THIS IS US

Self Portrait

I could be an ink on paper where the ink soaked through to where we meet

Nora Bateson
Human Parts
Published in
3 min readJul 2, 2022

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Washi — Eriko Horiki. Photo courtesy of the author.

If I were a mathematical formula I would be a chalkboard full of symbols and arrows. No. I would be many such chalkboards.

Or maybe just a crayon writing 1+1=

With no answer. Wondering.

Perhaps as a song I would be a combining of something that resonates in thunderous bass tones with a lightness on top, and a thumping beat… there would be a chorus of punk rock. As well a clear ping ping of water on a ceramic bowl. Dancing.

Or as a meal I could be, on some days a handmade feast of carefully overlapping tastes, textures, and temperatures. Salty, and sweet, spicy and bitter. Singe your tongue in one bite, cool drink of bubbly in the next. Other days I am reheated leftovers, soaked in yesterday’s flavors. Reminding.

As a weaving I might have threads of moss, and my beloved’s hair, the purple plastic tassel from my bike when I was nine, the silk of longing, and itchy wool — (because life is many things but not comfortable). I would be an elfish cloak that allows for air, and magically keeps out the cold. Wrapping you in love and ideas and giving you gumption to explore. Tending.

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Nora Bateson
Nora Bateson

Written by Nora Bateson

Filmmaker, writer, educator, lecturer, President of the Intl Bateson Inst. Books: Small Arcs of Larger Circles 2016, Combining, 2023.