Cell Series

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In the first piece seen below, entitled Keeping Count, I use the format of the Catholic Rosary to create a sculptural and tactile object, composed of fabricated copper and 3D printed and flocked prayer beads made to resemble oversized red and white blood cells. The Rosary is a symbol of mystery - of joy, of sorrow, and of hope. Each bead represents a prayer and functions to keep count, much like our blood cells, the count of which is critical to our bodies in every way.

 

We rely on the unseen. In our blood and in the prayer beads, quantity matters. The multiple is necessary. This piece is heavy, yet highly textural and tactile. It is meant to be held and touched, allowing the viewer to experience juxtaposing sensations of worry calmed by sensation and repetition, weight relieved by movement. My goal is to engage the viewer in contemplating the preciousness of their body and its inner functions through this physical and meditative action.

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In the second piece seen below, red enamel on copper is used to create the blood cells. A sterling silver setting is pierced to resemble bone filament under microscopic observation, and dyed sponge is used in place of our spongey red marrow. Synthetic garnet is set into the bone textured clasp. I enjoy the play of material and processes in these pieces. They tell a story of the real and the imitated, the common and precious, the fragile and the lasting. 

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