The Apple & Dagger by Hoodlum

The challenge title: “Heaven or Hell” immediately made me think of the biblical Adam and Eve story. I’ve never been able to answer the question that it raised in me after hearing it for the first time as a child; is living in ignorant bliss something that I would want? Would it be heavenly to be unaware of a darkness that very much exists or is it hell to know about it and feel like I can’t do anything to change it?

Going through the creation process for this, many existential questions came to me that were admitted fun to unpack. Contemplation and discussion of such topics are definitely a favourite in my household. Nerdy, philosophical discussions are a love language of sorts for my husband and I.

I wanted to capture a nice balance between having the answer figured out for yourself but also a little ambiguity. Having two hands, one coming from above and the other from below, was the clear part; one represents the heavens and the other, hell. The ambiguity comes from what each one is doing for the Apple of the knowledge of Good and Evil. Are the heavens dropping the Apple or picking it up? Is the hand from below going to slice a piece for themselves or for someone else?

Maybe you don’t have the answers. Maybe you do. Either way, I hope my design sparked a little healthy contemplation. If it did, then please consider it a hug from me! :)

With love,

xxhoodlumxx

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