I had given myself the task of creating something out of wood that was less grandiose, but still relevant to the theme. I had watched a show on Oregon Public Broadcasting about elephants in the Saharan Desert. These creatures have long memories and remember where they’ve been and whom they have known. Watching this program and seeing them struggle against draught was impactful. They traveled across the continent using time-worn paths and passed ancient bones of other deceased elephants that they treated with reverence and sorrow. The very nature of these acts inspired me to design Remembrances. The four faces represent the cardinal directions, the circles throughout represent the continuity of time and family ties, even those unrecognized by humanity. The brown stain is referential to the earth and the “thought bubbles” are for the ethereal thoughts of creatures not human.

The last sculpture of my time here at Western is one of lucidity and recognition of failure. Not mine per say, but the failure in our system of democracy that would allow incompetence to rule over law. When priorities are twisted around, trivial things become important, bad things happen. America is going through crisis on many different levels and has distorted its priorities to reflect unrealistic goals. It will only get worse before it gets better. 

The America was a 19th-century racing yacht and first winner of the America's Cup international sailing trophy. After nearly 100 years (1851 to 1945) of use and then neglect, the ship was scrapped and burned. Such a great beginning only to end so badly because of mishandling and disregard. This great ship met a dreadful ending, to me it reflects the current state of affairs and the path we’re following. My feelings are ones of many; anger, anguish, and disbelief to name a few. Jules from Pulp Fiction said it best, “Ezekiel 25:17. "The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy My brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay My vengeance upon you."”