V-incised letter carving on marble by Aloria Weaver
4" x 51" x 1"
ARTE ET LABORE
(by art and by labor)
The beauty of Latin lies in its multi-layered meanings. It is a language that conveys meaning through metaphors and multiple entendres, encouraging the mind to operate by free-association.
By Art and by Labor is a call to remember that the achievements of the Opus / Oeuvre come about through practiced skill and hard work. The phrase also points to the the idea of well-honed skills in creative art and craft, and that all creative processes are a giving birth to form. With a nod to the alchemists’ phrase, ORA ET LABORA, pray and work, ARTE ET LABORE acknowledges that Labor is the prayer of Art.