Mixed-media sculpture
Dimensions: 2 ft. (L) x 2 ft. (W) x 3 1/2 ft. (H)
Materials: 947 used ties, concrete column, contact cement
Completed: 2021
This work was initially conceived as a sculptural complement to my monumental “Tie paintings”. As you walk through the streets and back alleys of Vancouver, you may encounter cobalt-blue latex tourniquets, commonly referred to as “ties,” scattered on the ground. These long strips of elastic are used to constrict blood flow, making veins more visible for easier needle access. After use, they are quickly discarded.
Over a six-month period, I collected used ties from the streets and alleys of the DTES, meticulously cleaning and sterilizing them in my studio. Each tie was then coated with a thin layer of contact cement, which I used to wrap and bind them together, one by one. As the sculpture gradually increased in size, I periodically employed a scalpel to carefully chip away the hardened contact cement that accumulated on the exterior. This labour-intensive process continued until the structural integrity of the piece began to deteriorate. Ultimately, the final work was constructed using a total of 947 used ties and displayed on a concrete column that was salvaged from the streets of the DTES, grounding the piece in its community context
Originally, I intended for this work to be displayed on the floor as a large disc or wheel-like object. However, after the 840th tie was applied, the entire structure warped into the bowl-like form depicted in the documentation. This unexpected transformation not only altered the visual dynamics of the piece but also added a layer of meaning, reflecting the unpredictable nature of both the materials and the experiences they represent.