Inspired by the use of the pendulum for divination, these images are combinations of polar concepts and photographic abstractions of nature. These works grew out of Cohen’s documentation of her decision-making and a discovery of the intricate radiance of the natural world. Cohen was always scribbling her day-to-day choices – Yes or No, Now or Later, Go or Stay. She began to use a pendulum to help determine the truth in everything, testing its accuracy and becoming engrossed by the results.

During this time, Cohen started to notice the beauty of nature in its infinite details. So, she photographed it in the same way – in extreme close-up. As these practices converged, she let her stream of consciousness combine her photographs with her questions. Along this path, she was led to the profoundest of inquiries: how does one discern between the inner voice of the divine and the inner voice of the willful ego? Thus the image, “Who’s Speaking? God or Ego”, was created.

After the September 11 terrorist attacks, Cohen had the idea to billboard that question all over the world, to provoke people to question in whose names wars are fought and atrocities are committed. This idea has grown into an international art project of posters and billboards, along with a video she is producing in which spiritual leaders are asked how they make the discernment between the voice of god and the voice of their ego. This work has manifested itself in several ways. The images have been produced as The Art of the Pendulum and The Pocket Pendulum, a series of art cards in two kits, containing instructional booklets and small pendulums. They have been made into a portfolio box with seven images backed on aluminum and suede, with a pendulum made of precious stone, as well as a multimedia installation. She has also videotaped professionals on how they use the pendulum in their practices, including doctors and acupuncturists.