Untitled: Inflatable

           Hand and machine sewn military issue fabric, air blower and timed relay. Dimensions variable. 2002

This work was conceived and constructed in 2002, post 9/11 and before the invasion of Iraq. It refers to ideas of personal and national comfort, and the relative convenience of this comfort as it relates to global events – as well as the circumstances under which people are compelled to public displays of patriotism. As a queen sized air mattress, the piece references the temporary comfort offered by this object, coupled with the lack of “substance” an inflatable might imply. It was constructed by hand using military issue fabrics obtained directly from the supplier and is wired into a timed relay which causes the piece to automatically inflate and deflate at regular intervals. There is an implicit relationship caused by the merging of military material with our national symbol and questions this identity and how it’s perceived by others globally.