Untitled (Entitlement)

Terra cotta

18’’ x 4.5’’ x 14’’ 

2022

Ceramics

This work attempts to recall the histories of the American Western Landscape, calling out the destruction that white entitlement, division, and acquisition has had on the land and the rest of America alike. As a white American, I need to be aware of my position and understand that my relation to American land is not separate from harm, destruction, and turmoil. My work aims to celebrate indigenous sensibility to the land while calling out the incessant harm and greed of white people that has led American land to both a spiritual and environmental breaking point. The debris represents the fallout and build up of items from movement of people over place and time. I decided to use raw clay in the installation because it is reusable in this state, directly contradicting the actual path that these non-degradable objects take. The vulture is seen as a symbol of greed and evil in American culture, yet they are sustainable and have a clear purpose for the health of the environment. Their reputation and treatment draws parallels to how indigenous people have been mistreated in American history. This piece was inspired by the creations of Hopi artists Iris Nampeyo and Al Qoyawayma.