Shadow Self

This sculpture emerged from the intertwining of backer rods, sculpted delicately to form a captivating shape in the sand. From this initial structure, an intricate aluminum knot was meticulously crafted. Upon contemplation, I envisioned this poured metal piece as an integral element of the female form. I set out to digitally conceptualize the silhouette of a woman, with the knot elegantly adorning her hair in an updo. Once the projection was realized, I felt compelled to add a final flourish—a window. Drawing upon my affinity for metalwork, I fashioned the window from L bar and pencil rod, adding a unique touch to the composition.

Throughout the creative process, I grappled with the allure of knots, conceptually and physically. Crafting the knot from a backer rod allowed me to conceal its ends, blurring the distinction between beginning and end in the casting process. As I ventured into sketching, I was drawn to integrating the knot into the rich tapestry of known knot designs, drawing inspiration from my husband's family's Scottish heritage.

Seeking to transcend conventional boundaries, I infused this sculpture with the technological skills I honed during my studies at the ATC. This shift in perspective ignited a newfound excitement within me. Leveraging a profile picture of my daughter, Luci, I ventured into digital manipulation using Photoshop. Through careful outlining and shading, I created the illusion of flawless hair, perfectly aligned within the silhouette. Experimenting with light and shadow, I initially incorporated the bun into the projected image. However, upon reflection, I let the cast sculpture emerge distinctively from the shadows rather than conforming to them—an artistic choice that epitomizes my creative journey.