Family Tools

Abstract

<p>The purpose of this written component is to document my thesis exhibition "Family Tools". From February 14th to March 2nd, eight mixed media ceramic, wood, and metal sculptures were on display in Gallery 181-1 in the College of Design at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. The subject matter for these sculptures is my relationship with each of my immediate family members, my mother, father, brother, sister, and wife. These relationships are personified through various hand tools used to represent meanings specific to each sculpture. Family Tools includes "My Father's Hands" exploring my relationship with my father, "Teacher" for my mother, "The Carpenter's Sons" for my brother, "Toolbox" for my wife, "Self Portrait (as a Hammer)" for myself, "Drop Forged" for my sister, and two sets of "Sibling Jars" relating to siblings in general.</p>