BASKET OF DEPLORABLES – DEI: SPALTED AMBROSIA MAPLE & BARBED WIRE

Artist Statement: Chains and barbed wire have always been symbols of oppression for me. From institutionalized slavery to forced incarcerations, so many images of our history include these symbols. One implies the other. The current action of purging DEI in our government is an overt act of stepping back to a time when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was not a reality.

When I incorporate items like barbed wire onto my sculptures I am attempting, without being subtle, to overlay the harsh sharpness of the metal with the smooth curves of the wood. There is nothing subtle with barbed wire, there is nothing subtle about a policy of purging DEI from our government.