“The Missing Piece” is a multimedia project using 3D printing, photographs, and film to commemorate the life of Tim Guthrie’s late wife, Beth. 

Tim Guthrie is an artist from Omaha, Nebraska whose wife, Beth, died unexpectedly in 2015 from complications from Parkinson’s disease and dystonia.

During their relationship, the couple spent years traveling together. Guthrie has commemorated Beth’s life by recreating moments from their trips together. To do this, he revisited these special places.

Guthrie’s travels have become a multimedia art project, “The Missing Piece”. It features original photographs and a film which consist of old images of Beth superimposed over the visited landmarks.

Guthrie explains that the process was therapeutic. In fact, he continued his trip to include destinations they had wanted to see together and never got the chance to.

As well as the film and images, Guthrie used 3D printing to create small spheres – or “Beth BBs”. However, the spheres are not on display. Instead, they contain some of Beth’s ashes. Guthrie left them in sites which were significant to the couple. The reason for this was for Guthrie to mark these special places with his late wife’s spirit.

The Missing Piece Photographs

Guthrie also explains that it was a difficult process going from caregiver to artist after two years of looking after Beth. However, his late wife was the purpose which brought him back to his passion.

“I gave up art in 2013. I did little things for a couple years; barf bags and stamping cash, and such. Then, overnight, Beth was gone. My world collapsed. I focused everything, 24/7/365 on Beth. I went from caretaker to art maker, but almost by accident, certainly reluctantly. I did it kicking and screaming. I hated calling what I was doing ‘art,’ but I did it, anyway,” he explains in his show statement.

Guthrie’s photos involve him holding up a smaller image of Beth and snapping a widescreen format image. Beth’s image is perfectly transposed in the second image, creating a beautiful memory.

“In the process of healing, recalling, and grieving, she led me back to a place I’m still not comfortable,” he said. “I thought if I would make a return to the art world, it would be in 2018. The truth is, she’s already led me back.”

Make sure to take tissues to The Missing Piece Photographs opening at Gallery 72, 1806 Vinton St in Omaha. The exhibit will take place on Thursday, November 9th. from 5-9 p.m. Want to find out more? Visit the gallery website for information.

Source: The Reader