The Dead Shore: Bone Panels
The panels contain fragments of hewn slate, dusted and primed so the original surface of the stone is left intact. Each reveals a hidden shape or form which guides the application of bones and other found objects. The bones were collected on the beaches of a dying Nebraskan lake and are the remainders of birds, fish and deer that were buried beneath the sands. Leaves, petals and other bits were culled from my garden. Most of these panels included a micro-tale, vignette or poem on the back that complemented the work. This is only a small selection of the pieces created during the years 2004-2006. This photo was taken near the shore of the lake, where you can see the old waterline still evident on the trees.
Wizened
Certain bones resemble the secret faces that can be seen in the bark of a tree or embedded in a rock. This wise face rests on stone in shades of umber and earth. Peeking out from behind is a pressed petunia that came from a patch hidden on one of Philadelphia’s older, cobbled streets. The heads of three poppies gracefully arch their way out of the wise one’s garden.
Part of the Dead Shore series, 2005.
Private Collection.
A Drop of Blood
The elements were chosen mainly for the colors they contain: the ephemeral violet of the morning glory, the mottled grays on the bone and the blend that appears within the slate itself. All of these fragments were carefully adhered to a mahogany stained wood panel.
Part of the Dead Shore series, 2006.
Private Collection.
Crow Mother
The carrion crow, the psychopomp, frequents the bloody battlefield where she waits to carry the souls of the dead to the Otherworld. I have always felt a connection to this bird; I have never led a soul across myself, but I have been visited by the dead not quite gone over. At one point in my life I raised a crow, so I know that they are ever ready to lend their assistance to our spiritual endeavors.
The wood has been stained a deep Bombay mahogany and the bones have been laid on stone in which whorls of color accentuate their curves.
Part of the Dead Shore series, 2006.
Private Collection.
Searching for Osiris
When I saw this little vertebra on the sand, I was immediately reminded of the crown on Osiris’ head. I thought it appropriate that a portion of this god would appear in the shape of a bone, and I couldn’t help but wonder how Isis must have felt as she traveled the earth looking for all of her lover’s scattered parts. The bone bark of Osiris floats on slate as murky as the Nile itself. Behind this scene a sliver of papyrus has been affixed.
Part of the Dead Shore Series, 2006.
Private Collection.
The World Tree
The vertebrae were sunk into the sand in a perfect row, but when I found them I did not see the remains of a dead thing. Instead, it seemed the branches of a living tree were stretching out towards the fruits that had fallen from its branches. The World Tree includes pieces of butterflies, dried flowers, buds, leaves, a shell and a bird feather dangling from its limbs. Above it shines a horned moon to balance out the bounty of the earth. All things are held within its arms.
Part of the Dead Shore series, 2006.
Private Collection.
The Chymick Stone
The secrets of the stone may not be revealed to the profane.
The slate, bones and other matter have been adhered to a background of black enamel. The beveled frame has been painted an iridescent vermeil and protectively surrounds the elements of the work.
Part of the Dead Shore series, 2006.
Private Collection.
The Gladsome Beast
A homage to Dunsany’s Gladsome Beast, who appears in the short story Quest of the Queen’s Tears. The Beast was drawn in colored pencil, affixed to slate and adorned with fanciful flowers and bones to represent his happy dwelling. This piece was sold with a companion book I’d bound of the story itself, which you can see here.
Part of the Dead Shore series, 2007.
Private Collection.