This series by Jessie Leasure utilizes the symbolism of light to tell a familiar story that many have experienced: holding onto hope, even in the midst of uncertainty. Hope is symbolized by light that the hands reach for or cling to. Just like light, hope is intangible, ethereal, and can never be physically grasped. Sometimes, clinging to hope can be as elusive as trying to capture a thread of light in your hands. However, hope can also be just as persistent--the tiniest light in a dark place shines brightly.

The artist explores the expressive capacity of the human body, particularly the hands, which convey emotions ranging from desperation to quiet resignation. The over-saturated colors, a trademark of Leasure's work, heighten the overall mood and impart a note of surrealism to the pieces. The artist intentionally leaves the narrative of the pieces open to interpretation; are these pieces a story arc, starting with a frantic reach and ending with solemn acceptance, or does each piece simply represent the cycle of moments that encompass the human experience?