significance of the rusty nail scene from Kesey's novel, where the protagonist confronts the punishing and relentless climate of the pacific northwest. He opens a fresh box of nails to find they are already rusted. This is his breaking point, and he quietly leaves behind this way of life which has caused him so much misery. The rusty nail, with its weathered surface and enduring presence, becomes a potent symbol of realization—a quiet acknowledgment that some things will never change, no matter how much we may wish otherwise. Embedded within the glass enclosure, the rusty nails become a metaphor for the moments of quiet acceptance that punctuate our journey—a recognition of the futility of resistance and the wisdom found in embracing the inevitability of certain outcomes. 

Moreover, the phrase "final nail in the coffin" takes on added resonance within this context, symbolizing not just the end of a chapter, but also the culmination of a journey marked by acceptance and understanding. For me, this work reflects my own “rusty nail moment” when I realized that I was hanging on to a relationship I needed to release. In essence, this piece serves as a testament to the beauty found in embracing those “rusty nail” moments, embracing the inevitability of change, and finding solace in moving on.

Learn more about this piece and the body of work FRACTURED here.