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
