Paige Ward
How Firm a Foundation VI, Cast concrete, reclaimed wood and wallpaper from dilapidated home, antique nails,
12.5" x 10.25" x 13.25", 2020
12.5" x 10.25" x 13.25", 2020
How Firm a Foundation VII, Cast concrete, reclaimed wood from dilapidated home, gold leaf, brass nails,
10" x 8" x 12", 2020
10" x 8" x 12", 2020
Tension. It is present within our world. We desire comfort, peace, and rest, but are often met with pain, confusion, and toil. Often, to overcome the burdens that we face, we reflect on moments of tenderness, tranquility, and ease that come from our past. Reflecting on memories of yore, we long to go back. Some call this nostalgia, but I identify it as faith for we cannot go backwards. We can only go forward. It has been said, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” The precious memories from our past are sweet glimpses of what is to come. It is through faith that I have this hope.
I explore the concept above through the creation of objects, forms, and materials drawn from architectural and domestic spaces. Preconceived ideas of comfort and stability are questioned through opposing form and material juxtaposition. The raw materiality of aged and reclaimed wood in union with raw and unrefined ceramics and concrete hearken back to days of old; memories of childhood. The multiple and repetitive processes displayed, communicate a sense of order and expectancy that tempt a feeling of comfort. Yet, upon closer inspection, situations that seem to have gone awry are apparent. Ceramic doors, depicted as bricks, are unable to be opened, grid-like scaffolding is constructed in a temporary and tenuous fashion, and pillows are cast in concrete. Noise. Noise. Noise!
Be still. Listen. Observe pearls and well-crafted wooden structures nestled in harsh concrete pillows, fragile eggs in a tattered quilt, and a small seed-like pod perched in chaotic structures made from remnants of dilapidated homes. Faith grows. Quiet and still moments. That is where hope is found.
My How Firm a Foundation series of work explores the value my faith places on building the foundation of our lives and homes on God. For me, the pillow, cast in concrete, reveals two facets of God's character - the concrete represents his unchanging and permanent qualities while the pillow reflects the rest, comfort, and peace He provides when we rely on him. These two qualities oppose one another and reveal the unique nature of God. He can be many things at one time, but still remain consistent. The wooden structure component of the work - the shelter, home, or individual has been constructed using reclaimed materials from dilapidated homes. Worn wood and wallpaper that once built a house are carefully reworked to create a new structure. The dilapidated materials expose part of their history through their layers. They have seen the lives of many individuals behind closed doors. Cast aside to become trash, I repurpose them to tell a new story built on a new foundation.
I explore the concept above through the creation of objects, forms, and materials drawn from architectural and domestic spaces. Preconceived ideas of comfort and stability are questioned through opposing form and material juxtaposition. The raw materiality of aged and reclaimed wood in union with raw and unrefined ceramics and concrete hearken back to days of old; memories of childhood. The multiple and repetitive processes displayed, communicate a sense of order and expectancy that tempt a feeling of comfort. Yet, upon closer inspection, situations that seem to have gone awry are apparent. Ceramic doors, depicted as bricks, are unable to be opened, grid-like scaffolding is constructed in a temporary and tenuous fashion, and pillows are cast in concrete. Noise. Noise. Noise!
Be still. Listen. Observe pearls and well-crafted wooden structures nestled in harsh concrete pillows, fragile eggs in a tattered quilt, and a small seed-like pod perched in chaotic structures made from remnants of dilapidated homes. Faith grows. Quiet and still moments. That is where hope is found.
My How Firm a Foundation series of work explores the value my faith places on building the foundation of our lives and homes on God. For me, the pillow, cast in concrete, reveals two facets of God's character - the concrete represents his unchanging and permanent qualities while the pillow reflects the rest, comfort, and peace He provides when we rely on him. These two qualities oppose one another and reveal the unique nature of God. He can be many things at one time, but still remain consistent. The wooden structure component of the work - the shelter, home, or individual has been constructed using reclaimed materials from dilapidated homes. Worn wood and wallpaper that once built a house are carefully reworked to create a new structure. The dilapidated materials expose part of their history through their layers. They have seen the lives of many individuals behind closed doors. Cast aside to become trash, I repurpose them to tell a new story built on a new foundation.