“The Altar of Pibble”
Concrete, Paint Markers
10.5’’x10.5’’x21’’
This monument honors the death of Pibbles, a term used for baby French bulldogs. Pibble represents the emotions of greed and desire. Such as needing to have his belly washed and having his greed overtake him. Pibble reminds us all of our temptation.
“Long Gone”
Chicken wire, clothes, wax
The wax face is melting to depict the feeling of being out of body, trying to hold yourself together as depicted by cradling your own head. Using a real face and hand cast puts this message into reality. The University of Cincinnati shirt references the reality of people struggling with substance abuse on campus. It can be anyone, and many are trying to put themselves back together again.
The Wronged “Alien”
~18’’x14’’x32’’
Cardboard, Newsprint, Hot glue, Paint markers
This piece is meant to represent an “alien” immigrant who has been wronged in a very violent way. The piece is covered in Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) designs that, like many who celebrate the holiday, paint their faces in tradition. This is to make the piece representative of Hispanic culture. The holiday is meant to honor the dead and celebrate life. However, the “alien”, even in front of their own home, gets set on fire. This fire represents how fast an immigrant's whole life can be changed. As fire destroys cardboard fast, so can a deportation officer destroy a home. Even in front of their own homes and families, as pictured, innocent immigrants are treated as aliens and criminals. Traces can be left behind, such as the pile of ashes and destroyed cardboard that was left in this piece. However, it does not mitigate the fact that it can all be taken away despite the hard efforts, long hours, restless nights, and undeniable determination.