This autobiographical sculpture series explores distinct childhood memories. The work focuses specifically on the ages of 7 to 15 and the impact of those years into present day. Combining hand crafted art forms with both raw and embellished found objects, I chose each component in this work to represent myself, people and items that have significantly impacted my life. I create compositions to represent relationships and emotions while materials signify specific traits or actions.
This particular piece was inspired by an interaction with my cousin Cheryl. I stayed the night at my aunt and uncle's house the night my father passed. I went to bed knowing there had been an accident. I woke up and asked my cousin if my dad was ok and she replied yes with a horrific look on her face. The look didn't register to me since I was seven. I know she had to lie. I just won't ever forget her face and that interaction.
Each piece of wood in this piece has a web of wire attached to it. I sculpted the wire to be intertwined with each other although they are independently attached to their own piece of wood. Yarn is woven around the wire and hangs in an exasperated fashion. A ball of batting, covered in a mesh fabric and more yarn, sits atop one of the pieces of wood. I crafted a wire hanger that holds my childhood baptism dress. A long piece of yarn hangs from the ball of batting with an engraved rattle that reads Jill Lynn.
Materials: Yarn, wire, wood, batting, produce bag, dress and rattle
Size: 65" x 55" x 10"
Created in 2020.