Portfolio > fun work | hard play

My interest in concepts of the index, memory and the archive has most recently led me to amass objects that were once hand held in their use. Traces of memory inhabit the surface of the objects through the repeated layering of pucks shot, balls hit, stick ends taped, nails struck and acres of floors swept. There is a visceral and almost indescribable pleasure of using a vintage tool that was obviously loved, cared for and extensively used for its intended purpose. Having to replace a hammer handle brings forth some degree of remorse and trepidation – the daunting prospect of breaking in the tool once again to my hand.

The formal connection of the work derives from the fact that the items have been used – most times to excess or breakage. The hands of the former owner/user are present by virtue of the patina left on the smooth worn handles of the tools or the battered and torn taped ends of the sticks and bats. The ghost mark of the hand is represented in tactile form on the objects.

January 4 - 14, 2011
Gales Gallery - Toronto, ON

fun work | hard play
wood hockey sticks and tools
various dimensions
2011
hockey stick replacement handles for tools weapons
wood hockey sticks and tools
various dimensions
2011
vintage ballpean hammer head art
wood hockey stick and vintage ballpean hammer head
21" x 4"
2011
fun work | hard play (axe)
wood hockey stick and ace head
40" x 6"
2011
fun work | hard play (claw hammer)
wood hockey stick with vintage claw hammer
14" x 4"
2011
fun work | hard play (blacksmith)
wood and fibreglass hockey stick with blacksmith hammer head
45" x 6"
2011