Rococo Compassion

I am frequently asked when I am going to sculpt men, as my subjects have historically been people assigned female at birth. I had resisted the challenge until I realized I could tackle the heavy topic of domesticity with masculinity (yet another societal contradiction that excites me). Thus, in my next piece, I am making a pair of male busts (modeled by two of my male friends) that will recall the entryway of a grand estate. Both muscular men, perfect examples of masculinity, will hold swaddled babies with care and compassion, emotions often denied of men. I will decorate them in elaborate Rococo fashion, an architectural style considered feminine and only appropriate for a palace.

Through this piece, I hope to depict the more sensitive qualities of men and allow them the compassion they are often denied. I am honoring single dads, gay dads, stay-at-home dads, or just those dads that don’t adhere to stereotypical expectations of society. They experience very real toxic masculinity and also deserve representation.

2024

17” w x 26” h x 15” d

ceramics, latex paint, epoxy, glitter, nail polish