BOUND

This piece was a real change of direction for me.  I had always carved positive images, feeling that there was plenty of negative energy in the world, and no need for more.  I have always celebrated life, and probably ignored the painful side of our existence in my artwork, for lack of courage.  I believe it was the outrage over the invasion of Iraq that has stirred me to think about some of the more unpleasant realities of being human, and want to show them in sculpture.       

This carving is of Utah oolitic limestone, about 3 1/2 ft high and 2 ft deep and wide, and it shows a man bound by chains, which are fastened to three heavy anchors:

the bomb, symbolizing our aggressive behavior and the military/industrial complex that feeds off our fear,

a television set, symbolizing the artificial entertainment world we have surrounded ourselves and our children with, and which separates us from the real, natural world,

and a cross, which stands for the religious institutions we have built, and the self-righteous intolerance enshrined within them, which pretend to preserve our souls, but instead sanctify our prejudices and fears.

We are all bound by these burdens, and we all share responsibility for their creation.  How can we unshackle our humanity?  What must we do to free the power of love and compassion within us? 

Will we ever be free?

back