“Carrying the Weight of it” is a wearable sculpture made from plaster beads and twine. It is inspired by superstition and protective objects, specifically the use of spices and herbs to ward one from harm. The color, shape, and size of the sculpture references garlic necklaces used to protect the wearer from vampires. To create this piece I infused teas and spices into plaster, which results in variation of color, smell, and texture. Some spices used include rooibos, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic and chamomile.
The sculpture is, frankly, uncomfortable. It is heavy around the neck and the smell may be overwhelming to the wearer. Sometimes the systems we put in place to “protect” ourselves actually end up being more cumbersome or simply do more harm than good. Sometimes, removing that protection and simply being vulnerable is the safest option. “Carrying the Weight of it” is a work about the senses, about protection, and about strength in vulnerability.
In the accompanying video performance piece I wear the heavy sculpture, situate it on my chest, and then cut it off with scissors. It takes a few cuts to remove the entire piece from my body. With each chop, plaster beads fall to the ground, they clatter and roll on the cement floor. The piece is destroyed and I walk away lighter.