In “Watcher,” two distinct elements converge. The uplifted hand above the figure’s head hails from a prior series I sculpted in ceramics titled “Horizon Watchers.” Throughout that series, I used the motif of a figure shielding their eyes from the sun with a raised hand – an image chosen for its universal resonance.
The second concept centers on painting a face as a witness. The countenance gazes outward as the viewer gazes within. I opted to depict the paintings in this in a style reminiscent of vintage circus posters, evoking an era from the past. These faded signs once advertised whimsy and fantasy, yet circuses, even in their pursuit of happiness, carry an inherent sadness, a juxtaposition where joy and melancholy intertwine.
Artist Statement
Reed Weir 