This film was shot over the course of two days.  The first day was a typical day in the studio for me which spanned a total of eight hours.  During this time I meticulously hand sculpted ten realistic representations of different shaped and sized penises out of clay.  The sculptures then sat overnight to dry out to a ‘leather dry’ consistency. The next day I returned to the studio, organized and cleaned my work space with various tools and methods, then one by one “destroyed” each sculpture. The entire process was captured on film and then compressed to a 10:00 minute video.

Why spend eight hours working on something I ultimately planned to destroy?  On a daily basis I navigate this world, our culture, consumed by the challenges we all face when confronted with differing opinions. What is ‘gender’? Is it a social construct, is it defined solely on our anatomy, can it be ambiguous, must there be such strict rules and if so, why? Who created these rules? What happens when we do not follow the rules? What stereotypes are forced on us and to which do we easily conform without thought or consideration? Why do we conform so comfortably to certain societal norms? Or if it is uncomfortable to conform, why do we feel it is worth the struggle?

 If you love something is my way of commenting on the necessity for societal change and openness.  Things should not be forced on us, but rather made available to observe and find new ways of thinking from a different perspective. That which is pushed to the margins of thought is usually at the center of us since it is so ingrained we hardly notice it. This is giving voice to those of us uncomfortable with the status quo and proof that destruction can be constructive and cathartic. In Audre Lorde’s words, “The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.”

Stills from the film, 2018

View of Gallery installation