Inverse Effect
'Inverse Effect' is a mixed media sculpture using kilnworked and flameworked glass, woodworking,
and metal casting techniques, combined with
constructed and found objects.
Here, a seesaw is integrated with bottles on each
end contorted to represent an emotional gesture. The
high end of the seesaw represents privilege, including the
middle and upper classes, with the gestures standing tall
and above the median. In a sub-theme, they are the
popular brands. The low end represents despair, with
gestures hunching over and falling off.
The title, 'Inverse Effect', refers to the weight
the destitute carry as a burden on their lives
compared to other social classes. There are
fewer on the low end of the seesaw, but they
still remain on the bottom. This affects their
choices for health, education, economics
and lifestyle in general.
The sculpture is kinetic; the high end
may be gently lowered to try to reverse
the effect, but on release it will go
back to its original position with
the destitute on the bottom. Are
they chained to a futile trap
of despair?