In 1997, while in Ghana, West Africa I learned during the slave trade, guns were traded for people. These guns were subsequently used in tribal wars. Some guns however, Africans made themselves. The materials used, improvisational approach and spiritual process of the makers was an expression of empowerment. Based on that experience, I decided to create my own guns.
Guns with potential
The potential to fight, defend, protect, attack
The potential to cure old wounds and reopen them anew
I build guns from objects, materials, bric a brac and scrim scram
Some rusty old piece of somethin’ somethin’
A shiny new toy broken just so
crush join burn turn
Meaningless to Meaningful
with what remains on the curb
in the basement
the corner of the studio
the back of the mind
I build guns to honor my ancestors,
my past, my children brothers sisters friends
my babies mommas mommas
my beginnings and futures
Transmutation, Distillation, Incantation, Liberation
I load my guns with fire and soul.
My guns fire ideas, questions, feelings
But no answers – I leave that to you.
