3’ x 2’

Ceramic, Wool, Metal, Wood

This lamp represents a protective figure like a mother. It is meant to be placed near a bed, a place where one is in their most vulnerable state. It is inspired by the spider sculptures by Louis Bourgeois. This series symbolized Bourgeois’ mother and her strength and care. To me, motherhood feels contrary to the pop culture nature of the spider. Some species of spiders eat their babies. But also, some species of spiders allow their babies to eat them. I am interested in the space where this stereotype about spiders is subverted. This figure becomes a protector instead of the one causing the harm. But maybe she has been harmful (she certainly had the potential to be). Maybe she has changed. Maybe her smile creates the illusion of change, a false comfort. I want the viewer to think about their relationship to their own mother and allow the good and the bad to exist at the same time.