Dogon Ladder
I first saw a Dogon Ladder on a visit to Rockland Maine. There was one on dispaly at an art gallery in the middle of the exhibition space and I was struck by its powerful presence. That presence stuck in my psyche and so began my exploration of the form which is simple, elegant and utilitarian, but it is also a spiritual and symbolic object. I am attracted to their totemic quality and the interplay between the positive and negative space in the forms.
My Dogon Ladder series is an exporation of these spaces. "The Dogon people of Mali create ladders by carving wedges into tree trunks that fork at the top. The notches serve as footholds, while the fork at the top stabilizes the ladder. The Dogon use ladders to climb to their traditional cliff dwellings and to raised granaries." (Wake Forest University) |
I've hung on to stacks and stacks of these strange wood shapes for a few years waiting for something to emerge from them. When it happens it's such a great feeling and I can hardly sleep wanting to see it through! I was sitting on stacks and stacks of random wood shapes given to me by my uncle in law, Paul, who'd save things for me from his travels collecting wood for his kindling project. I would play with the shapes, juxtapozing them, stacking them, cutting, fitting, and eureka! Totemic forms emerged!
Additionally in my printmaking process I create a LOT of failed prints. And since I can't throw anything away knowing eventually I would find their true purpose... And in these Dogon Ladder pieces I have found that perfect combination!
Additionally in my printmaking process I create a LOT of failed prints. And since I can't throw anything away knowing eventually I would find their true purpose... And in these Dogon Ladder pieces I have found that perfect combination!