Ohio Chimney, 1993
Cow hair, wax, wood
142.5" x 46" x 24.5"

Ohio Chimney is a freestanding structure of bricks formed from dark cow hair and wax. The piece suggests a charred chimney left standing after a house fire-an image that embodies senses of both permanence and transience. It is also familiar and sad. Driving though the countryside one occasionally sees lone chimneys in a field or forest. Their presence sparks memories of things lost or forgotten. Like many of my pieces, this sculpture is near life size and incorporates familiar forms with which viewers can readily make a connection. In contrast, material is unexpected, and the highly-flammable mix of hair and wax further complicates the read of this work.