Withdrawal to Safety

A Solid structure protects, supports but also limits the creature held within to the extent of almost suffocating it. On one hand this barrier may be meant to shield the vulnerable creature inside from the harsh and judgmental world outside, or instead serve as a protection to the outsider from the erratic and inappropriate being held within. Who needs protection more?

It is the fear of the unknown which has created this almost complete lack of communication between the outside world and the content held within these structures. I illustrate this psychological drama by juxtaposing the man-made mechanical aesthetic with a more organic and mysterious inner life.

If we feel too inappropriate or vulnerable to face the harsh world outside, how do we deal with that? One approach would be to just shut oneself away and create a safe and cozy nest.

Silence

Wheels which stand for motion are in this case arranged in a fashion which allows the suspended box in its center to only to turn around it’s own axis round and round. While trapped in one spot the box emits a persisting sound of a mechanical respirator. The ear horn insinuating a reaching out is stuffed with wax.

Materials: steel, tape-player, speaker, bee’s wax, 1996
13.5 x13.5 x 10.5”

A sculpture with four wheels arranged in a way to hinder any motion into any direction. Wheels which usually stand for mobility and freedom, in this case form a cage around an inner housing which in turn emits the mechanical sound of a respirator machine. The only access into the core of the piece is a trumpet shaped horn resembling an old style hearing aid. This access, however is clogged with wax. 10.5 x 13.5 x 13.5". Steel tape player, bee's wax, 1996

Silence film clip

Film excerpt from the short documentary Eternal Moment by Simone Stammbach. 1998. The film features my earliest artworks which were all created with the use of the traditional metal smithing techniques I learned at Parsons School of Design.

A Hunger Artist

This sculpture was inspired by Franz Kafka’s short story A Hunger Artist is the tragic tale of an individual marginalized and victimized by society at large. The protagonist, a fasting artist who experiences the decline in appreciation of his craft os the archetypical creation of Kafka.

The sculpture, a cage houses a skeleton pushing a thin membrane almost to the extent of ripping it to reach the inner, golden wall of the cage.
Materials: sterling silver, steel, latex, magnet, gold-leaf. 1994
4 x 5 x 5″

A Hunger Artist

This sculpture was inspired by Franz Kafka’s short story A Hunger Artist is the tragic tale of an individual marginalized and victimized by society at large. The protagonist, a fasting artist who experiences the decline in appreciation of his craft os the archetypical creation of Kafka.

The sculpture, a cage houses a skeleton pushing a thin membrane almost to the extent of ripping it to reach the inner, golden wall of the cage.
Materials: sterling silver, steel, latex, magnet, gold-leaf. 1994
4 x 5 x 5″

Engaged

Engagement ring like a ball and chain from a prison. The ball contains a feather from the couple’s blanket.
Materials: yellow gold 18k, glass, feather from down blanket. 1995,
1.25 x 1.25 x 5″

Film Excerpt from the short documentary Eternal Moment by Simone Stammbach.1998. This piece is an Engagement ring designed like a ball and chain. The ball, however, contains a feather from the couple's blanket.

Engaged film clip

Film excerpt from the short documentary Eternal Moment by Simone Stammbach. 1998. The film features my earliest artworks which were all created with the use of the traditional metal smithing techniques I learned at Parsons School of Design.

Vision Obstructors

Metal devices designed to be worn around the eye socket to obstruct the user’s vision and give the eyes a rest, especially after a traumatic experience. Sterling silver, wool felt, wood, leather, steel, ca. 1 x 1 x 1″ (depending on size ordered)

Vision Obstructors Manual

Manual to illustrate the use of metal devices designed to be worn around the eye socket to obstruct the user’s vision and give the eyes a rest, especially after a traumatic experience. Laminated paper, 2 x 6″

Vision Obstructors Optician's Set with Trial Eye

Metal devices designed to be worn around the eye socket to obstruct the user’s vision and give the eyes a rest, especially after a traumatic experience. Sterling silver, wool felt, wood, leather, steel, 4 x 4 x 14″

Vision Obstructors Optician's Set with Trial Eye

Metal devices designed to be worn around the eye socket to obstruct the user’s vision and give the eyes a rest, especially after a traumatic experience. Sterling silver, wool felt, wood, leather, steel, 4 x 4 x 14″

Vision Obstructors Individual Set

Once the correct size is determined this set can be ordered: Metal devices designed to be worn around the eye socket to obstruct the user’s vision and give the eyes a rest, especially after a traumatic experience. Sterling silver, wool felt, wood, leather, steel, 4 x 4 x 5″

All to Myself

This steel cube–in the size of a human head–emits the sound of Clarina’s voice reciting German romantic poetry.
Materials: Steel, wood, Tape player. 1998,
9 x 9 x 9″

Heart

Reliquary neck piece which holds a miniature replica of my sculpture Guardian Angel.
Brass, wood, cotton. 1995,
4 x 3.5 x 2″

Heart

View open
Reliquary neck piece which holds a miniature replica of my sculpture Guardian Angel.
Brass, wood, cotton. 1995,
4 x 3.5 x 2″

World

A furry one eyed creature withdraws into a heavy steel box for protection. Materials: Steel, Fur, Glass. 1995
2.5 x 5.5 x 5.5″