Small Mythologies for the New Era – 2013
Small Mythologies for the New Era – 2013 – solo exhibition VAC Gallery, Northwich, Cheshire.
This work came about as a result of my research into ancient belief systems and an interest in the aesthetic qualities of ‘power objects’, the talismans, charms and amulets of ancient cultures, that persist into the 21st century.
Belief in the potency of certain objects has been intrinsic to humans since ancient times from the chthonic beliefs of animists in spirits that dwell in the natural world to New Age crystals and pendants to protect from cell phone electromagnetic fields.
As artist-ethnographer I have created a series of pseudo ethnographic and new folk artefacts with which I invite the viewer into my world of myth and legend, a liminal thread linking past to present and future.
Creating my own ‘power objects’ I charge ordinary things with an aura of the sacred relic.
Universal Magic Tree – 2013-14 tree root, thread, various items including religious and pagan symbols to Pokemon and Miss Kitty artifacts, prayer beads and rosary.
55 x 42 x 42 cm
£950
Universal Magic Tree – detail
Child’s Apotropaic Jacket – woolen jacket with various amuletic devices (in a butterfly display box.)
40 x 50 x 8cm
£450
Child’s Safety Jacket – 2013 knitted jacket, skull buttons, 1000 black safety pins in butterfly display box
40 x 50 x 8 cm
£450