Mask
Forged steel & copper
$95

In many cultures both ancient and modern death is seen simply as the end of one journey and the beginning of another. In older times and to some extent today there were things buried with the dead to help them on their journey. Often these included items for trade or payment of passage, objects to aid in survival and other such things needed for day to day living. Today this often survives as our tendency to bury favourite things with the dead to comfort them...we often choose coffins which are plush and lined with rich materials not only to honour the dead, but as a holdover to making them more comfortable on their journey, be it to Heaven, the Summerlands or their next incarnation.
We also often mark their gravesites with guardians - be they angels or sungods - to guide and watch over loved ones in their passage between the worlds. Godheads are often depicted to "draw the attention" of the gods to the passing soul so that they may guide and protect. Godheads and angels may also serve to protect the soul from unfriendly spirits and those who might lead it astray. Sometimes these beings are there to comfort the living, sometimes to comfort the dead.

'Remembrance'
Stone tablet with copper repouse panel inlaid, forged steel
Personal Collection of the Artist

Death is one of the greatest fears for the majority of people. Part of that fear stems from the uncertainty of what comes after death, part of it comes from the fear of being forgotten. To this end we have developed much culture and ceremony around death. One way to comfort both the living and the departed is to mark their gravesites. Be it a simple cross or an elaborate stone structure these markers comfort us with the knowledge that our loved ones are undisturbed, resting peacefully and above all that they are not forgotten.
Without such reminders there is often a feeling that something is unfinished, that something vital has been left undone. My parents are buried together, and while my father has a marker my family never commissioned one for my mother. It has always distressed me that my mother was not honoured with such a marker and for years I have wanted to have one made. It occurred to me several years ago, that perhaps rather than having one made I could create one myself, and this show gave me just the prod I needed. So to fulfill my personal promise to my departed Mom I have created this piece. Thanks very much to the creators of the show for the push.