Sehnsuct - Longing for Another World

"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

-Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis

The drawing shown here is largely influenced by that idea that C.S. Lewis wrote about: Sehnsuct. It is a German word that means a powerful, spiritual longing that is deeper than any worldly satisfaction. 

I began this artwork with a collage of imagery that feels like an emotional reflection of time, eternity, and desires. The woman’s pose and gaze bring contemplation to the center subject of the piece.

Images of Death

The skull, the raven, the clock and even the way the wisteria background fades away toward the edges speak of the reality of death. It is something we all must face; as the Bible calls it, death is “going the way of al the world.” The clock at the top in the original collage was not included in the end because of space and ended up not being necessary to the overall message, but I think it’s worth noting it was originally there.

Images of Hope

The flowers here symbolize growth and life, and the butterflies speak of renewal and rebirth. These images of hope bring a redemption to the images of death, showing that it is not the end. There is more to look forward to, and sometimes things need to die in order to be reborn and flourish even better than before.

On my Instagram and TikTok I made a video about the symbolism of wisterias, because I didn’t know the meaning until I started this drawing and looked it up. Wisterias are often associated with love and weddings, but the Victorian language of flowers also warns against obsessive love in its meaning, due to the vines’ choking nature.

Looking Toward Heaven

In addition to the hopeful message, some symbols speak directly of longing for heaven, not just life on earth. The key in the woman’s hand alludes to the keys to heaven - or prayer - our access to God. The ornate church cathedral is another symbol of looking toward heaven and worshipping God’s beauty and love.

Longing for Another World

The girl and her far-off look into the distance, to me, is representing that deep desire of sehnsuct, a desire that only God can fulfill. I can’t wait for that day in heaven with Him. Are you anxiously awaiting that day?

As with any art, the viewer has their own interpretations and personal life experience that they bring to the art. Still, I hope that the insight to why I created this helps you see a little more in the art and connect with me a little more through this.

If you’re interested in owning this original art, click here. Want an art print instead? Click here!

“All Joy reminds. It is never a possession, always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still ‘about to be’.” -Surprised by Joy, C.S. Lewis