Bread (series)
Several years ago, I came across Joseph Rykwert’s book, The Dancing Column. This sparked an exploration of the connection between the Demeter/Persephone myth and its visual trail over the centuries.
The phialae carried by the Erechtheion caryatids look nearly identical to the loaves of bread seen throughout the Mediterranean, and the Corinthian capital owes its form to the basket, stone and wild acanthus positioned over Persephone's grave. Such “pagan” images continue to play a prominent role in the architecture of Roman Catholic churches, even in the United States.
In Panis Angelicus, hollowed-out Corinthian capitals are
transformed into cornucopiae overflowing with breads, among which are hidden a variety of putti (baby angels), Everything is presented in the same stark whiteness, blending the tangible with the ineffable, the material with the spiritual, and the architectural with the metaphorical. It was most recently shown as part of the exhibition MYTHOS at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA. A video tour, by the curator Dr. Michele Greet, can be accessed here.
 Hydrostone and Fiberglas/resin; bread casts from loaves; installation size varies;Hydrostone and Fiberglas/resin; bread casts from loaves; installation size varies; shown here in 2020 |  Panis Angelicus: detailHydrostone and Fiberglas/resin; bread casts from loaves; installation size varies; shown here in 2010 |
---|
 House of Bread: detailHydrostone and Fiberglas/resin; individual elements cast from life; installation size varies; 2009 |  Structure and Metaphor: detailHydrostone and Fiberglas/resin; individual elements cast from life; installation size varies; 2008 |
---|
 CupboardAn installation in the pantry of a private house as part of an exhibition series in support of the Lancaster Museum of Art. Hydrostone cast from loaves of bread; installation size varies; 2010 |  Cupboard: detail2010
An installation in a private house as part of an exhibition series in support of the Lancaster Museum of Art. The kitchen pantry was filled with loaves of bread and wine bottles, all cast in white Hydrostone. The loaves and bottles extended into the dining room where viewers partook of a special dinner. Hydrostone; objects life size. |
---|
 Cupboard: detailAn installation in the pantry of a private house as part of an exhibition series in support of the Lancaster Museum of Art. Hydrostone cast from loaves of bread; installation size varies; 2010 |  Bread and RosesBread and roses — made famous by striking textile workers — is much more than a slogan. The combination is an ancient one that appears again and again in traditional art and festivals throughout the Mediterranean. Fiberglas/resin, dried bread and dried roses; 2011 |
---|
 Bread and Roses: detailFiberglas/resin, dried bread and dried roses; 2011 |  Bread and Roses: detailFiberglas/resin, dried bread and dried roses; 2011 |
---|
 Pane Trasparentetranslucent plastic and inkjet prints; casts from a Sicilian bread called "cuccidati"; photographs of women in Italian architecture; installation size varies but each element measures 5" diameter x 1.5" deep; 2009 |  Pane Trasparente: detailtranslucent plastic and inkjet prints; casts from a Sicilian bread called "cuccidati"; photographs of women in Italian architecture; installation size varies but each element measures 5" diameter x 1.5" deep; 2009 |
---|
 Pane Trasparente: detailtranslucent plastic and inkjet prints; casts from a Sicilian bread called "cuccidati"; photographs of women in Italian architecture; installation size varies but each element measures 5" diameter x 1.5" deep; 2009 |  Pane Trasparente: detailtranslucent plastic and inkjet prints; casts from a Sicilian bread called "cuccidati"; photographs of women in Italian architecture; installation size varies but each element measures 5" diameter x 1.5" deep; 2009 |
---|