1991—1992 • CONSTRUCTIONS
Photographic images are used as metaphor to express universal states of being. Each image is committed to a metal engraving as a statement of preservation and a gesture that aspires to protect the fragile. A vessel for each piece is fabricated out of metal, wood, or clay and placed within each box. These vessels are meant to symbolically hold the essence of existence—an abstract element that is pondered and discussed in Existential thought.
All boxes are uniform in size reminiscent of traditional 2-D photography (14 x 17"). Hand fabricated objects are added to enhance the philosophical storyline of each piece.
The photograph is the quintessential conceptual aspect in this work. It occupies the central role of each box and in a way serves as the point of departure. Etching these photographs into metal imposes more questions about the deterioration of time, and the preservation of memory. In this case, not only the image, but also the subject are both fossilized in a way and given a place of reverence. On a poetic level, these window boxes are the sanctuary for our most intimate memories, dreams and hopes. —©Michele Ogilvie, 2009—All Rights Reserved.