Sanctuary

I chose the shape of the main element of the sculpture to be reminiscent of a house, a casa. It is a place we may call home or a sanctuary. Given the mission of the organization CASA it would seem to make sense. Please consideration the overall shape of the ends of the house to be significant. I suggest interpreting the shape as an upward facing arrow. It may be the arrow of time? It may be a suggestion of things looking up? Perhaps it’s a suggestion of looking skyward for help and guidance.

The toy soldier/trooper stands guard within the structure. It is symbolic of being “on guard” and providing steadfast tangible support and care for the youth who need it. The soldier/trooper’s image is reflected in a mirror. Perhaps the world is a mirror, reflecting what we think into it.

The soldier/trooper is held in place by unseen forces. The forces are induced by a concealed magnet. The operative metaphor may be the unseen forces affecting all our lives both positively and negatively.

There is a wooden beam that is the bell support. It crosses between the “roof peaks”. It is in fact a portion of an oak beam salvaged from the Unitarian Universalist church in Geneva. It was a part of the original bell tower. When the bell tower was restored in 2003, I salvaged the beams and from time to time use them in creating objects of this sort. The old growth oak beams date from 1842 when the church was built. This connection to a real sanctuary and place of quiet protection binds this piece together in a unique and special way. Is any of this ringing a bell for you?

If you examine the base of the piece noting the red felt, it can be said without reservation that the piece is heart felt.

Thank you,

1. Jenkins

www.jenkinsarts.com

jim@jenkinsarts.com