Gnaw

2017 · 3D Prints, Sea Shell, Iron/Copper/Bronze Patinas · 6" x 6" x 1.75"

Part of the series Future Votives of Lesser Gods, these works draw on an endless series of thresholds and dreams of fresh starts. “After this…”, “Once this is finished…”, “Just a little longer and then…”. We are constantly reconstructing ourselves, cyclicly putting ourselves back together after setbacks and compromises. Each compromise of time, principles or quality creates a fracture of hopes, dreams, ethics…of self. Unwanted ideas, insecurities and other contaminates penetrate at the liminal edges of these cracks, seeping in and out of the exposed flesh beneath.

A decision made, the repair begins. A membrane forms, thin at first then growing into a tough shell. Fractures are abruptly glued, nailed, sewn shut in attempt to put the compromise quickly behind, to recapture the dream.