Animas (Guardians), 2022
An organic form curls its tendrils around an angel’s shoulder. A traditional figure of protection, the ubiquitous idea of the guardian angel appears in many cultures, and here, this statue is married with soft sculpture in a protective union. Often soft sculpture has feminine associations, or is seen as referencing the domestic sphere. The artist embraces these links, citing the inspiration for Animas (Guardians) as the spells and talismans made by witches to protect their households in long held traditions. The soft sculpture spheres hold pockets of protective materials: salt, rosemary, and linden flowers. This material manifestation imbued with spiritual purpose references animism, the idea that everything in the material world holds a distinct spiritual essence. The title of the piece reflects this liminality- not quite ‘alive’ in the traditional sense, but holding spiritual energy. With its plant-like hanging filaments and cellular balls, Animas (Guardians) looks as if it has sprouted freshly in the material world, pushing its way out of the spiritual realm like a seedling pushing its first shoot through soil.