Envy
Envy arises from comparing oneself to others resulting in a deep sadness or resentment of another person’s prosperity, position, or talent. It is coupled with an immoderate desire to possess those things for oneself causing frustration and feelings of entitlement. At its root, Envy is a failure to appreciate one’s own gifts, and is a discontent with what one has, leading to inner bitterness, rivalry, and conflict. It can even bring with it a perverse joy in another’s misfortunes.
But Envy has two sides. The second, often overlooked, is rooted in Vanity. It is not only a selfish desire for what others have, it is also disguised in acts of projecting or wishing Envy onto others. It comes from the assumption that what would make oneself envious must therefore cause it in someone else, and the attempt at planting it is purposeful, and cowardly. Unlike the other Deadly Sins, Envy is secretive and only causes harm to self. It can lead to feelings of emptiness and an unwillingness to find contentment in what one does already possess.
Shakespeare referred to Envy as “the green-eyed monster” or “green sickness.” In honor of The Bard and the commonly associated color, I chose to only use green while altering this book. The pages are made of home grown crystals perhaps inviting Envy with their beauty, but they are shaped in on themselves showing that the harm inflicted by Envy is only to oneself. A skull is tucked inside, like a secret.
Altered book, 2025
But Envy has two sides. The second, often overlooked, is rooted in Vanity. It is not only a selfish desire for what others have, it is also disguised in acts of projecting or wishing Envy onto others. It comes from the assumption that what would make oneself envious must therefore cause it in someone else, and the attempt at planting it is purposeful, and cowardly. Unlike the other Deadly Sins, Envy is secretive and only causes harm to self. It can lead to feelings of emptiness and an unwillingness to find contentment in what one does already possess.
Shakespeare referred to Envy as “the green-eyed monster” or “green sickness.” In honor of The Bard and the commonly associated color, I chose to only use green while altering this book. The pages are made of home grown crystals perhaps inviting Envy with their beauty, but they are shaped in on themselves showing that the harm inflicted by Envy is only to oneself. A skull is tucked inside, like a secret.
Altered book, 2025