CHAINED

​An introspective of decline in industry and the impact on the workforce.
The history of declining industry and the effect on communities, links, some consider chains, generations of workers together. The corrosion and decay of the abandoned factory reflect the self-worth of the individuals whose ambitions and opportunities have ended. The eroding surface of Chained explores the symbiotic relationship between industry, workforce, and the community.
The casting of the manikin further incorporates the message of industry and the result of mass production; the body is constructed from coarse clay, pressed into the mould: a process that exemplifies the moulding one must undertake to play their role in society. Carving each link individually determined the overall form. Oxides, iron, and stains enhance the textured surface. With over 100 hours of investment, the outcome is unknown until after the kiln door is opened.
I see this piece as a representation of the decay of declining industries and the direct impact on the connected communities; the piece is open to interpretation and resonates with the viewer.