In Man’s Search for Meaning, a book from which I drew much inspiration, Victor Frankl says that “striving to find meaning in one’s life is the primary motivational force in man.” This sustained investigation explores phases in this search common to many, but features spiritual and reflective ideas relevant to my own life. It demonstrates that over time, the search can yield a greater sense of meaning. However, no phase is an end-point -- the search for meaning endures throughout our lives. The progression begins from a superficial search (Image 1) where the subject delves into books, hoping to find her answer in that instant. The notion leads to frustration at what seems like a futile endeavor. Further, seeing the finite nature of human existence in Image 3, where a graveyard is edited behind a window frame, gives rise to a feeling of ensnarement in a meaningless existence (Image 4). The layers of the netting before the subject, as well as its depth, communicate that message. However, all hope is not lost. The triptych (Image 6) shows a non-linear sequence of events where a subject desperately seeks meaning in the dust. The subject reveals her reflection, symbolizing introspection and realization of spiritual value. Hanging from rails in Image 7, then, works to depict Frankl’s idea of the “inner hold,” where holding onto the spiritual self spurs on one’s will to persevere in the search for purpose. The double exposure conveys a struggle in the fainter layer, and the achievement of a stronger grip in the opaque layer. From that point, the focus shifts from despair to reflection and fascination with the sublime world. The expressions of the subjects become more satisfied, but still pensive, reflecting the idea that the search for meaning is lifelong.