Original artwork description:

' embers only' was an entry in an exhibition of small works, based on 2D or 3D work that would fit in to a standard Ikea frame or, in this case, glazed box. Electrics and lights are hidden within the confines of the piece to give an effect of red hot coals glowing on a wooden floor.

' embers only' is a playful but poignant sculpture in the form of a micro still-life.
The idea came to me after I saw a chalkboard in a restaurant where the first m in 'a member of staff will be happy to help' had been rubbed off, and gave rise to the idea of an ' ember of staff'. In my mind this was the humorous work of an overworked employee.

Then thinking how a members area is often cordoned off in certain venues, I imagined that if the m of a 'members only' sign had fallen off, the appeal of an exclusive area would be too powerful an attraction for whatever was accidentally named.

Embers can conjure a romantic image of open fires and coziness. At the same time, this was made after years of terrible conflicts in eastern Europe, where we had seen the burned out homes of ordinary people time and time again on the news. I felt a deep sadness seeing the smoking ruins, and the tragedy of real lives reduced to embers only. I was happy to give the thought of those embers a place to rest up.

Materials used:

paint, plastic, electronics, glass, wood, metal

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