Christopher Martin’s Stressing for a Blessing (2025, Mixed Media Sculpture) distills a common paradox of contemporary life into a sculptural mantra that is at once playful, spiritual, and sobering.

The work features Martin’s signature format: a white sheet punctured by a black arrow, fixing into permanence a short phrase in bold, block lettering. Here, the words read: “STRESSING FOR A BLESSING.” The statement captures the irony of seeking peace or prosperity through struggle, highlighting the tension between the pursuit of fulfillment and the anxiety it often produces.

The arrow serves as both emphasis and disruption. Its piercing gesture mirrors the impact of stress itself—sharp, unavoidable, and intrusive—while at the same time anchoring the phrase, making the wisdom inescapable. The bold typography strips away ambiguity, its clarity amplifying the universal resonance of the message.

The phrase itself carries dual meaning: a critique of the way individuals often endure unnecessary hardship in search of reward, and a reminder that blessings may already exist outside of struggle. It resonates with Martin’s ongoing exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and the cyclical contradictions of human existence.

In Stressing for a Blessing, Martin once again transforms language into sculpture, philosophy into object. The piece balances wit with depth, making visible the emotional cost of striving while urging reflection on where peace and gratitude can truly be found.

14.5 x 10.75 x 17in
Ink on Paper + Wood Arrow