Artist's Statement

I was drawn to this project not only as an artist, but also as an ironworker. The efforts of the tradesmen and laborers were indeed as important as any in the post 9/11 rescue and recovery. I have attempted to capture the fortitude and determination, as well as the weariness and sorrow in the gesture of the figure rising out of that mass of material which, in itself, is a memorial testimonial to the horrible event. (The rubble used is from actual wreckage of the Work Trade Center.) Together, the figure and the material create a multi-dimensional narrative that all at once pays tribute to the workers and gives a physical connection to the event and to the viewer. I have tried to execute this piece in the spirit of those workers and while aggressive physical interaction is a part of all of my work, this piece occurred amid a calming haze of reflection and remembrance.

In addition, we were fortunate to have Hugo New Schnitzer East donate actual World Trade Center debris from a not-yet-recycled pile. I was able to peruse this pile and select pieces of shape and size that would best suit the art piece. The inclusion of this material in the sculpture not only reinforces the narrative but also allows the viewer experiencing the sculpture the ability to connect with the material from the World Trade Center. It is a tactile actuality that I believe will intensify the viewer/art piece relationship. I know for myself that handling and working with this material was both emotional and inspiring. These pieces are artifacts or relics—they are physical reminders of what happened.

Please click here for the dedication videos.