The shape and form of these two large pieces is one that has been present in my mind for many years now. A few months before I arrived in France, in 1986, the nuclear station in Chernobil, Russia erupted. That experience left me with an onimous feeling every time we drove by those powerful looking stations perched in the rolling French landscape. It is a structure which has feminine curves and yet the stature of a man. For me it started to create a curiosity as I began to make analogies of the nuclear station and the power it produces in France with the nuclear family and its amazing power; a power which is always referred to as the family nucleus ; this strength and danger often neglected in the global sense.
One piece is called “The Feman”. This image has been adapted from a previous “Messenger of Life” symbol. It refers to the sensual structure a woman has within herself to generate the power within the family. It is often undervalued in some cultures or highly recognized in others. Without constant nuturing of this element the family will either explode or the flame will weaken but it can never be extinguished. The other piece has the image of a folklore pattern found in Russian bead work in the 17OO’s. I chose a simplified rendition to represent “The Eternal Family Flame”
The pieces were thrown in cylinders of 3 kilos and then assembled, polished and carved. They were painted with slips and fired at 1150°C to make them strong enough for the exterior. The ruggedness and damaged imperfections are a natural evolution of the drying and firing process. In the end I imagine them overflowing with Capuccines or geraniums and tucked away in the leafy shade of the home garden...
Cheryl Lobe-Therias
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