Copper, Enamel 5" x 5" x 5"
The relationship between woman and serpent as symbols of life predates monotheism. After the introduction of the Garden of Eden, the snake became the incarnation of evil and Eve received the burden of blame by a patriarchal society. My intention with Yoke is to replace this burden with beauty. The enameled scales conform to the movement of the body, uniting woman with the regenerative characteristics of the skin shedding serpent.
Artist Statement
Life is a continuance. It is within this cyclic process of change and adaptation I apply the language of nature to themes of religion and patriarchy which are prevalent in my work. Reminiscent of the layers and patterns in nature accumulated over time, I choose to layer multiple concepts in an endeavor to provoke thought from the viewer. The result of unearthing issues that have affected me is both to discover more about myself and to engage the viewer in the beauty of that discovery.