THE PROJECT

I’ve just completed a ceramic installation sculpture called GRIDLOCK, a satirical commentary on the dysfunctional state of U.S. geopolitics and domestic affairs.  I created GRIDLOCK because of frustration with our failure to address the structural economic challenges facing our nation.  I hope to exhibit GRIDLOCK in museums and other public spaces around the country where it will amplify the demand for better, smarter government from those we send to Washington. 

I am seeking funds to create an audio/visual recording, to be projected alongside GRIDLOCK, which will display a series of statistics that dramatically illustrate weaknesses of the economy, our fractious, ineffectual government and increasingly sordid politics.  The statistics will be read aloud by college students, our future leaders who will suffer the consequences if we do not change course now.  The funds raised will be used for research, recording and projection equipment.

 If you think “GRIDLOCK” and its message are compelling, I hope you will back this project. In return you'll receive the awards indicated on the right of your screen.  

Even beyond backing, you can participate.  Send me your favorite eye-popping statistic along with a reliable, non-partisan source, and if I use it in the recording, you will be listed as a contributor.  If you are willing to share  AV expertise, it would be very appreciated.  Most of all, if you have art media contacts or know curators or others in charge of large public spaces, I would be grateful for an introduction.

Thank you for supporting my project!

UPDATE 

This project has reached its goal.  The generosity and support of the backers  has blown me away. Thank you all.

I have been surprised by some comments about GRIDLOCK as political art.  It is not.  Gridlock is about politics.  It shines a light on the folly of our times, but says nothing about the direction or course we ought to take.  The same will be true of the recording.  Any perceived political bias is imposed by the viewer.  It is not inherent.

GRIDLOCK DESCRIPTION

Chess is customarily played with caution, deliberation and restrained civility.  Yet, inherently it is an antagonistic game of conflict and combat and, as such, is an appropriate metaphor for the dysfunctional state of US geopolitics and domestic affairs.  Traditional chess pieces, though, are not relevant to our times.  GRIDLOCK is a reconception of chess that transforms the game into a satirical socio-political commentary.  The major pieces have been reimagined, using contemporary interpretations of iconic sculptural forms, to reflect today’s reality. 

SENATOR takes the place of the Rook and stands in for the U. S. Congress.  Without head or hands, Senator lacks the wherewithal to deliver meaningful solutions to the critical issues facing our nation.

CHINA REDUX is the Knight that roars forth with renewed vigor, whose resurgence is challenging and confounding the West.

ERECTUS, as the Bishop, raises questions about the role of religion in politics and government.

The King and Queen are played by CYCLADE and CYCLADY, the lobbyists who ultimately wield all the power, but lack the vision to appreciate the consequences of their greed and self-interest.

The Pawns in this game are a rag tag army of divisive factional interests; citizens ununited.  

The entire work measures ten feet square and the tallest pieces are two feet tall.